The three-row crossover Subaru Ascent is perfect for Subaru fans who need something bigger than the Forester or Outback. The upcoming 2021 Subaru Ascent will provide even more safety for families. It will offer buyers additional standard features but increase the price for each of the four trim levels too.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent

The 2021 Subaru Ascent is 5.5 inches longer than the Outback and 14.7 inches longer than the Forester. It also leads its class with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The Ascent provides an average amount of cargo space with 17.6 cubic feet behind the third-row seats. Roof rails on top give another spot for cargo.

All trim levels come with the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That engine generates 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a continuously variable transmission. All trims also have all-wheel drive. It’s able to tow up to 5,000 pounds with standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The new 2021 Ascent now provides steering-responsive LED headlights with high-beam assist, which improves visibility on curved roads at night. It also includes a visual and auditory seatbelt reminder for when second- or third-row passengers haven’t buckled up.

The Subaru Ascent comes standard with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which already offered pre-collision braking and pre-collision throttle management. The new model year sees the addition of advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-keep assist, according to MotorTrend.

The Ascent’s base trim level

The base trim of the 2021 Ascent has a new starting price of $33,345 – up $340 from 2020. This price still fits in with the prices for the Ascent’s competitors, which include the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, and Volkswagen Atlas. The Honda Pilot recently announced a starting price for 2021 of $33,370.

The base trim has the standard wheels, which are 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Second-row bench seating is standard on the base trim, and it provides an impressive 19 cupholders. It has a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, it comes with four USB ports.

The Ascent Premium trim level

The 2021 Subaru Ascent’s Premium trim sees a price increase of $440, with a new starting price of $35,845. The trim includes nice upgrades, including rear window privacy glass and body-colored side mirrors. Inside, it has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and eight-way power driver seat.

The touchscreen is larger on this trim, coming in at 8.0 inches, and features a Wi-Fi hotspot. Driver-assist technology also adds blind-spot detection with lane-change assist plus rear cross-traffic alert.

There are a number of optional features as well. The Premium and Limited trims can upgrade to second-row captain’s chairs. Two optional packages offer 20-inch wheels, a navigation system, keyless access with push-button start, and other features.

The Ascent Limited trim level

The Limited trim of the 2021 Ascent gets a small price increase of just $290. Its new starting price will be $40,645. The outside features 20-inch wheels, body-colored side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and LED fog lights.

This trim offers leather-trimmed upholstery, a 10-way power driver seat with lumbar support, a four-way power front passenger seat, two extra USB ports, and heating for the second row. It comes with keyless access with push-button start as well as reverse automatic braking and a power rear gate with automatic lock button. A package offers a navigation system, upgraded sound system with 14 speakers, and a panoramic moonroof.

The Ascent Touring trim level

The top Touring trim level sees its price jump by $440 for 2021, bringing the starting price to $46,495. Outside, there is a high-gloss black grille, chrome door handles, a panoramic moonroof, and satin chrome power-folding exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals.

The Touring trim comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs. This trim adds a number of features, including ventilated front seats, perforated Java Brown leather upholstery, and wood-grain accents for the interior. It comes with a navigation system, an upgraded sound system with 14 speakers, and rain-sensing wipers. It also has a smart rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

Buyers won’t have long to wait for the 2021 Subaru Ascent’s arrival in dealerships. It’s expected to be available later this summer.