[5] The seven or eight-seat passenger SUV, with the design based on the VIZIV-7 concept, made its debut at the LA Auto Show on November 28, 2017 and became available in the third quarter of 2018.

The Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder (H4) gasoline engine, which produces 260 horsepower (194 kW; 264 PS) and 277 pound-feet (376 N⋅m; 38 kg⋅m) of torque.

The Convenience Package includes a power rear lift gate, keyless access with push button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, as well as reverse emergency braking.

It includes blacked-out exterior accents, unique 20-inch black alloy wheels, and an interior with water-repellent StarTex® upholstery, which is designed for durability and easy cleaning.

This trim level is ideal for those seeking a blend of adventure-ready aesthetics and enhanced functionality in a midsize SUV.

It adds leather-trimmed upholstery, 20-inch (51 cm) aluminum-alloy wheels, keyless access with push-button start, adaptive front headlamps, reverse automatic braking, and a power rear tailgate.

[20] Optional on the Ascent Limited is a “Technology Package” which adds a Harman Kardon premium audio system, panoramic moon roof, navigation, and a cargo area cover.

A single option package is available for the Onyx edition, which includes a panoramic moon roof, navigation, and a cargo cover.

The base system features a seven-inch color touch screen display, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Available features include integrated GPS navigation provided by TomTom, and an eight-inch color touch screen display.

[3] After performing preliminary testing on a development prototype, Motor Trend wrote that mid-range power seemed a bit limited when passing at cruising speed, likely because Subaru aimed for best-in-class fuel economy for the upcoming Ascent.

[30] The follow-up Motor Trend article stated that the "2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four proves surprisingly satisfying” and that “the Ascent provides enough motivation for merging onto the highway or passing other vehicles.”[31] Consumer Reports deemed it "the right vehicle for many suburban families”.