2026 Three-Row Showdown: Why the Subaru Ascent Dominates the Sunset Hills Streets
It's March 19th, and Spring has officially arrived in Sunset Hills. As the Missouri landscape wakes up with unpredictable rain and thawing trails, your family needs more than just a minivan alternate—you need a fortress on wheels. While the 2026 Mazda CX-90 chases luxury and the Kia Telluride leans on style, the 2026 Subaru Ascent stays true to its core: unshakeable capability, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and a turbocharged heart built for the long haul.
Tale of the Tape: Base Specifications
| Specification | 2026 Subaru Ascent | 2026 Mazda CX-90 | 2026 Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,795 | $38,800 | Contact Dealer |
| Standard Drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD | i-Activ AWD | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Engine Type | 2.4L Turbo Boxer-4 | 3.3L Turbo Inline-6 | 3.8L V6 |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 8.1 inches | 8.0 inches |
While the Mazda might start with a lower entry price, the Subaru Ascent earns its keep the moment the pavement ends or the weather turns. With a class-leading 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard Symmetrical AWD—a system forged in the crucible of world-class rallying—the Ascent is ready for Sunset Hills flash floods and snowy commutes that leave front-wheel-drive competitors spinning their tires.
Safety Net: Technology That Has Your Back
| Safety Feature | 2026 Ascent | 2026 CX-90 | 2026 Telluride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise w/ Lane Centering | ? Standard | ? Standard | ? Standard |
| Pre-Collision Braking | ? Standard | ? Standard | ? Standard |
| Steering Responsive Headlights | ? Standard | — (Trim Dep.) | — (Trim Dep.) |
| Reverse Automatic Braking | ? Standard | — (Select Trim) | ? Standard |
| Automatic Emergency Steering | ? Standard | — | — |
Subaru's EyeSight technology isn't just a list of sensors; it's a silent co-pilot that watches the road with dual cameras. While the CX-90 and Telluride offer respectable suites, the Ascent includes Automatic Emergency Steering as a standard guardian—a feature that can actually help you maneuver around an obstacle when braking isn't enough. In the chaotic flow of Watson Road, that split-second assistance makes all the difference.
Inside Story: Comfort Meets Massive Utility
| Interior Spec | 2026 Ascent | 2026 CX-90 | 2026 Telluride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Passenger Volume | 153.2 cu ft | Contact Dealer | Contact Dealer |
| Max Cargo Volume | 75.6 cu ft | 75.2 cu ft | 87.0 cu ft |
| Infotainment Screen | 11.6-inch Touch | 10.25-inch Non-Touch | 12.3-inch Touch |
| Cup/Bottle Holders | 19 | Contact Dealer | Contact Dealer |
Slide into the Ascent and the cabin wraps around you with purposeful comfort. While the Mazda feels tight in the third row and the Kia tries to mimic a luxury lounge, the Subaru feels like home. With 19 cup holders, no juice box is left behind, and the massive 11.6-inch tablet-style screen puts every navigation command and playlist right at your fingertips with smartphone-like ease.
Towing & Trailering: Built for the Long Haul
| Towing Capacity | 2026 Ascent | 2026 CX-90 | 2026 Telluride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Towing | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 - 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Trailer Stability Assist | ? Standard | ? Standard | ? Standard |
| Engine Oil Cooler | ? Standard | — (Trim Dep.) | ? Standard |
Hook up a trailer and the 2026 Subaru Ascent settles into its work with confidence-inspiring stability. While the base Mazda CX-90 is restricted to 3,500 lbs, every Ascent is engineered with a heavy-duty engine oil cooler and transmission cooler to handle 5,000-lb loads without breaking a sweat. Whether it's a boat for Lake of the Ozarks or a camper for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the Ascent is your weekend enabler.
Local Perspective: Spring in Sunset Hills
March in MO is a masterclass in atmospheric mood swings. From sunny 60-degree mornings to sudden spring deluges, the 2026 Ascent's standard Symmetrical AWD provides a level of grip that the Kia Telluride's optional system can't match for the value. Plus, our Missouri spring potholes are no match for the Ascent's long-travel suspension, which absorbs the rough edges of Watson Road better than the Mazda's performance-oriented setup.
Exterior Dimensions
| Dimension | 2026 Ascent | 2026 CX-90 | 2026 Telluride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 16' 5" (196.8 in) | 16' 10" (201.6 in) | Contact Dealer |
| Width | 6' 4" (76.0 in) | 6' 6" (77.6 in) | Contact Dealer |
| Height | 5' 11" (71.6 in) | 5' 8" (68.3 in) | Contact Dealer |
Dimensions matter when you're trying to navigate a tight garage in Sunset Hills. The Ascent finds the sweet spot: taller for better visibility and easier entry/exit, yet more compact in length than the Mazda CX-90, making it significantly easier to park at the mall or the grocery store while still offering a massive interior.
When you weigh the standard safety tech, the legendary AWD capability, and the family-first cabin, the 2026 Subaru Ascent is the undisputed champion for Sunset Hills drivers. It's a vehicle built not just to transport people, but to facilitate the Missouri lifestyle—rain, shine, or trail.
Sunset Hills Subaru
10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127
(314) 476-9638
© 2026 Sunset Hills Subaru. All rights reserved. Vehicle details and pricing are subject to change. Contact dealer for current availability and specific trim pricing.
