Snow Day Security: Why Symmetrical AWD in the 2025 Subaru Ascent Matters More Than Horsepower Numbers

Horsepower sounds exciting. Traction gets you home. Many three row SUVs lead with big power numbers. You will see claims of huge horsepower figures meant to grab attention. The 2025 Subaru Ascent takes a different path. Subaru focuses on control, balance, and confidence when roads turn wet icy or slushy. At Premier Subaru of Middlebury, this is one of the top reasons families choose the Ascent for Connecticut driving.

  

Standard all wheel drive on every Ascent

Every 2025 Subaru Ascent includes Symmetrical All Wheel Drive as standard equipment. There is no upgrade required. There is no trim you need to avoid. Subaru builds the Ascent with AWD at its core and tunes it for stability in rain snow and changing road conditions.

Many competing three row SUVs start in front wheel drive. All wheel drive is often an added cost or limited to special trims. Subaru takes a simpler approach. If you buy an Ascent, you get AWD. That matters on early winter mornings when roads change mile by mile.

Ride height that clears real winter mess

The Ascent offers about 8.7 inches of ground clearance. That number matters more than it sounds. It helps when plows leave packed snow at the end of the driveway. It helps on unplowed side streets. It helps when snow melts during the day and refreezes overnight.

Some competitors raise ride height only in special versions. Those trims can work well but they are optional and often cost more. With the Ascent, ground clearance is part of the standard design.

Stability and towing without compromise

The Ascent uses a turbocharged 2.4 liter BOXER engine that makes 260 horsepower and strong low speed torque. Power is delivered smoothly and predictably. Subaru rates the Ascent to tow up to 5000 pounds when properly equipped.

Trailer Stability Assist is included. This helps control sway when towing boats small campers or utility trailers. For many families, this means fewer reasons to move up to a truck just for weekend needs.

A calm cabin when the weather is not

     
  • Passenger space: The Ascent offers over 150 cubic feet of passenger room. Adults can sit in the third row without feeling cramped.
    •  
  • Cargo flexibility: There is usable cargo space even with all seats up. Fold seats as needed and space expands quickly for larger loads.
    •  
  • Long highway range: Subaru estimates over 500 miles of highway range per tank. That means fewer fuel stops during long trips or winter storms.

This balance of space and efficiency is one reason families visiting Premier Subaru of Middlebury often choose the Ascent for daily driving and road trips alike.

Safety that does not depend on trim level

Every Ascent includes EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This system helps with adaptive cruise control lane centering and automatic emergency braking. Subaru treats these features as essential not optional.

Other brands may offer similar technology. Often it is limited to higher trims. Subaru takes a different view. Safety tools are included across the lineup because weather and traffic do not care which trim you bought.

Bottom line

If you drive in Connecticut, winter is part of the deal. All wheel drive should be too. The 2025 Subaru Ascent focuses on balance control and confidence instead of flashy numbers. You get standard AWD useful ground clearance strong towing ability and smart safety features without sorting through complicated packages. It is a steady and reliable choice, which is exactly what most families want on a stormy drive home.

Sources