SUBARU ASCENT EARNS TOP JD POWER RANKING IN 2026 US INITIAL QUALITY STUDY
Subaru’s Ascent SUV ranked highest in the 2026 JD Power U.S. Initial Quality Study for Upper Midsize SUVs, based on owner feedback collected 90 days after purchase.
Subaru of America announced that the Subaru Ascent has been ranked first in the 2026 JD Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) within the Upper Midsize SUV category. The recognition is based on responses from over 78,000 new-vehicle owners surveyed 90 days after purchase or lease, evaluating issues related to infotainment, driver assistance, features, and powertrain. The study, now in its 40th year, assesses initial quality across vehicle segments. Subaru’s achievement follows a four-position improvement in the mass-market brand rankings compared to the previous year.
The Subaru Ascent is available in five trim levels for the 2027 model year, starting at $40,795 MSRP. All trims include standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a 260-horsepower turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine, and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Interior options include 7- or 8-passenger seating and a standard 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The model has previously earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for nine consecutive years.
JD Power, a data and analytics firm specializing in automotive intelligence, conducts the Initial Quality Study annually. The survey evaluates new-vehicle owners’ experiences with reliability, features, and overall satisfaction shortly after purchase. JD Power provides insights to manufacturers, retailers, and insurers to guide performance improvements and customer-focused decisions. The company has been publishing automotive quality studies since 1968.
Subaru of America, Inc. is headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, and operates a network of approximately 640 retailers across the U.S. The company is committed to environmental and community initiatives, including zero-landfill manufacturing and the Subaru Love Promise, which supports charitable causes and volunteer efforts. Subaru Corporation of Japan owns Subaru of America as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary.