With inflation on every consumer's mind, it's become all too common for successive model years of cars to be more expensive than they were previously – even if there aren't any major changes. That's why we welcome the news of the latest Subaru Ascent with open arms, as the 2027 model carries the same starting price of $40,795 (albeit with a $45 higher destination charge) than its 2026 equivalent. There aren't any big equipment or technical changes to speak of, but the steady price is worth the lack of news. There's Exactly One New Button And One New Light It's telling that the model-year changeover is going to be pretty menial when the headline feature is a one-push interior light deactivation switch, which Subaru says will allow the driver to load and unload the car without disturbing any sleeping kids in the second or third rows.SubaruOddly, the automaker buries a more interesting feature beneath the dome light deactivator, as the 2027 Subaru Ascent now features a set of USB-C chargers in addition to USB-As in the third row of seats. Joining the C-type outlets already found in the first and second rows, the addition puts faster-charging power in the hands of every passenger.The only other functional change is found on the Limited trim level, one rung up from the base Premium model. The Limited (and presumably the flagship Touring) gets an LED cargo light that illuminates the trunk area whenever the power tailgate is open. Of note, that trim is the only one that sees a price increase – $47,985 for the standard Limited and $49,095 for the Limited Bronze Edition – both $100 more than their 2026 equivalents. Singing The Blues 2027 also brings a very minor color and trim shuffle to the Ascent lineup, with Daybreak Blue Pearl and Deep Water Blue Pearl exterior colors replacing Sapphire Blue Pearl. Dark Mahogany Pearl also returns to the color palette, replacing Crimson Red. Of note, the Deep Water Blue color will be exclusive to the Ascent, if such bragging rights matter to you.CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters: Higher destination charge notwithstanding – $1,450 for 2026 and $1,495 for 2027 – the Ascent remains an impressive deal in the three-row midsize family crossover space. Even Limited shoppers who have to suffer the slight price creep will barely notice the added $145 once taxes and finances are all squared away. Although prices for 2027 haven't been released for all its competitors, don't expect any of them to undercut the Ascent, which will start at $42,290 with its destination fees included.The 2026 Honda Pilot, for example, costs $43,890 to start, and getting all-wheel drive (standard on the Ascent, natch) costs another $2,100. The spacious Toyota Grand Highlander is a bit cheaper than the Honda at $43,455, and all-wheel drive is a $1,600 option. Among the mainstream players, only the $40,735 Kia Telluride LX and $40,785 Volkswagen Atlas SE are cheaper, but since all-wheel drive is an extra-cost option, both become more expensive than the Subaru once comparably equipped.Source: Subaru