Subaru Ascent 2018-2026 Owner's Manual: Headlights

For U.S. models

For Canada models

In the Subaru Ascent, the headlight system is controlled using the rotary knob located at the end of the turn signal lever. By rotating this control, the driver can easily switch between different lighting modes depending on driving conditions and visibility requirements.

" " position: When this position is selected, the Subaru Ascent activates full exterior illumination. This includes the instrument panel lighting, headlights, parking lights, front and rear side marker lights, tail lights, and license plate illumination, ensuring maximum visibility in low-light conditions.

" " position: In this mode, the Subaru Ascent enables partial lighting. The instrument panel, parking lights, side marker lights, tail lights, and license plate lights are illuminated, but the main headlights remain off.

" " position:

• Auto on/off headlights

When the light control switch of the Subaru Ascent is set to the "AUTO" position and the ignition is in the "ON" state, the vehicle automatically manages lighting based on ambient brightness. The system intelligently turns the headlights and related lighting components on or off depending on external light conditions, enhancing both safety and convenience.

NOTE

The sensitivity level of the automatic headlight system in the Subaru Ascent can be adjusted through the center information display settings. For additional customization, consult the "Car settings" menu.

These settings may also be modified by an authorized SUBARU dealer if further adjustment is required.

• If the light control switch is set to "AUTO" and the headlights do not activate in low-light conditions, manually switch to the " " position.
• Auto-on/off wiper-linked headlights

In the Subaru Ascent, when the headlight switch is in the "AUTO" position, the system is capable of activating the headlights automatically when the windshield wipers operate repeatedly. This function enhances visibility during rain or adverse weather conditions. Once the wipers stop, the headlights will turn off automatically.

NOTE

The wiper-linked headlight activation feature can be enabled or disabled by a SUBARU dealer. Consult your dealer for configuration options.

This function adds an extra level of safety by ensuring proper illumination during poor weather without requiring manual input from the driver.

" " position (except for Canada models):

In this position, all headlights of the Subaru Ascent are turned off.

However, automatic lighting behavior may still occur when specific operating conditions are met. Under these conditions, the system may automatically control lighting based on ambient brightness:

• The engine is running.
• The parking brake is fully released.
• The select lever is not in the "P" (Park) position.

"OFF" position (for Canada models):

For Canadian-spec Subaru Ascent models, selecting the "OFF" position will temporarily turn off all exterior lights.*1*2

*1: If the light switch is moved to the "OFF" position while the vehicle is stationary, the lights will switch off. The control will then automatically return to the "AUTO" position to comply with safety regulations.
*2: The headlight system will automatically revert to AUTO mode once the following conditions are met:

• The engine is running.
• The parking brake is fully released.
• The gear selector is moved out of the "P" position.

The Subaru Ascent lighting system is designed to adapt seamlessly to changing driving conditions, providing optimal visibility and reducing driver workload through intelligent automation and responsive controls.

Welcome lighting function

The welcome lighting function in the Subaru Ascent is designed to improve visibility and convenience when approaching or leaving the vehicle in low-light environments. By automatically activating the low beam headlights, this feature provides a safer and more comfortable experience during nighttime entry or exit.

In the Subaru Ascent, this function operates only when all of the following conditions are satisfied, ensuring that it activates appropriately based on the surrounding environment.

• The light control switch is set to the "AUTO" position.
• The ambient light level is low enough to trigger the automatic headlight system.

NOTE

In some Subaru Ascent configurations (such as Canada models), if the engine is turned off immediately after switching off the lights, the welcome lighting function may not activate as expected.

When approaching:

When the welcome lighting function is active in the Subaru Ascent, the low beam headlights will automatically illuminate as soon as all doors, including the rear gate, are unlocked using the remote keyless entry system.

The headlights will remain on for approximately 30 seconds*1, providing sufficient illumination to approach the vehicle safely. However, the lights will turn off earlier if any of the following actions occur:

• The vehicle doors are locked again.
• The light control switch is moved away from the "AUTO" position.
• The ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position.

When exiting:

While this function is enabled, the Subaru Ascent will keep the low beam headlights illuminated even after the vehicle is turned off, helping the driver safely move away from the vehicle in dark surroundings.

• When the push-button ignition switch is switched to the "OFF" state (models with keyless access and push-button start).
• When the ignition key is removed (models without keyless access system).

The low beam headlights will automatically turn off when any of the following conditions are met:

• Approximately 3 minutes have passed since activation by the welcome lighting function.
• About 30 seconds have elapsed after opening and closing the door.*1
• The light control switch is turned to a position other than "AUTO".
• The locking procedure is performed twice. If the vehicle is unlocked afterward, the locking process must again be performed twice to maintain the same behavior.

*1: The duration for which the headlights remain illuminated in the Subaru Ascent can be customized. This setting can be adjusted via the center information display or configured by an authorized SUBARU dealer. Refer to "Car settings" for more details.

Sensor for the auto on/off headlights

The Subaru Ascent uses a dedicated ambient light sensor, positioned as illustrated, to detect surrounding light conditions and automatically control headlight activation.

CAUTION

If any object is placed on or near the sensor area, it may interfere with accurate light detection. As a result, the automatic headlight system in the Subaru Ascent may not function correctly, potentially affecting visibility and safety.

The Subaru Ascent integrates intelligent lighting features that enhance both safety and convenience, ensuring the driver benefits from automatic illumination exactly when it is needed without unnecessary manual intervention.