Subaru Ascent 2018-2026 Owner's Manual: Second-row seats

The Subaru Ascent second-row seating system is designed to deliver exceptional comfort, flexibility, and safety for passengers. Whether equipped with captain seats or a bench configuration, the Subaru Ascent ensures optimal ergonomics and reliable restraint performance during every journey.

WARNING

• Seatbelts in the Subaru Ascent provide maximum protection only when passengers sit upright with their backs firmly against the seatback. Never place cushions or additional materials between the occupant and the seat surface.

  Improper seating posture increases the risk of sliding under the lap belt or causing it to shift toward the abdomen, which may result in severe injury or fatal consequences in the event of a collision.

• Never attempt to adjust the second-row seats of the Subaru Ascent while the vehicle is in motion.

  Unexpected seat movement can lead to loss of balance and injury.

• Before adjusting the second-row seats, always ensure that the hands, feet, and legs of third-row passengers are clear of all moving components to avoid injury.
• After adjusting any seat in the Subaru Ascent, move it slightly forward and backward to confirm it is securely locked. A loose seat may shift unexpectedly and compromise seatbelt effectiveness.
• Do not place any objects underneath the second-row seats, as they may interfere with the locking mechanism and increase the risk of an accident.

WARNING

Never load cargo higher than the top of the seatbacks in the Subaru Ascent. In the event of sudden braking or a collision, unsecured items may be thrown forward, posing a serious hazard to passengers.

Forward and backward adjustment

Captain seat

Bench seat

To adjust the second-row seats in the Subaru Ascent, pull the lever upward and slide the seat smoothly to the desired position, ensuring adequate legroom and passenger comfort.

Reclining the seatback

WARNING

To ensure proper restraint performance in the Subaru Ascent, always keep the seatback in an upright position while driving. Never place cushions or objects between the passenger and the seatback.

Failure to follow this recommendation may increase the risk of sliding under the seatbelt or improper belt positioning, leading to serious internal injuries or death in an accident.

CAUTION

• Never allow third-row passengers to adjust the second-row seatback in the Subaru Ascent, as sudden movement may cause injury.
• If equipped with a cargo cover, be cautious to avoid pinching your hands between the headrest and the cover when reclining the seatback.

Captain seat

Bench seat

Pull the reclining lever upward and adjust the seatback to the preferred angle. Release the lever and confirm that the seatback is securely locked in place before driving the Subaru Ascent.

Folding down the seatback

WARNING

• Never allow passengers to sit on folded seatbacks or in the cargo area of the Subaru Ascent, as this may result in serious injury or death.
• Secure all long items such as skis properly to prevent them from shifting and causing injury during sudden braking or turns.
• Do not drive while folding the second-row seats if third-row passengers are present, as this may interfere with safe vehicle operation.
• Never drive with the center seatback folded while passengers occupy the third row, as it may increase injury risk during impact.
• After returning the seatback to its original position, gently shake it to ensure it is securely locked. An unsecured seatback may fold unexpectedly or allow cargo to move forward.
• Ensure all seatbelts are properly positioned above the seat cushion and clearly visible after returning the seatback.

1. Store the armrest.

2. Store the seatbelt buckle.

1. Holder

3. Place the window-side seatbelt into the holder to prevent damage during seat folding. Remove it from the holder before use.

4. Lower the headrest to its storage position.

5. Pull the lever and tilt the seatback forward.

6. Pull the lever again to unlock the seatback completely.

The seatback will fold down smoothly.

7. Slide the folded second-row seats backward until they lock securely in position.

8. To return the seatback to its upright position, lift it until it clicks into place and verify that it is securely locked before use.

Armrest

WARNING

Do not fasten the seatbelt over the armrest in the Subaru Ascent, as this may prevent the seatbelt from functioning properly during an accident.

Improper seatbelt routing can significantly reduce occupant protection and lead to serious injury.

Captain seat

Lower the armrest to use it comfortably during travel.

To lower the armrest position: Lift it fully upward first, then lower it completely to the bottom position.

To raise the armrest position: Lift the armrest from the lowest position to the desired height.

Bench seat

To lower the armrest, pull down from the top edge.

WARNING

To avoid serious injury in the Subaru Ascent, passengers must never sit on the center armrest while the vehicle is moving.

The second-row seating system in the Subaru Ascent combines safety, adaptability, and comfort, making it ideal for families and long-distance travel while maintaining the highest safety standards.