The Digester

Subaru keeps a headphone jack and an optional CD player in the 2026 Ascent Touring even as most new cars drop analog audio inputs.

The 2026 Ascent Touring includes a 3.5 mm auxiliary audio jack located next to USB-C and USB-A ports.
Subaru offers an optional top-loading CD player for the Ascent for about $450.
Some Subaru models such as the BRZ and Legacy also retain aux jacks, while newer Forester, Outback, and WRX models do not.
The Ascent first went on sale in 2018 and the model is likely to be replaced in the coming years, which could end the aux jack option.
The analog port remains useful for drivers who prefer local music libraries or want a simple wired connection without subscriptions or streaming.

2026 Subaru Ascent Still Has a 3.5 mm Aux Jack