2021 Subaru Ascent

Price Range: $15,399 - $33,590

2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Average

The 2021 Ascent is Subaru's best three-row SUV to date. We like its standard all-wheel drive, useful technology features and solid build quality. A roomier third-row seat and a smoother-shifting transmission would make it better, but overall this is an appealing family hauler.

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Average price: $31,316

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Appraise My 2021 Subaru Ascent

Pros

Substantial list of standard and optional driving aids
High-quality interior materials
Generous ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive
Easy-to-use infotainment system

Cons

Accelerator pedal is too touchy
Invasive engine and tire noise
Not much second-row shoulder room, and third row is tight
Rolling over bumps at higher speeds sends vibrations through the cabin

Overview

Written by automotive expert Travis Langness

10/16/2020

The 2021 Subaru Ascent is a decent choice in the midsize three-row SUV class, but it's far from being a top contender, currently sitting in seventh place in Edmunds' rankings. For 2021, the Ascent gets a full suite of standard safety features including adaptive cruise control, along with lane keeping assist and steering-responsive LED headlights. But even with those additions, it still falls behind the top-rated Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot in a number of areas. We give credit to the Ascent's long list of standard features, refined interior and easy-to-use infotainment system. Yet the positives are tempered by an oversensitive gas pedal, noticeable in-cabin noise, a somewhat restrictive third-row seat and slightly stiff ride quality.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Average

7.6

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Subaru Ascent on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Ascent drive? The Ascent's turbocharged engine packs a strong punch, making it one of the quicker vehicles in the segment when you mash the gas. For typical driving, however, you'll need a fine touch to make the CVT automatic work smoothly. Even moderate throttle inputs result in surging acceleration, which can make passengers uncomfortable.

The Ascent has standard all-wheel drive and includes software-controlled traction and hill descent control. Combine those features with its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and you've got an effective combination for taking on snow and dirt. The Subaru really is a four-season SUV.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Ascent? The Ascent's interior seating is comfortable and inviting for the most part. Third-row passengers might long for softer seats over longer distances. The climate control works well to keep the cabin environment pleasant, and rear passengers will appreciate the ceiling-mounted vents that provide good coverage.

On the downside, driving over cracks and seams in the pavement sends a lot of tire noise and vibration into the cabin. There's also the issue of engine noise, which can grow from a muted hum to a loud groan as the rpm climb to redline. The Ascent doesn't feel floaty, but overall ride comfort falls below the class leaders.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Get the seven-seater for full-size adults or eight-seater for cargo and/or kids. The Ascent is an approachable and easy-to-use crossover, and it fits drivers both big and small. Everything is clearly labeled, though there are a few acronyms that may require you to crack open the instruction manual.

The large windows and door-mounted side mirrors allow excellent side visibility. A high-def rear camera helps supplement an already large rear window. The one downside is the way the hood slopes down, which makes it hard to place the front edges of the bumper.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? Subaru's Starlink system is in full force here. It features a crisp and responsive touchscreen and multiple ways to integrate your smartphone, and it is easy to use with minimal setup. A smattering of USB ports help keep your passengers' devices charged.

Our test car was equipped with a responsive and easy-to-use touchscreen navigation system. Otherwise, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and can handle nav needs for those without it. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver aids is comprehensive and standard on all trim levels. Adaptive cruise control works all the way to a full stop.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The Ascent has an average amount of space for cargo, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The third-row seats have to be folded from the back, and the second row must be done from the rear passenger doors. The resulting load floor isn't perfectly flat but should be sufficient in most cases. There are a lot of places for small items up front, but few are generous in size.

Most Ascent models provide 5,000 pounds of maximum towing weight. Standard Trailer Stability Assist helps minimize excess trailer sway. Towing requires the addition of an optional trailer hitch assembly that includes a wiring harness, which can be covered by a panel when not in use.

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? We achieved 23.6 mpg on our 115-mile test loop, which slightly betters the Ascent's 22 mpg combined estimate (20 city/26 highway). Our best overall tank was 25.2 mpg after logging nearly 200 miles of highway driving while our test average came out to 21.7 mpg. That's not bad, and neither is the engine's requirement for 87 octane ― no premium required.

Value

8/10

Is the Ascent a good value? The cabin's interior design looks a bit busy, but its build quality is on par for the segment and price-competitive. Also on par are the warranty and roadside assistance offerings. As for value, you get all-wheel drive as standard, which impresses buyers who regularly deal with inclement weather.

Wildcard

7.5/10

The Ascent is comfortable, fun and capable when the going gets dirty. It's also smartly designed to carry four adults with all of their gear. Opting for the second-row bench seat makes for easy child-seat duty. Think of it as the golden retriever of three-row crossovers.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

934 listings

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2021 Subaru Ascent
Limited 4dr SUV w/8-Passenger
$25,001
good price
$1,193 below market
- 44,898 miles
- 8 Seats, 20 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- 97 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Richmond, VA
This 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited offers outstanding versatility and safety for families seeking a dependable three-row SUV. With an accident-free histo...
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
4S4WMALD9M3445212
Stock:
S422116A
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
08-30-2026
2021 Subaru Ascent
Touring 4dr SUV
$31,998
- 20,443 miles
- 7 Seats, 20 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- 18 mi away
- Free delivery available*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Gaithersburg, MD
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency and pricing without document or processing fees. Certain cars may hav...
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
4S4WMARD2M3411569
Stock:
70138720
Certified Pre-Owned:
No

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2021 Subaru Ascent trim level differences

The 2021 Subaru Ascent is available in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trim levels. All use a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft of torque) paired with a CVT automatic. All-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup. Compare the 2021 Subaru Ascent trim levels in-depth.

Which Ascent trim does Edmunds recommend?

We recommend the Premium trim level, just one notch up from the base Ascent. The Premium balances affordability with feature availability. It comes standard with the larger 8-inch touchscreen and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and it offers options such as navigation and a panoramic sunroof.

Subaru Ascent Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.8

48 reviews

5(50%)

4(18%)

3(0%)

2(20%)

1(12%)

See all 48 reviews of the Subaru Ascent

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Fantastic engine, sketchy CVT

Joe Mama, 01/02/2021

2021 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

Pros: 2.4L Turbo engine. A far less spartan interior than Subarus are known for. Great head and legroom. Mostly quiet ride. Limited on up trims provide a manual mode with paddle shifters. Definitely a must for slow speeds and stop and go traffic. Cons: 20" wheels with 245/50 tires are harsh riding. A hesitant and indecisive CVT squanders the power band of the engine. Touchscreen is …

Covid and age

Thomas Beck, 11/02/2020

2021 Subaru Ascent Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

Covid and age limited my driving the past two years. I have just 14,000 miles on this car. My Ascent has been trouble free, looks good and nice to drive. The negatives I have is the transmission (CVT) with unnatural shifting gears and the gas mileage. I get 18-19 around town and expected better. But it works well on regular grade gasoline. The interior looks like it should be in a …

Best all around SUV for 6+ passengers

marcevan, 11/19/2020

2021 Subaru Ascent Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

Safety First - Top rated IIHS vehicle! Price - disingenuous to compare to Kia and Hyundai who demand +$5-$8k over MSRP while Subaru is typically 8-10% under MSRP. Might as well compare those to a Volvo XC90 R-Design at that rate. Drive - Tighter than Toyota Highlander but not as tight as Mazda, but in the Mazda you sit lower and have less visibility. Great without stressing the gas due …

Love it!

Don Wilmot, 08/17/2021

2021 Subaru Ascent Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

I have owned Suburban's since 1975, usually bought a new one every three years or 90,000 miles. I also own a 2019 Outback. Been looking at the Ascent for two years, finally made the plunge three months ago. My only negative is range before refueling; I average 20 to 22MPG combination city/hwy (calculated by doing the math miles driven vs gas consumption). On straight highway driving …

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2021 Subaru Ascent Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

Est. Market Value	$22,780
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$209/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Reliability

The 2021 Subaru Ascent has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2021 Subaru Ascent

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts’ favorite Ascent safety features:

Reverse Automatic Braking: Automatically applies the vehicle's brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.
EyeSight Assist Monitor: Provides a head-up display of the EyeSight system's status and warnings on the windshield.
Blind-Spot Monitoring: Scans vehicle blind spots and alerts the driver of vehicles on either side via mirror-mounted indicators.

Research other Ascent years

FAQ

Is the Subaru Ascent a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Ascent both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2021 Ascent gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 48 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Ascent ranges from 17.6 to 17.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru Ascent. Learn more

Is the Subaru Ascent reliable?

To determine whether the Subaru Ascent is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Ascent. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Ascent's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Subaru Ascent is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Ascent and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2021 Ascent gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 48 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Ascent is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2021 Subaru Ascent?

The least-expensive 2021 Subaru Ascent is the 2021 Subaru Ascent 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $32,295.

Other versions include:

4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $32,295
Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $34,795
Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $36,255
Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $39,595
Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $39,595
Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $45,445

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What are the different models of Subaru Ascent?

If you're interested in the Subaru Ascent, the next question is, which Ascent model is right for you? Ascent variants include 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT), Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT), Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT), and Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT). For a full list of Ascent models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more