2021 Subaru Ascent Review

Name: 2021 Subaru Ascent Review
Brand: Subaru
Price: 21243 USD

2020 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

2021 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+162

The 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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2021 Subaru Ascent Review

byTravis Langness^{Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.}

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

What's new

Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced driver aids now includes adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist
Steering-responsive LED headlights are now standard
A second- and third-row seat-belt reminder is now standard
Part of the first Ascent generation introduced for 2019

Overview

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Subaru Ascent 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$161/mo

$223/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

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.

Which Ascent 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.

2021 Subaru Ascent models

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.

Base
Equipment for the base Ascent includes:

Three-zone climate control
6.5-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Six-speaker stereo with Bluetooth connectivity
Steering-responsive LED headlights
Rearview camera
Manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Subaru and the car in front)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)

Buyers interested in the base trim level should know that it's only available in an eight-passenger configuration and the tow rating is limited to 2,000 pounds.

Premium
With the Premium, the tow rating is increased to 5,000 pounds. You also get:

Upgraded interior materials and a power-adjustable driver's seat
8-inch infotainment touchscreen and 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability
An optional seven-passenger seating configuration
Heated front seats
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Keyless entry and a power rear liftgate

Options for the Premium include:

Power rear tailgate
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Navigation
Panoramic sunroof

Limited
The Limited trim comes with most of the Premium's optional features as standard. Other standard equipment for the Limited includes:

LED foglights
Heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats
Perforated leather upholstery
14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system

Touring
The Touring trim simplifies things even further, sold only in the seven-passenger seating configuration and coming standard with all of the previously optional equipment. Also standard are some creature comforts such as:

Ambient interior lighting and a 120-volt power outlet
Heated and ventilated front seats
Forward parking camera

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Subaru Ascent.

5 (49%)

4 (19%)

3 (0%)

2 (19%)

1 (13%)

3.7

47 reviews

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Most helpful consumer 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 …

See all 47 reviews of the Subaru Ascent

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2021 Subaru Ascent video

Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent vs. Subaru Ascent | Midsize Family SUV Comparison Test

What do the 2021 Kia Telluride, 2021 Subaru Ascent and 2021 Subaru Ascent all have in common? Third row? Check. Plenty of cargo space? Check. Technology features for everyone in the family? Check. So what sets each of these midsize SUVs apart from one another and which one is the…

2021 Ascent Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$32,295
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$161/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Ascent models:

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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover17%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Subaru Ascent Review

2021 Subaru Ascent Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Subaru Ascent 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Ascent does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Subaru Ascent models

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Subaru Ascent.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Fantastic engine, sketchy CVT

Covid and age

Best all around SUV for 6+ passengers

Love it!

2021 Subaru Ascent video

Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent vs. Subaru Ascent | Midsize Family SUV Comparison Test

2021 Ascent Highlights

Safety

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2021 Subaru Ascent Review

2021 Subaru Ascent Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Subaru Ascent 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Ascent does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Subaru Ascent models

Most helpful consumer reviews

Fantastic engine, sketchy CVT

Covid and age

Best all around SUV for 6+ passengers

Love it!

2021 Subaru Ascent video

Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent vs. Subaru Ascent | Midsize Family SUV Comparison Test

2021 Ascent Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2021 Subaru Ascent info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Subaru

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Subaru Ascent 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}