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2021 Subaru Ascent

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Make
Subaru
Model
Ascent
Year
2021
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Subaru Ascent OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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Expert Rating
3.4 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2021 Base 8-Passenger 4dr All-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $32,295
2021 Premium 8-Passenger 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $34,795
2021 Limited 8-Passenger 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $39,595
2021 Touring 7-Passenger 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $45,445

Overview

What's New

The 2021 Subaru Ascent enters its third year on the market with enhanced safety features throughout the lineup. The standard EyeSight driver assistance suite gains lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

All models of the three-row midsize crossover SUV also now come with adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, and seat belt reminders for the second and third rows.

Choosing Your Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is available in four trim levels: Ascent, Premium, Limited, and Touring. Pricing starts at $33,345 including destination for the base model and tops out at $46,495 for the Touring.

Engine Choices

Every Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters, and all-wheel drive is standard.

The Ascent is EPA-rated at 21 miles per gallon city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined. This drops to 20/26/22 mpg (city/highway/combined) in the Limited and Touring trims.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The Ascent is a three-row crossover with room for up to eight passengers — one more than most competitors. The Limited and Touring come standard with second-row captain's chairs, which reduces capacity to seven.

The seven-passenger setup is a no-cost option on the Premium when equipped with the optional Convenience ($1,460) or Sport ($4,260) package. The Limited can be had in eight-passenger form when the $2,950 Technology Package is selected.

Few midsize crossovers can match the Ascent in cargo space. Buyers get 17.8 cubic feet of it behind the third row, and 47.5 with it folded. With the second row down as well, capacity balloons to 86.5 cubic feet.

Subaru Ascent

Safety Features

The standard EyeSight safety suite provides comprehensive driver assistance technology, including lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

The Premium and above also get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Reverse automatic emergency braking becomes standard on the Limited, and it's included in both of the Premium's option packages. Exclusive to the Touring is a 180-degree front-view monitor.

Connectivity

The Ascent starts out with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, six audio speakers, satellite and HD radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and two front and two rear USB ports.

The Premium and above get an 8-inch touchscreen, which is more appropriate to a vehicle of this size, and wi-fi hot spot capability. The Limited and Touring get two third-row USB ports for a total of six.

Navigation and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are standard on the range-topping Touring trim. The navigation system is available on the Premium and Limited through the option packages.

Subaru Ascent

Ascent - From $33,345

The Ascent comes standard with popular features like tri-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, roof rails, keyless entry, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Ascent is big on cupholders – there's 19 in all. Cloth upholstery and a six-way manual driver's seat are giveaways that this is the base model.

Premium - From $35,845

The Premium adds heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, separate second-row climate controls, and stain-resistant cloth seating.

The $1,460 Convenience Package furnishes push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the reverse automatic emergency braking system. Those features are also available in the $4,260 Sport Package, along with a panoramic sunroof, navigation, a cargo area cover, and 20-inch wheels.

Limited - From $40,645

The Limited comes standard with the Premium's Convenience Package features, plus leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats. Exterior refinements include lower door cladding with chrome accents, LED fog lights, side mirror turn signals, and machine-finished 20-inch wheels.

The Technology Package ($2,950) for the Limited adds the sunroof, the cargo cover, navigation, and the 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

Touring - From $46,495

Everything available on the Limited is standard on the Touring, along with the 180-degree front-view camera, ventilated front seats, woodgrain interior trim, a 120-volt power outlet, and a rearview mirror with a rear-vision camera display.

Compare Ascent Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

The 2021 Subaru Ascent Premium provides a satisfying array of equipment for the price and access to most major options. The Limited and Touring are geared toward buyers who prioritize interior luxury over all-out value.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Strong value
  • Excellent safety
  • Spacious cargo area
Cons
  • Aged styling
  • Unrefined engine
  • Small base infotainment screen
Expert Rating
3.4 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Safety for all. The Subaru Ascent was already one of the safest midsize crossover SUVs in the class, but the 2021 model ups the ante with even more standard safety features.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent now comes with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, adaptive LED headlights, automatic high-beams, and seat belt reminders for the back rows.

The new features come in addition to the Ascent’s already lengthy list of standard safety features, which includes forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.

In crash tests, the Ascent also received perfect safety scores. The IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick Plus award, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a five-star safety rating.

Incredibly versatile. Midsize SUVs have quickly become the go-to family vehicle because of their versatility, and the Ascent shows exactly why.

In the segment, the Ascent has one of the larger cargo areas. With the third row in place, it can hold 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space. That figure expands to 47.5 behind the second row and 86.5 cubic feet in total.

Beyond the spacious cargo area, there’s a nifty storage compartment underneath the cargo floor and the seats are highly adjustable. The second row can slide fore and aft for more cargo capacity or easier access to the third row.

Second-row captain’s chairs are also available on every trim beside the base one to make getting to the rear seats easier.

Lackluster standard infotainment system. While the base Ascent comes well equipped with features like a power liftgate, 19 cup and bottle holders, tri-zone climate control, roof rails, and 18-inch wheels, the standard infotainment system misses the mark.

The base 6.5-inch touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but is small compared to other standard infotainment systems and is light on features compared to ones found in rivals. The system, though, is easy to use and has physical knobs for a few functions, which is helpful.

The available 8-inch touchscreen that’s standard on everything besides the entry-level trim is a worthy upgrade. It’s a more competitive size and adds wi-fi hot spot capability. Navigation and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are also available with the larger touchscreen.


Subaru Ascent

Unrefined engine. Unlike a lot of its competitors, the Ascent only has one powertrain, which is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

Producing 260 horsepower, the engine is down on power compared to SUVs with V6s, and it doesn’t have a great transmission to get the most out of it. The Subaru comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission in place of a conventional automatic. While the powertrain gets the job done, it’s not as refined as others in the class.

With a combined fuel economy rating of 23 miles per gallon, according to the EPA, the Ascent is one of the more efficient in the class. That’s one of the upsides from the turbocharged engine.

Unfortunately, dig into the throttle occasionally or go for a road trip, and fuel economy will take a dive. That’s one of the downsides with a small, turbocharged engine for such a large vehicle.

Go-most-places capability. Subaru’s known for making rugged vehicles, and the Ascent lives up to the automaker’s heritage with a standard all-wheel-drive system. That’s a rarity for the segment.

Not only is AWD standard, Subaru’s X-Mode is also included. It optimizes the engine, transmission, AWD system, and traction control system to ensure the driver always has traction.

If you plan to do some light off-roading, the Ascent offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, hill descent control, and active torque vectoring as standard.

Final thoughts. Against the hordes of midsize SUVs, the 2021 Subaru Ascent stands out for all the right reasons. Standard all-wheel drive is something you won’t find on a lot of other competitors, neither are the Ascent’s lengthy list of standard safety features. Its enormous cargo area is impressive, as well.

The Ascent’s engine isn’t refined and doesn’t have the raw output to match competitors. The standard 6.5-inch touchscreen isn’t anything to brag about, but that problem is easily solved by going with the available 8-inch unit. All in all, there isn’t too much to complain about with the Ascent.

The Kia Telluride is more luxurious, comes with a more powerful V6 engine, has a larger infotainment system, and is backed by a lengthier warranty. The Mazda CX-9 is the athlete of the segment with a more enjoyable chassis, but isn’t as powerful, can’t tow as much, and has a smaller cargo area. But the CX-9 feels more upscale, has a larger available 9-inch touchscreen, and is more efficient.

Check prices for the 2021 Subaru Ascent »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.4L H-4 / 260 HP / 277 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Lineartronic 8-spd sequential shift control CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Full-time Symmetrical All-wheel Drive All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
21 / 27 / 24 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
8
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.4L H-4 / 260 HP / 277 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Full-time Symmetrical All-wheel Drive All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
21 / 27 / 24 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Double Wishbone
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
19.3 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$74
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
86.5 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
153 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
196.8 "
Exterior Width
76.0 "
Exterior Height
71.6 "
Front Headroom
41.3 "
Rear Headroom
40.0 "
Front Legroom
42.2 "
Rear Legroom
38.6 "
Front Shoulder Room
61.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
60.3 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,430 Lbs.
Wheel Base
114 "
Turning Radius
19.0 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored / Front Body-colored With Metal-look Insert / Front Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
8
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
6 / 6 Rockford Fosgate
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Eyesight Pre-collision Braking Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Eyesight Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Hands-on Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection
Eyesight Pre-collision Braking Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
High Beam Assist (hba) Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2021 Subaru Ascent for Sale

8 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Subaru
Premium 8-Passenger
Color: Blue
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$27,695

Mileage

55,440 mi

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Audi Valencia (35 mi)

Phone: (888) 885-5748
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Subaru Pacific (3 mi)

Phone: (310) 896-2100
Subaru
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Kia of Carson (11 mi)

Phone: (424) 306-3025
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Subaru Santa Monica (8 mi)

Phone: (310) 752-0777
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