Subaru Ascent

Ascent key specifications

Why Subaru built a three-row SUV

Subaru's previous large SUV, the Tribeca, ended after the 2014 model year, which left the brand without a seven-seater in North America, where three-row SUVs are a core family segment. Its replacement was previewed by the VIZIV-7 concept and then by the Ascent SUV Concept at the New York show in April 2017, where Subaru confirmed production.

The production Ascent appeared at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 28 November 2017. Production began late that year at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, alongside the Impreza, and the car reached dealers in early summer 2018. The old version of this page said it was built only for North America; that remains largely true, although it later went on sale in the Philippines and parts of South America as the Subaru Evoltis.

Engine, CVT and all-wheel drive

The Ascent introduced the FA24, a 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four with direct injection. It produces 194 kW (260 hp) and 376 Nm and runs on regular unleaded petrol. The only gearbox is a Lineartronic CVT that imitates eight gears under hard acceleration, with paddle shifters.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard. In normal driving it sends about 60% of torque to the front axle and 40% to the rear, moving towards 50/50 when the front wheels slip. X-Mode, also standard, adjusts the engine, CVT, brakes and stability control for loose surfaces and steep descents.

Subaru estimated 21/27/23 US mpg (city/highway/combined) with 18-inch wheels and 22 mpg combined with 20-inch wheels. By our conversion the 23 mpg combined figure equals about 10.2 l/100 km. The old version of this page claimed a tow rating of 2,268 lb; the real figure is 5,000 lb, which is 2,268 kg, so the unit had been mixed up.

By our calculation the engine gives about 81 kW per litre, and the lightest Ascent carries roughly 10.4 kg per kW. Our power-to-weight calculator compares that with other three-row SUVs.

Seats, space and the 19 cupholders

The Ascent seats eight with a second-row bench or seven with two captain's chairs. Subaru made a point of its 19 cupholders, standard even on the base car. The third row suits children and shorter adults better than tall passengers, a point the old version of this page also made. With both rear rows folded, the Ascent offers 2,450 litres of cargo space.

The platform is the Subaru Global Platform, also used by the Impreza, Forester and Outback of the same period, with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear axle. Our garage-fit tool checks whether a 5-metre SUV like this one fits your space.

Year-by-year changes

The 2023 facelift is the most important change for used buyers: it replaced the earlier 6.5- or 8-inch screens with one large vertical display and freshened the front end.

Safety and the 2018 weld recall

The 2021 Ascent held the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, with Good ratings in every crashworthiness test, Superior front crash prevention for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests and Good headlights.

Soon after launch, in August 2018, Subaru recalled 293 early cars because some spot welds might have been missing. Instead of repairing them, it offered owners new vehicles. After inspection, all 293 cars turned out to be correctly welded and were cleared for service.

Sales and prices

By our sum, Subaru sold about 470,700 Ascents in the US in eight years, with 2019 as the best year. At its US launch in 2018 the base car cost 31,995 US dollars before a 975-dollar destination charge, about €27,500 at the time. The Touring trim was priced at 45,670 dollars including destination.

What to check on a used Ascent

1. CVT servicing: ask for records of fluid checks or changes, especially on cars that have towed.
2. Recall status: have a Subaru dealer check the VIN for open recalls, particularly on early 2019 cars from the launch period.
3. Infotainment: pre-2023 cars should have the latest software for the 6.5- or 8-inch screen.
4. Towing history: look at the hitch and rear suspension for signs of heavy use.
5. Third-row condition: child seats and frequent folding leave wear that shows how hard the car was used.

Rivals and which Ascent to buy

The Ascent competes with the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Its strengths are standard all-wheel drive and 221 mm of ground clearance. Several rivals offer V6 or hybrid engines, while the Ascent has only its turbo four and a CVT.

Who it suits: families in snowy regions who need three rows and want all-wheel drive on every version. The best used buy is a 2023 or later car with the new screen and updated EyeSight. Earlier cars from 2021–2022 have the standard LED headlights and lane-centring and cost less. If you rarely use the third row, the Subaru Outback is cheaper to run. More about the brand is in our history of Subaru.