Used 2021 Subaru Ascent for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Subaru Ascent cost?

Prices have softened 12.61% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,810 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Subaru Ascent earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 10/10.

The Ascent’s appeal is strongest if you want a three-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive, a spacious cabin, and a long list of standard features. It fits naturally into the family-hauling segment, and it also brings plenty of cargo space and an unusually large number of cupholders, which makes it especially practical for busy households.

The main trade-offs are its uninspired styling and the fact that it is more about utility than excitement. It is a strong fit if you value Subaru’s familiar strengths and want a practical family mover rather than a flashy one.

38.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there are worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Ascent is described as safe, reliable, and well suited to buyers who want confidence in everyday use. Its standard all-wheel drive, spacious cabin, and family-focused design all support that reputation, and the expert assessment also points to a vehicle that is built around practicality and peace of mind.

Its standard turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine is presented as capable in most driving scenarios, with enough strength for around-town use, highway passing, and everyday family duty. The cost-effectiveness notes also show that the model is positioned as a sensible choice for shoppers who want space and features without overextending their budget.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright capability and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not worn down by heavy family use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Subaru Ascent?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on signs of wear from family use, especially in the cabin, cargo area, and seating surfaces. It also makes sense to confirm that the vehicle’s standard safety and convenience equipment is functioning as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Standard trim comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, four USB ports, remote keyless entry, and a solid set of driver-assistance features. The Premium adds an 8-inch touchscreen, an eight-way power driver’s seat, stain-resistant upholstery, remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and second-row climate controls. The Limited adds push-button start, more power-adjustable seating, third-row USB ports, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Touring adds second-row captain’s chairs, ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.
• Powertrain: Every trim uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. It is tuned for everyday usefulness, with enough strength for city driving, highway merging, and passing.
• Safety package: EyeSight is the standard driver-assistance suite, and it includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a feature that alerts you when traffic ahead starts moving again. For 2021, automatic high beams and headlights that bend with steering angle are also standard. Optional safety features include reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Infotainment: The Standard trim gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the Premium and higher trims use an 8-inch unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the system also includes hard buttons and dials. Available upgrades include third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the premium stereo.
• Fuel efficiency: The Standard and Premium trims are rated at 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The Limited and Touring trims are rated at 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Subaru Ascent trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru Ascent is offered in 4 trim levels: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Standard: This is the best-value starting point if you want the Ascent’s core strengths without paying for extras. You still get standard all-wheel drive, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, four USB ports, remote keyless entry, and a strong safety feature set.
• Premium: This is the trim to target if you want the most balanced mix of comfort and value. The 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, remote start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and second-row climate controls make it a meaningful upgrade for daily family use.
• Limited: Choose this if you want more convenience and comfort features, especially the power-adjustable passenger seat, heated second-row seats, third-row USB ports, and heated steering wheel. It is a good fit if you expect to keep passengers happy on longer trips.
• Touring: This is the luxury-leaning choice, with second-row captain’s chairs, ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and the premium stereo. It makes sense if you want the most upscale version of the Ascent.

The Standard trim already comes solidly equipped with a host of driver-assistance features, while the Premium is the best-value upgrade for most shoppers.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Subaru Ascent?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it pays to compare listings carefully and move quickly on strong examples.

• Deal availability: 38.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,810 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.61% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 83.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,170, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Subaru Ascent's resale value?

The current average of $22,170 sits slightly below last year's $25,369.

That decline suggests the market has become more favorable for buyers, but it also means sellers may need to price competitively to stand out. If you plan to sell later, the current trend points to a softer resale environment than last year’s. Well-equipped, clean-history examples should still draw interest because the model’s family-friendly utility remains a strong selling point.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent safe?

The 2021 Subaru Ascent is an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

EyeSight is the standard driver-assistance suite, and it includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a feature that alerts you when the vehicle ahead starts moving again. For 2021, automatic high beams and headlights that bend with steering angle are also standard.

Optional safety features include reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Ascent or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 38.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.61% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds newly standard safety features while keeping the same family-focused, three-row utility.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $20,106, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,170 average.
• It emphasizes extra space, standard all-wheel drive, and a calm, family-friendly driving experience.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $25,753, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,170 average.
• It adds an Onyx Edition with blacked-out trim and water-resistant upholstery.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of value, safety, and family utility, the 2021 is the primary pick. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the better price-first alternative, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer special-edition content and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.