Used 2021 Subaru Ascent for Sale nearDurham, NC

How much does the 2021 Subaru Ascent cost?

Prices have softened 12.34% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,902 listings available, which suggests you have 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.

It stands out as a three-row SUV aimed at Subaru loyalists who want extra space without giving up the brand’s familiar strengths. You get standard all-wheel drive, a spacious cabin, and a long list of standard features, which makes it a practical fit if you want family-hauling utility and confidence in varied weather.

The main trade-off is that its styling is uninspired, and the expert review also notes that the appeal is more about usefulness than visual flair. Even so, the Ascent’s standard equipment and roomy packaging make it a strong match if you value function first.

35.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which is a decent sign of market opportunity.

Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent reliable?

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

The Ascent is described as safe and reliable, with standard all-wheel drive and a practical, family-focused design. Its standard engine is said to get the job done in most driving scenarios, and the ride is tuned for refined comfort rather than sporty behavior.

It also includes a standard first scheduled maintenance visit on the house.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the vehicle has been maintained well, since a family SUV’s value depends heavily on condition and service history.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any candidate and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the vehicle has seen heavy family use. Focus on cabin wear, tire condition, and signs of uneven maintenance, since those details can tell you a lot about how the SUV was treated.

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. 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. Limited adds push-button start, more power-adjustable seating, third-row USB ports, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. 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 with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It is described as most effective around town, but still capable at highway speeds and during passing maneuvers.
• Safety package: EyeSight includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a feature that alerts you when traffic ahead starts moving. Standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights are also included. Optional safety features include reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Infotainment: The Ascent offers a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the Standard trim and an 8-inch unit on Premium and above. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the system includes logical menus, large icons, hard buttons, and a home button. Available tech includes third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.
• Fuel efficiency: EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for the Standard and Premium trims. Limited and Touring drop to 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 trim 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 consider if you want the most useful upgrade for daily comfort. The 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, remote start, and second-row climate controls make it a smart step up for many shoppers.
• Limited: Choose this if you want more convenience and family-friendly features, including push-button start, more power-adjustable seating, third-row USB ports, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel.
• 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.

The Standard trim already comes solidly equipped with a host of driver-assistance features.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and pricing movement to reward careful shopping.

• Deal availability: 35.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,902 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.34% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,564, 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 $21,564 sits slightly below last year's $24,601.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can make the Ascent more attractive to used buyers today. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim level rather than broad market momentum alone.

Because the model has softened from last year’s average, a well-kept example may stand out more clearly against the rest of the market. 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 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2021 Top Safety Pick+.

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

It comes with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a feature that tells you when traffic ahead has started moving. Standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights are also included.

A few optional safety features are available, including 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:

• 35.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.34% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds a few key safety features as newly standard equipment.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $19,633, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $21,564 average.
• It offers standard all-wheel drive and a roomy, family-friendly cabin.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $25,043, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,564 average.
• It adds an Onyx Edition with blacked-out trim and water-resistant upholstery.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and standard equipment, the 2021 is the strongest all-around pick. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer special-edition treatment.

How does the 2021 Subaru Ascent compare to the 2021 Honda Pilot?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Subaru Ascent:

• Pros: Standard all-wheel drive, Plenty of cargo space, 19 cupholders!.
• Cons: Uninspired styling.

2021 Honda Pilot:

• Pros: Spacious, Easy-to-use technology, Stylish design.
• Cons: Fairly pedestrian performance, Irritating transmission.

Our experts score the 2021 Subaru Ascent 8.5/10 and the 2021 Honda Pilot 7.2/10. The Ascent leans harder into standard all-wheel drive and cargo-friendly practicality, while the Pilot counters with easier-to-use technology and a more stylish design. If you want the more utility-focused choice, the Ascent has the edge; if you care more about polish and a roomier-feeling cabin, the Pilot is worth a look.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.