Used 2021 Subaru Ascent for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2021 Subaru Ascent cost?

Prices have softened 12.85% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,872 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 is aimed at you if you want a three-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive, a spacious cabin, and a long list of standard features. It fits especially well if you value practical, safety-minded transportation and want Subaru’s familiar formula in a larger package.

The main trade-off is that its styling is uninspired, and the expert review also notes that it is more about usefulness than visual flair. Even so, the market still shows 38.3% of listings 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’s reliability case is supported by Subaru’s practical reputation, standard all-wheel drive, and the expert review’s emphasis on safe, dependable, family-focused use. Its turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder is described as getting the job done in most driving scenarios, and the ride is tuned for refined comfort rather than stress or drama.

You also get a useful ownership perk in the form of a well-equipped standard package, which helps reduce the need to add features after purchase. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the vehicle has been maintained well, since a three-row 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 81.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free status is only one part of the picture. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the drivetrain, brakes, tires, and any signs of uneven wear or neglected maintenance. It also helps to compare trim condition closely, since higher-mileage family SUVs can show heavy use in the cabin and cargo area.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Standard trim comes solidly equipped with a host of driver-assistance features, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, four USB ports, and remote keyless entry. The Premium trim adds an 8-inch touchscreen, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, stain-resistant upholstery, remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and second-row climate controls. The Limited trim adds push-button start, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, third-row USB ports, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Touring trim adds second-row captain's chairs, ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system.
• 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 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 is the named 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. For 2021, automatic high beams and headlights that bend with steering angle are 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 has 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 logical menus, large icons, hard buttons, and a home button. Available tech features include 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. The Limited and Touring trims 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 at the lowest entry price. You get standard all-wheel drive, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, four USB ports, remote keyless entry, and a solid set of driver-assistance features.
• Premium: This is the trim to target if you want the best balance of price and comfort. The 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, remote start, stain-resistant upholstery, and second-row climate controls make it a smart step up for everyday family use.
• Limited: Choose this if you want more convenience and comfort features, especially for passengers. The added push-button start, power-adjustable front seats, third-row USB ports, heated second-row seats, and heated steering wheel make it feel more upscale.
• Touring: This is the top choice if you want the most equipment and the most premium cabin experience. The captain’s chairs, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and upgraded audio system make it the most luxurious version.

EyeSight is standard, and the 2021 model also adds automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 38.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,872 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.85% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,422, 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 $21,422 sits slightly below last year's $24,580.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can help you buy more affordably now. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend more heavily on condition, mileage, and trim equipment than on broad market momentum.

If you keep the vehicle well maintained and preserve its family-friendly features, you should be in a better position when it is time to sell. 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.

The standard EyeSight suite includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a helpful traffic-move alert feature. For 2021, automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights are also standard, which strengthens the safety story for everyday driving.

You can also add reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The main caveat is that some of those features remain optional rather than standard.

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:

• 38.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.85% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds newly standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $19,514, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $21,422 average.
• It emphasizes standard all-wheel drive, a comfortable ride, and advanced safety features.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,920, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,422 average.
• It adds an Onyx Edition with blacked-out trim and water-resistant upholstery.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix 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 keeping the same practical mission.

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 design and tech simplicity, the Pilot may fit you better.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.