Used 2021 Subaru Ascent for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2021 Subaru Ascent cost?

Prices have softened 12.82% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,782 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent a good car?

Yes — you’re looking at a 5/5 user-rated SUV with an 8.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 10/10.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent fits well if you want a three-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive, a spacious cabin, and a long list of standard features. It is especially practical for family hauling, and it brings useful everyday touches like plenty of cargo space and an unusually large number of cupholders.

The main trade-offs are its uninspired styling and the fact that it is more about comfort and utility than excitement. Even so, it remains a strong match if you value Subaru’s familiar strengths in a roomy, family-focused package.

36.3% 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 2021 Subaru Ascent is presented as a safe, reliable family SUV with standard all-wheel drive and a broad set of standard features. Its expert summary also emphasizes Subaru’s reputation for durability and confidence in varied weather and road conditions.

It is described as getting the job done in most driving scenarios, with a refined ride that soaks up bumps well. The cost-effectiveness notes also frame it as an attractive option for buyers who want versatility and capability without stretching their budget.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the vehicle has been maintained well, since a family SUV like this can see heavy everyday use.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re comparing multiple listings. Focus on overall condition, signs of heavy family use, and whether the equipment level matches what you expect for the trim.

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, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a four-way power front passenger seat, 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 premium 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 Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It is tuned for everyday driving, with enough strength for highway passing and a comfortable ride rather than sporty behavior.

• Safety package: EyeSight 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 standard. 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 Standard and an 8-inch unit on Premium and above. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the system also includes hard buttons and dials, a home button, two front USB ports, two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the premium stereo are available.

• Fuel efficiency: Standard and Premium trims are rated at 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. 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 useful set of driver-assistance features, tri-zone climate control, and the basic infotainment setup.

• Premium: This is the trim to target if you want the best balance of price and comfort upgrades. The larger touchscreen, heated front seats, remote start, and stain-resistant upholstery make it a smart family-friendly step up.

• Limited: Choose this if you want more convenience and comfort features, especially the power passenger seat, heated second-row seats, heated steering wheel, and push-button start. It is the better pick if you plan to keep the SUV for longer and want a more upscale feel.

• Touring: This is the most luxurious choice, with second-row captain’s chairs, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and the premium stereo. It makes sense if you want the most feature-rich Ascent and are willing to pay for it.

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

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 36.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,782 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.82% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 83.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,218, 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 $22,221 sits slightly below last year's $25,489.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can help you buy more affordably now. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment level.

Because the Ascent is a family-focused SUV with broad appeal, well-kept examples should remain easier to move than neglected ones. If you buy carefully and maintain it well, you give yourself a better chance of preserving value later.

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.

Its standard EyeSight suite includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a feature that tells you when the vehicle ahead has pulled away. For 2021, Subaru also makes automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights standard.

You should also note that blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are optional rather than standard. That means you’ll want to confirm the exact equipment on any used listing you’re considering.

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:

• 36.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.82% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds newly standard safety features while keeping the roomy, family-friendly three-row layout.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $20,166, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,221 average.
• It emphasizes family practicality, standard traction, and a calm driving experience.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $25,843, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,221 average.
• It adds an Onyx Edition with blacked-out trim and water-resistant upholstery.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of value, safety, and family utility, the 2021 is the best all-around pick. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money while keeping the same basic mission. If you want the newer-year update and are willing to pay more, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.