How much does the 2021 Subaru Ascent cost?

Prices have softened 12.69% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,728 listings available, which suggests you have room to compare options.

If you find a listing below $22,482.50, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent a good car?

Yes — it earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.5/10 expert rating.

The standout strength is Form and function at 10/10.

The 2021 Ascent is aimed at Subaru loyalists who want extra space without losing the brand’s standard all-wheel-drive formula. Its spacious cabin and long list of standard features make it a natural fit for daily family hauling, and the added standard safety equipment for this model year strengthens that appeal.

The main trade-offs are its uninspired styling and the fact that it is more about comfort and usefulness than excitement. It also leans toward practical capability rather than sporty driving feel.

With 37.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a decent chance of finding a competitive offer.

Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent reliable?

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

The Ascent’s appeal is built around familiar Subaru strengths: standard all-wheel drive, a practical cabin, and a family-first layout. The expert evaluation also emphasizes durability-minded usefulness, with a comfortable ride and confident all-weather capability.

Its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is described as getting the job done in most driving scenarios, and the standard all-wheel-drive system helps it handle rough weather with confidence. The model’s standard Trailer Stability Assist also supports everyday utility.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that a vehicle with this much family-duty mileage may show wear in the cabin and drivetrain, so condition matters a lot.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any candidate, even if it appears clean at first glance. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important on a three-row SUV that may have spent years doing family duty. Focus on cabin wear, seat condition, and signs of heavy use, since this model is built around practicality.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Standard trim comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, four USB ports, and remote keyless entry, while the Premium adds an 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, remote start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• 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 standard all-wheel drive.
• 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.
• Infotainment: The system uses 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreens, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, plus hard buttons and dials for easier use.
• Fuel efficiency: Standard and Premium trims are rated at 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while 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:

• Base trim: The Standard trim is the value play if you want the essentials, but it lacks the larger touchscreen and comfort upgrades found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Premium trim is the best balance for most shoppers because it adds the 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, remote start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• Premium/top trim: The Touring trim adds the most luxury with ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, second-row captain's chairs, and a premium 14-speaker stereo.

EyeSight is standard across the lineup, so you do not need to move up a trim just to get the core driver-assistance suite.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 37.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,728 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.69% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 83.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,482.50, 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 $22,474 sits slightly below last year's $25,740.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. For a future seller, that also means resale value may depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the vehicle has been maintained.

Because the Ascent is a practical three-row SUV with strong family appeal, well-kept examples should remain easier to move than neglected ones. The current pricing trend gives you a better entry point now, but it also means you should expect resale to reward clean history and strong condition.

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 Ascent is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2021 Top Safety Pick+.

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

EyeSight is Subaru’s driver-assistance suite, and it includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a feature that tells you when the vehicle ahead has moved away from a stop. Standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights add to the safety story.

A few additional safety features are available, including reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The main takeaway is that the Ascent already brings a strong standard safety package, so you can shop used examples with confidence as long as the vehicle history checks out.

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:

• 37.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.69% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds newly standard safety features while keeping the Ascent’s spacious, family-friendly formula.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $20,293, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,474 average.
• It is a roomy, comfortable family SUV with standard all-wheel drive and advanced safety features.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $26,291, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,474 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 family utility, the 2021 is the strongest all-around pick. If your priority is spending less, the 2020 is the better value path. If you want a newer model-year update and are willing to pay more, the 2022 is worth a look.

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