Used 2021 Subaru Ascent for Sale near North Dakota

How much does the 2021 Subaru Ascent cost?

Prices have softened 12.73% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,859 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 a family-friendly cabin, a long list of standard features, and standard all-wheel drive. Its practical layout and cargo space make it especially useful as a daily hauler, while the expert review also points to refined ride comfort and strong capability in poor weather.

The main trade-offs are its uninspired styling and the fact that it is not a sporty SUV. Even so, it fits well if you value utility, confidence, and Subaru’s familiar formula over flash.

38.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you have some room to shop selectively.

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 setup that prioritizes everyday usability. Its standard turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is presented as capable in most driving scenarios, and the ride is tuned for refined comfort rather than drama.

The standard maintenance and ownership experience is positioned around practicality and value, which helps it make sense for families who want a dependable used SUV. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the vehicle has been cared for consistently, since a three-row family hauler can see heavy use.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.3% — 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 wear from family use, especially interior condition, cargo-area wear, and signs of heavy mileage. It also makes sense to confirm that the standard safety and convenience equipment works 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, while 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, while 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 with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The setup is tuned for everyday driving, with enough strength for highway merging and passing, plus 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode for snow and light off-road use.
• 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. Standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights are also included, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are optional.
• Infotainment: The Ascent uses Subaru’s StarLink system with logical menus and large icons on both available touchscreens. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the cabin also includes hard buttons and dials, a home button, two front USB ports, two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Fuel efficiency: EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for the Standard and Premium trims, while the Limited and Touring return 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 core Ascent experience at the lowest price. You get standard all-wheel drive, the 6.5-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, four USB ports, remote keyless entry, and the full EyeSight safety suite.
• Premium: This is the trim to target if you want the best balance of price and comfort upgrades. The 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, remote start, stain-resistant upholstery, and second-row climate controls make it a smart step up for family use.
• Limited: Choose this if you want more convenience and comfort 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 most upscale version, with second-row captain's chairs, ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and the premium stereo system.

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

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

The market looks selective rather than overheated, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay patient.

• Deal availability: 38.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,859 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.73% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,292, 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 $21,292 sits slightly below last year's $24,398.

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 rather than broad market momentum alone.

Because the year-over-year change is negative, you may not see rapid appreciation in the near term. Well-kept examples with desirable features should still hold up better than neglected ones, especially in a family-SUV segment where condition matters a lot.

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 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. Standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights are also part of the package.

Optional safety features include reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The main safety caveat is that some helpful features are not standard on every trim.

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:

• 38.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.73% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $19,364, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $21,292 average.
• It offers space, comfort, and standard safety features for practical family use.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,783, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,292 average.
• It adds the Onyx Edition with blacked-out trim and water-resistant upholstery.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the best all-around pick if you want a well-equipped three-row Subaru with strong safety and value. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the better price-first alternative, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer trim addition and are willing to pay more.

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 family practicality, while the Pilot counters with a roomier-feeling cabin and easier tech. If you want the more confidence-inspiring all-weather choice, the Ascent has the edge; if you care more about styling and a straightforward cabin, the Pilot may appeal more.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.