Used 2021 Subaru Ascent for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

How much does the 2021 Subaru Ascent cost?

Prices have softened 12.42% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,841 listings available, which suggests a healthy 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 is aimed squarely at Subaru loyalists who need extra space, and its three-row layout gives it a clear role in the brand’s lineup. Standard all-wheel drive is a major advantage, especially if you want added confidence in changing weather, and the cabin is built around family-friendly practicality with a long list of standard features.

The main trade-off is styling, which is described as uninspired. The expert review also notes that while the Ascent is comfortable and capable, it is not trying to be sporty.

38.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you 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 presented as a safe, practical family SUV with standard all-wheel drive and a strong emphasis on everyday usability. The expert review also describes Subaru’s cars and SUVs as safe and reliable, and the Ascent’s standard equipment and family-hauling mission support that reputation.

Its standard turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder is described as getting the job done in most driving scenarios, with comfort-focused ride tuning and enough capability for snow and light off-roading. That combination points to a vehicle that should be straightforward to live with if it has been maintained properly.

If you buy used, the main long-term risk is finding a high-mileage example that has been used hard without consistent maintenance.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should start with a vehicle history report, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection so you can confirm the condition of the drivetrain, brakes, tires, and interior wear. Because this model is often bought as a family hauler, it is especially worth checking for signs of heavy use in the second and third rows, cargo area, and cabin controls.

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-adjustable driver’s seat, stain-resistant upholstery, remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and second-row climate controls. The Limited and Touring add more comfort and convenience, so the Standard is the most stripped-down choice.
• 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 tuned for everyday driving, with comfort-focused ride manners and enough strength for highway merging and passing.
• Safety package: EyeSight is the standard 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 headlights that bend with steering angle are also included, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional.
• Infotainment: The Ascent’s StarLink system uses logical menus and large icons, and both available touchscreens are supported by hard buttons and dials. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and available upgrades include 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, 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 starting point if you want the Ascent’s core strengths without stretching your budget. 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 path. The 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, remote start, stain-resistant upholstery, and second-row climate controls make it a smarter family choice than the Standard.
• Limited: This trim adds more comfort and convenience, including push-button start, a larger driver’s seat adjustment range, a power front passenger seat, third-row USB ports, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. It makes sense if you want a more upscale daily driver.
• Touring: This is the most luxurious version, with second-row captain’s chairs, ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo. It is the right pick if you want the most features and do not mind paying for them.

EyeSight is standard across the lineup, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert remain optional.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it makes sense to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 38.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,841 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.42% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 80.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,159, 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 $21,159 sits slightly below last year's $24,159.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can help you as a buyer today but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy at the right price and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you can reduce the impact of that depreciation.

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.

EyeSight is the standard 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, the Ascent also gains standard automatic high beams and headlights that bend with steering angle.

Optional safety features include reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The main caveat is that some of those helpful features are not standard, so you will want to confirm equipment on any used listing.

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:

• 38.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.42% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds newly standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $19,167, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $21,159 average.
• It offers extra room, standard all-wheel drive, and standard advanced safety features.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,605, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,159 average.
• It adds an Onyx Edition with blacked-out exterior trim and water-resistant upholstery.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the best all-around choice if you want the strongest mix of value, safety, and standard equipment. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the better price-first alternative, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer special-edition content 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-focused practicality, while the Pilot counters with a roomier-feeling cabin and easier-to-use technology. If you value standard traction and a more distinctive Subaru ownership proposition, the Ascent is the stronger pick; if you want a more conventional three-row SUV with a stylish design, the Pilot may fit better.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.