2021 Subaru Ascent Reviews, Pricing & Specs

When it was introduced for the 2019 model year, the Ascent seemed like a long-overdue addition to the Subaru lineup. Three-row SUVs have dominated for the past decade, so a vehicle like this was a glaring hole in the Subaru lineup. Subaru attempted a three-row model before, in the form of the Tribeca, but it was a half-measure and was universally panned. A horrendous front-end design did damage that no mid-cycle refresh could repair. Perhaps it was a smart move by Subaru to put a bit of distance from the Tribeca before another foray into the segment.

The Ascent looks exactly like what one might imagine a three-row Subaru SUV would look like before ever seeing it. It has elements of the smaller Forester crossover SUV and the Outback wagon, but scaled up into a three-row midsize SUV. The cabin is the same story, as the dash design could be interchangeable with other Subaru models. That's probably how Subaru wants it. The automaker likely wants shoppers to make the connection between the Ascent and its other popular models.

Trims for the Ascent are Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring. 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.

Moving up to the Premium trim upgrades the touchscreen to an 8-inch unit. The Premium also adds 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 range-topping Touring trim provides all this plus second-row captain's chairs (a no-cost option on the Limited), ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

No matter which trim you select, the Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine. It makes 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Though some shoppers might prefer the idea of having a premium engine option, this standard engine gets the job done in most driving scenarios. It is most effective getting around town, but will hold its own when getting up to highway speeds or making a passing maneuver.

The Ascent’s ride is focused on refined comfort. It is no sports car, but it is responsive through corners and will soak up bumps in the road. This is key in the inclement regions where Subarus are often popular choices. The Ascent features 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is more than some conventional SUVs. Along with the standard all-wheel drive and Subaru’s X-Mode system, the Ascent is a brute in the snow and can handle some light off-roading. Think, “getting to the ski mountain or remote campsite" not "tackling the Rubicon Trail."

The Ascent is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds and includes a standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The Ascent provides 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. Dropping the third row brings cargo capacity to 47.5 cubic feet. With all rear seats folded down, the Ascent provides up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space. That figure is on the higher end of the midsize three-row SUV class, but some rivals offer more. The Volkswagen Atlas delivers up to 96.8 cubic feet, for example, and the Chevrolet Traverse offers up to 98.2 cubic feet.

The Ascent comes standard with a power liftgate, but there is no option for a hands-free power liftgate. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it is becoming an increasingly popular option in the segment.

In base configuration, the Ascent provides seating for up to eight passengers. Opting for the second-row captain's chairs brings seating capacity to seven. The first two rows are incredibly spacious, providing plenty of headroom and legroom. The third row can accommodate adults for shorter trips, but is better suited for kids on longer hauls. The Ascent provides an impressive 19 cupholders spread across all three rows. There are plenty of trays and cubbies for gear everywhere as well.

Subaru's StarLink infotainment system boasts logical menu layouts and large, easy-to-read icons for both of the Ascent's available touchscreens. Both screens are also backed by hard buttons and dials, as well as a home button to get you out of any menu. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as well.

The Ascent comes standard with two front USB ports, two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available tech features include third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The Ascent is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2021 Top Safety Pick+. This is due to its crash test results, as well as Subaru’s comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, called EyeSight. This includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. EyeSight also has a helpful feature that lets you know if the vehicle in front of you has pulled away when stopped in traffic or at a stoplight. For the 2021 model year, the Ascent gains standard automatic high beams, as well as headlights that bend with the steering angle.

The Ascent is also available with a number of optional safety features, such as reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Standard and Premium trims are 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. Selecting the Limited or Touring trims drops fuel economy to 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.

Base MSRP for the 2021 Subaru Ascent is $32,295 for a Standard trim. The Premium trim starts at $34,795. The Limited trim starts at $39,595, while the range-topping Touring starts at $45,445.

This pricing is in line with some of the most popular options in the segment, such as the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Honda Palisade, and Volkswagen Atlas. The pricing also undercuts the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, and Dodge Durango.

This segment has become somewhat diversified, with some entrants offering upscale styling and amenities, and others providing a sportier nature than you’d expect in a midsize SUV. The Ascent is ideally positioned for newcomers to the segment who are moving to it because they need the space and features, without blowing out budgets. These same attributes make the Ascent attractive to Subaru loyalists who need to move up to a three-row vehicle. The combination of versatility, capability, and a long list of standard features all make the Ascent an attractive option for an ever-growing range of midsize SUV shoppers.