2021 Subaru Ascent: Review, Trims, Specs, Price, New Interior Features, Exterior Design, and Specifications

$32,295 - $45,445

Price Range (MSRP)

2021 Subaru Ascent For Sale

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2021 Subaru Ascent Review: Modest Family Cruiser

by Aiden Eksteen

It may not be the most suave or eye-catching sport-utility vehicle and its performance is far from stimulating, but the 2021 Subaru Ascent wasn't designed to turn heads or to excite. The midsize semi-luxurious crossover SUV is a modest and uncomplicated family cruiser that offers a plush ride, plenty of modern driver-assist systems, creature comforts, and conveniences, and versatile seating for up to eight people. The Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade are the Ascent SUV's most direct competitors and some of the best cars in the classification. That sets a really high bar for the Ascent, which its uncouth engine, plain styling, and relatively cramped third-row seats keep it from effectively reaching. Nevertheless, the Ascent's standard Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system facilitates some impressive off-roading capability and sets it apart in the broad segment.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent draws power from a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4 BOXER engine that's been dialed to deliver 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

Read in this review:

Exterior Design 7 /10
Performance 7 /10
Fuel Economy 7 /10
Interior & Cargo 9 /10
Infotainment & Features 9 /10
Reliability 9 /10
Safety 9 /10
Value For Money 8 /10

8.1

What is BuzzScore?

2021 Subaru Ascent Changes: What’s The Difference vs The 2020 Subaru Ascent?

Subaru tends to build its volume products on a six-year product cycle with a significant refresh taking place after the third year. The 2021 model is the third year this car will be produced, but it still gets a few notable changes. Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-keep assist is now added to the EyeSight driver-assist suite, and steering responsive LED headlights are now standard across all trim levels, as well as second and third-row seatbelt reminders. A new leather option has been added for Touring models: Slate Black with silver stitching.

Pros and Cons

Remarkably comfortable ride quality
Comes standard with all-wheel drive
Comprehensive and user-friendly infotainment
Plenty of tech and features on all trims
Multitude of seating configurations

Lackluster, loud, and unrefined engine
3rd-row seats are relatively cramped
Uninspired exterior design

Best Deals on 2021 Subaru Ascent

2021 Subaru Ascent Limited

$36,995

31,346 miles

Fair Deal

$1,700 above

2021 Subaru Ascent Limited

$41,998

34,401 miles

2021 Subaru Ascent Limited

$32,991

39,724 miles

2021 Subaru Ascent Limited

$28,839

91,665 miles

See All Ascent For Sale

2021 Subaru Ascent Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain	Price (MSRP)
Base	2.4L Turbo Flat 4 Gas	Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)	All-Wheel Drive	$32,295
Premium	2.4L Turbo Flat 4 Gas	Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)	All-Wheel Drive	$34,795
Limited	2.4L Turbo Flat 4 Gas	Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)	All-Wheel Drive	$39,595
Touring	2.4L Turbo Flat 4 Gas	Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)	All-Wheel Drive	$45,445

See All 2021 Subaru Ascent Trims and Specs

2021 Ascent Exterior

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Dimensions

Length 196.8 in
Wheelbase 113.8 in
Height 71.6 in
Max Width 76.0 in
Front Width 64.4 in
Rear Width 64.2 in
Curb Weight 4,430.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

Crystal Black Silica
Ice Silver Metallic
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Crystal White Pearl
Abyss Blue Pearl
Brilliant Bronze Metallic
Cinnamon Brown Pearl
Crimson Red Pearl

2021 Ascent Performance

Engine and Transmission

Engine

2.4L Turbo Flat 4 Gas
Transmission

Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
Drivetrain

AWD

2021 Ascent Interior

See All 2021 Subaru Ascent Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

Seating capacity

8-seater

Front Leg Room 42.2 in
Front Head Room 41.3 in
Rear Leg Room 38.6 in
Rear Head Room 40.0 in

2021 Ascent Trunk and Cargo Space

2021 Ascent Safety and Reliability

Warranty

Basic:
3 Years \ 36,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
5 Years \ 60,000 Miles
Corrosion:
5 Years \ Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance:
3 Years \ 36,000 Miles

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Overall Rating
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Side Crash Rating
Rollover Rating

Verdict: Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent A Good SUV?

If you're not too concerned about looks and/or exciting performance and handling and just want a vehicle that will get you and your family from point A to point B comfortably and safely, then the 2021 Ascent is certainly a feasible option for you. Its comprehensive and user-friendly infotainment system, featureful cabin, 4-door layout, various seating configurations, and large trunk make it ideal as a daily runabout and vacation partner. With its decent ground clearance, standard AWD system, and X-Mode setup, the Ascent will also allow for some adventurous off-road excursions. Equip it with the right gear, and you also get a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. These qualities, along with a favourable review of the 2021 Subaru Ascent from the USA's main safety rating authorities, support the Ascent's family-friendly nature.

Unfortunately, the price of the 2021 Subaru Ascent SUV, starting at $32,295, puts it directly alongside the segment-leading Kia Telluride, which is just a phenomenal vehicle all-round. Even so, the first-gen Ascent is still well worth considering for its comprehensive driver assists and safety consignment and good reliability standing.

What Subaru Ascent Model Should I Buy?

With the entire lineup making use of the same powertrain, choosing the right Ascent for you will purely come down to what features you want. The entry-level trim does come with a good selection of desirable features, but we feel aiming one notch up for the Premium trim is certainly worthwhile. For only a little more than the base trim, the Premium brings in the eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, which improves both usability of the system and the visual impression of the cabin. It also gets an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Unlike with the Base, the Premium's second-row bench can also be swapped out for captain's chairs, something to consider if you don't need seating for eight.