2021 Subaru Ascent review
Subaru Ascent highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Standard driver-assistance tech
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Versatile seating configuration
Cons
- Limited trunk space
- Not enough head- and legroom in the third row
- Underwhelming engine power
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 26 highway, 22 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $29,998*
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Plenty of space and standard features.
Are you looking for a vehicle that can shuttle your family and friends around in all weather? If so, the 2021 Subaru Ascent is a good choice. This midsized SUV comes with seating for seven to eight people, as well as a host of standard features that will help you get where you're going. Those include standard all-wheel drive and driver-assist features, such as steering-responsive LED headlights that illuminate your path even as you're turning. While we currently do not have many 2021 Subaru Ascents on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2021 model, you should also consider prior model years of the Subaru Ascent with similar features.
All Subaru Ascent years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru Ascent generation from 2019 to 2026
What is new for the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
- Power Folding Third Row features are now available as options on select trims.
2021 Subaru Ascent trims
Curious how Subaru Ascent trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesBase:
- 260-hp, 277-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
- Overhead Airbags
- Cruise Control
- Rear View Camera
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Defroster
- Third Row Seat
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Power Mirrors
- View our Subaru Ascent inventory
Premium:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Power Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Rear Air Conditioning
- View our Subaru Ascent Premium inventory
Limited:
- Includes all features available on the Premium
- Smart Key
- Rear Sunshade
- Memory Seats
- Leather Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- View our Subaru Ascent Limited inventory
Touring:
- Includes all features available on the Limited
- Quad Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- A/C Seats
- Sunroofs
- Android Auto
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Navigation System
- View our Subaru Ascent Touring inventory
Subaru Ascent photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Subaru Ascent
1. Room for everyone
The Subaru Ascent comes with seating for eight people, so you can bring your whole crew. If you're traveling with older kids or teens you might appreciate the option for bucket seats in the second row, to give everyone a bit more space and easy access to the third row. But, if you need to prioritize the number of passengers, the standard bench seats in the second and third row will do just fine.
2. Features for large groups
With the Subaru Ascent, travelling with your crew goes beyond just the number of seatbelts. The Ascent comes standard with 19 cup holders, so your passengers won't be searching for their drinks in the footwell. The back of the Ascent is big enough to fit a stroller or sports gear, even when the third row is in use, making it practical for both errands and leisure trips. If you find yourself in need of more space, standard under-floor storage in the cargo area can provide a bit of extra storage room.
3. Standard all-wheel-drive
If you live in a colder climate or regularly find yourself on dirt roads, having all-wheel drive is essential. A capable vehicle provides peace of mind but it also allows you to go off the beaten path, which is handy if you love the great outdoors. Standard all-wheel drive will ensure that you can get where you want to go, year-round.
4. Driver-assist features
The 2021 Subaru Ascent comes with lots of features to help you reach your destination. The car comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. The suite of assistance features includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane centering. Together, they go a long way toward helping you feel comfortable on the road.
5. Tech-ready
If you and your passengers like to stay connected, the Subaru Ascent can make that possible. All trim levels of the 2021 Ascent come standard with USB-ports in the first and second row, while the Touring and Limited trims also offer ports in the third row. Every trim except the base trim comes with 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability to keep you connected to the internet even while you're traveling.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Subaru Ascent, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Chevrolet Traverse is a midsize SUV with a high cargo capacity and plenty of standard tech features. It handles smoothly and offers a quiet and pleasant ride. Models from 2017–2021 have 23 cu-ft of cargo space behind the third row, which opens up to 57.8 cu-ft with the third row folded for a total of 98.2 cu-ft of total interior volume.
Standard features on the Chevrolet Traverse model years 2017–2021 include:
Chevrolet MyLink interface
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
Seven-inch touchscreen
60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat
A comfortable interior with nice materials and abundant cargo space are among the strongest suits of the Honda Pilot. Model years 2017–2021 are fitted with various standard driver-assistance features and an easy-to-use infotainment system. You can seat up to eight people thanks to the third-row seat, which means you can bring your whole crew along for the ride in models from 2017. Here are some of the standard features you'll find on all 2017–2021 Honda Pilots:
Five-inch touchscreen
Bluetooth connectivity
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
The 2017-2020 Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV that comes standard with seating for seven, with a second-row bench and two seats in the third row. The 2017-2020 Pathfinder comes standard with a 284-hp 3.5L V6 engine. With that engine, the 2017 Pathfinder can tow an estimated 6,000 lbs when properly equipped, so it's a great SUV if you regularly tow campers or boats.
With 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, the 2017 Pathfinder offers plenty of storage.Here's what you'll find on the 2017-2020 Nissan Pathfinder:
Eight-inch touchscreen
Push-button start
Available panoramic moonroof
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Ratings & reliability
Subaru Ascent features and specs
Curious how Subaru Ascent trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Base 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Full Roof Rack
- Rear Sunshade
- Remote Start
- Rockford Fosgate Sound
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
260
Torque (ft-lbs)
277
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
19.3
Wheelbase
113.8"
Overall length
196.8"
Width
76"
Height
71.6"
Leg room
F 42.2"/M 38.6"/R 31.7"
Head room
F 41.3"/M 40"/R 36.3"
Front tires
P245/60HR18
Rear tires
P245/60HR18
Seating capacity
8
Max towing capacity
200/2000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Subaru Ascent FAQ
The 2021 Subaru Ascent is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- Touring: 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Limited: 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Premium: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
The 2021 Subaru Ascent has received an average 4.3 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Subaru Ascent, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Subaru Ascent Reviews.
The 2021 Subaru Ascent has a maximum towing capacity of between 2000 and 5000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Subaru Ascent:
- Heated Mirrors
- Power Folding Third Row
More about the 2021 Subaru Ascent
Color options
Exterior colors:
Abyss Blue Pearl
Brilliant Bronze Metallic
Cinnamon Brown Pearl
Crimson Red Pearl
Crystal Black Silica
Crystal White Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Interior details
17.8 cu-ft of cargo space behind the third row; 47.5 cu-ft behind the second row; 86.5 cu-ft behind the first row; standard under-floor storage.
Standard seating for 8; seating for 7 with optional bucket seats in the second row.
Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; USB ports; 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability available on all except the base trim
19 cup holders standard; stain-resistant cloth upholstery on Premium trim; leather upholstery on Limited and Touring trims.
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2021 Subaru Ascent received an overall 5/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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