The Subaru Ascent is Subaru’s largest and most family-friendly SUV, introduced to the market in 2019. As a three-row mid-size SUV, the Ascent has been designed with families and adventure enthusiasts in mind.
It combines Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with modern safety features and ample space, making it a competitive option in the highly sought-after family SUV market.
Whether you need a vehicle to handle rough terrains, snowy winters, or daily school commutes, the Subaru Ascent aims to deliver versatility and reliability for drivers and their passengers.
Positioned as Subaru’s answer to competitors like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer, the Ascent has carved out a niche with its standard all-wheel-drive system and strong safety ratings.
With seating for up to eight passengers, it’s ideal for larger families or those who frequently carpool. Its towing capacity and outdoor-oriented design also make it a great fit for families who enjoy weekend getaways, road trips, and outdoor activities.
However, no vehicle is perfect, and the Subaru Ascent has its limitations. Some drivers may find the engine performance underwhelming or the fuel efficiency lacking when compared to hybrid or more powerful SUVs in the same segment.
Additionally, while it offers a spacious interior, some critiques are directed at the cramped third-row seating. Like all vehicles, the Ascent strikes a balance between benefits and drawbacks, and understanding both is key to determining if it’s the right SUV for your needs.
In this article, we will examine 13 pros and 9 cons of the Subaru Ascent, providing a detailed look at the vehicle’s strengths and areas for improvement. This guide aims to help prospective buyers make an informed decision by covering key aspects such as performance, comfort, safety, and overall value.
Pros Of Subaru Ascent
1. Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Across All Trims
One of the biggest selling points of the Subaru Ascent is its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which comes on all trim levels. This is a significant advantage for drivers in regions that experience snow, rain, or off-road conditions. Unlike many competitors where AWD is an optional feature or reserved for higher trims, Subaru includes it as a standard, enhancing the vehicle’s traction and stability. This system is ideal for families who need extra peace of mind in slippery conditions, making it a great choice for all-weather driving.
2. Spacious Interior With Three Rows Of Seating
The Ascent offers a spacious cabin with three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers in total. This makes it a practical option for large families or those who frequently need to transport more than five passengers. The first two rows offer ample space, with comfortable seating even for taller adults. Families with children will appreciate the versatile seating arrangement, with the option to choose captain’s chairs for the second row in higher trims, which makes accessing the third row easier.
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3. Strong Safety Ratings
Subaru is known for its commitment to safety, and the Ascent has not disappointed in this regard. It consistently earns high marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Subaru Ascent has received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. With its robust safety structure, the Ascent is designed to protect its occupants in the event of a collision, giving families extra peace of mind on the road.
4. Standard EyeSight Driver Assistance Technology
The Subaru Ascent comes equipped with the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as a standard feature across all trims. This includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pre-collision braking, and lane-keeping assist. These technologies work together to reduce the likelihood of accidents and enhance the overall driving experience. The inclusion of these advanced safety features as standard, rather than as expensive add-ons, sets the Ascent apart from many of its competitors in the same price range.
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5. Impressive Towing Capacity
For an SUV in its class, the Subaru Ascent offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This makes it a strong choice for families who need to tow trailers, boats, or campers for weekend adventures. The all-wheel-drive system and high ground clearance further support its towing abilities, ensuring that the Ascent can handle various terrains and loads with ease.
6. Comfortable And Smooth Ride
Despite its size, the Subaru Ascent provides a smooth and comfortable ride. Thanks to its well-tuned suspension system, the vehicle absorbs bumps and road imperfections, making for a pleasant driving experience, even on longer trips. The quiet cabin further enhances ride comfort, minimizing noise from the road or engine. This makes the Ascent an excellent choice for daily commuting, road trips, and family vacations where comfort is a priority.
7. Plenty Of Cargo Space
In addition to accommodating up to eight passengers, the Ascent offers a large cargo area. With all seats in place, it provides 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space. However, when you fold down the second and third rows, the cargo space expands to a generous 86.5 cubic feet, allowing for plenty of room to transport luggage, groceries, sports equipment, or camping gear. This versatility makes the Ascent well-suited for families with active lifestyles.
Read Also: 23 Pros And Cons Of Subaru Outback
8. High-Quality Interior Materials
The interior of the Subaru Ascent is crafted with high-quality materials that give the cabin a premium feel. Soft-touch surfaces, well-designed controls, and optional leather upholstery in higher trims make the vehicle comfortable and attractive. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with controls that are easy to reach and use, contributing to a more enjoyable driving experience. This attention to detail makes the Ascent stand out in a crowded mid-size SUV market.
9. User-Friendly Infotainment System
The Ascent features Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, which is highly praised for its simplicity and ease of use. The base system includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like satellite radio, multiple USB ports, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system is responsive, and its user-friendly interface makes it easy for drivers to navigate apps and settings.
10. Great Visibility For The Driver
One of the benefits of driving an SUV like the Subaru Ascent is the excellent visibility it provides. Thanks to large windows and a high seating position, drivers can enjoy a clear view of the road ahead and the surroundings. The Ascent also comes with a rearview camera as standard and offers an available 360-degree camera system on higher trims, further enhancing visibility when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces.
11. Respectable Fuel Economy For Its Class
While SUVs are not typically known for fuel efficiency, the Subaru Ascent offers respectable fuel economy for a vehicle of its size and capability. It is rated at 21 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This balance of performance and efficiency makes the Ascent a reasonable choice for families who want an SUV with power but don’t want to sacrifice fuel economy entirely.
12. Standard Roof Rails
Subaru’s outdoor-friendly design philosophy is evident in the Ascent’s standard roof rails. These roof rails make it easy to carry additional gear, such as bikes, kayaks, or cargo boxes, for family vacations and adventures. The availability of roof rails as a standard feature across all trims is a notable advantage for active families who require extra storage for their outdoor activities.
13. Subaru’s Strong Resale Value
Subaru vehicles are known for their strong resale value, and the Ascent is no exception. Thanks to its reliability, safety ratings, and overall quality, the Ascent tends to hold its value better than many competitors in the mid-size SUV segment. This makes the Ascent a good investment for buyers who want a vehicle that retains its worth over time, whether they plan to sell it in the future or trade it in for a newer model.
Cons Of Subaru Ascent
1. Turbocharged Engine May Lack Power For Some Drivers
The Subaru Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 260 horsepower. While this is sufficient for most driving situations, some drivers may find it lacks the punch and responsiveness of a V6 engine, especially when fully loaded or towing a trailer. The engine’s turbocharged nature means there can be a slight lag in acceleration, which may frustrate drivers who prefer quicker throttle response.
2. CVT Transmission Isn’t As Engaging As Traditional Automatics
The Subaru Ascent comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps improve fuel efficiency but can feel less engaging to drive compared to traditional automatic transmissions. Some drivers may find the CVT’s droning noise under acceleration or its less-defined shift points to be annoying, especially during spirited driving. This lack of engagement can detract from the overall driving experience for those who prioritize performance.
3. Tight Third-Row Seating
While the Ascent offers three rows of seating, the third row can feel cramped for adult passengers, especially on longer trips. The legroom is limited, making it more suitable for children or shorter rides. Families who frequently need to use all three rows may find that competitors offer more spacious third-row accommodations.
4. Limited Engine Options
Unlike some competitors that offer a variety of engine options, including more powerful V6 engines or hybrid alternatives, the Subaru Ascent only comes with one engine option: the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. While this engine is sufficient for most needs, it may not appeal to drivers who prefer more power or who are looking for hybrid fuel efficiency.
5. Decline In Fuel Economy When Towing
While the Subaru Ascent has an impressive towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, its fuel efficiency can drop significantly when towing. Drivers who frequently haul heavy loads may find that the Ascent’s fuel economy decreases, leading to higher fuel costs over time. This could be a drawback for families who plan to use the SUV for towing regularly.
6. Rear Cargo Space Is Limited With All Seats In Use
When all three rows of seats are in use, the Subaru Ascent offers only 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which is less than some competitors. This can be limiting for families who need to transport both passengers and luggage at the same time. While the cargo space expands significantly with the seats folded, the available space with all seats up may not be enough for larger families or those with significant cargo needs.
7. Higher Trims Can Get Expensive
While the base model of the Subaru Ascent is competitively priced, the cost increases significantly as you move up to higher trims. Premium features like leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, or advanced infotainment systems can drive the price above that of some competitors. Buyers looking for these premium features may find themselves paying a premium compared to other options in the segment.
8. Conservative Exterior Styling
While the Subaru Ascent is functional and attractive, its exterior styling is more conservative compared to some competitors. For drivers who prioritize a bold or sporty appearance, the Ascent’s design may not stand out as much as other vehicles in its class. While some may appreciate the understated look, others may prefer a more aggressive or distinctive exterior.
9. Limited Premium Features Compared To Some Competitors
While the Ascent offers a solid set of features, some competitors in the mid-size SUV market provide more luxury-oriented options, such as massaging seats, premium sound systems, or hybrid powertrains. For buyers seeking a more upscale experience, the Ascent may feel a bit lacking in comparison to more feature-rich alternatives.
Conclusion
The Subaru Ascent is a well-rounded and family-friendly SUV that excels in several key areas. Its 13 pros, including standard all-wheel drive, strong safety ratings, and a spacious interior, make it a compelling option for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. The Ascent offers great value, with its smooth ride, advanced safety features, and versatile cargo space making it an attractive choice for daily commutes, road trips, and outdoor activities.
However, it’s important to consider the 9 cons, such as the lack of engine options, tight third-row seating, and the CVT transmission, which may not appeal to everyone. While the Ascent is a capable and reliable SUV, some buyers may find that competitors offer more engaging performance or additional premium features.
Overall, the Subaru Ascent delivers a solid combination of practicality, comfort, and safety. By carefully weighing the pros and cons outlined in this article, prospective buyers can make an informed decision about whether the Subaru Ascent is the right SUV for their needs. For those seeking a reliable, safe, and versatile vehicle, the Ascent is a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market.