2021 Subaru Ascent

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$32,295

starting MSRP

2021 Subaru Ascent
2021 Subaru Ascent

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

23

Combined MPG

8

Seating capacity

196.8” x 71.6”

Dimensions

All-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

The good:

  • Easy access to third row
  • Captain's chairs offered on lower trims
  • Classy cabin materials
  • Up to 19 cupholders and multiple USB ports

The bad:

  • Rivals have more space inside
  • Cramped third row
  • Limited cargo room behind third row
  • Engine power on highway

6 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2021 Subaru Ascent trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2023

Notable features

  • More standard safety features for 2021
  • Three-row SUV with seating for seven or eight
  • 260-hp, turbo four-cylinder standard
  • All-wheel drive standard
  • Rearview camera mirror available
  • Tows up to 5,000 pounds

2021 Subaru Ascent review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent?

The Ascent is Subaru’s largest vehicle and an indirect replacement for the automaker’s previous three-row SUV, the unloved Tribeca. The Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 260-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that works with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Pitched against popular three-row SUVs like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, the Ascent can seat seven or eight depending on the second row’s seating configuration.

What’s New on the 2021 Subaru Ascent?

New standard safety features include advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering steering and lane-keeping assist, adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assist and a seat belt reminder for the second and third rows.     

What Features in the 2021 Subaru Ascent Are Most Important?

Standard features include: 

  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Tri-zone automatic air conditioning
  • 4 USB ports
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • 18-inch aluminum wheels

Available features include:  

  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Rear automatic braking
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Power liftgate
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Heated front seats
  • Leather upholstery
  • 8-inch multimedia screen
  • Keyless access with push-button start
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Navigation
  • 20-inch wheels 

Should I Buy the 2021 Subaru Ascent?

The Subaru Ascent is worth a look if you’re in the market for a comfortable and capable SUV with three rows of seats. Granted, the third-row seat doesn’t have the legroom and space provided by some rivals, and while the 260-hp, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder offers decent pep, it can get noisy and feel taxed when passing at highway speeds.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.8
  • Interior design 4.8
  • Performance 4.7
  • Value for the money 4.7
  • Exterior styling 4.6
  • Reliability 4.7

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

By far the best Sub I’ve ever owned

7th Subaru for this Alaskan. This is the best I’ve ever had. Bought the Touring edition, new, & still blown away by the rig. Tested out with a cross country camping trip & comfort, adaptability, utilities, dependability - all a 5. Took a tent, but not even needed, w/firm foam to create a level, comfy bed area. Now I get why my cousin tried to replace his Ascent Touring with a Lincoln Navigator. Ended up selling the Nav to go back to an Ascent Touring. The first Sub I’ve had that Dad proclaimed ‘comfortable’ and ‘perfect’. I chose the Captains chairs for the 2nd seat, and passengers have loved the comfort & their view, as well as their controls, drink holders, etc. I love the options to simply control everything. Almost killed by a drunk driver long ago, I keep a very close eye on everything around me. Visibility in this rig is mind blowing. And that’s on top of all the cameras that monitor what’s happening. Safety features are perfect. Like listening to music, radio, podcasts? Sound in the Touring edition is heavenly. Very, very impressed with this rig.

4.0

Enough With The Electronics Already

Great car but excessive tones/beeps/alarms/etc. Jolting. You think something is wrong with the car. Especially the seat belt one—SCREAMS at you. Creates stupid drivers who rely on all these warnings.

5.0

21 accent

We bought a new Subaru legacy in 22. Love this car. Had a Lincoln and had nothing but trouble with it so I sold it and bought a 21 accent. In my mind I took a step down at first. The more I drove the accent the more I don’t miss the Lincoln. The only issue I have had is a drivers window that will sometimes kicks back when closing. The drivers seat will squeak at times also. But I’m sure the dealer will fix it. Overall a very nice car.

See all 35 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Subaru
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 years/80,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
Coverage available for purchase
Powertrain
7 years/100,000
Dealer certification required
152-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

Compare the competitors

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