As the newest model in the manufacturer’s lineup, the midsize Ascent joined the Subaru family for the 2019 model year. It is the largest Subaru ever developed, and fills the void of a three-row SUV that Subaru has been missing since the Tribeca was discontinued in 2014.
The 2021 Subaru Ascent provides seating for up to eight passengers— this number shrinks to seven if you opt for second-row captain’s chairs. Compared to the Outback and Forester, which only seat five, the Ascent is the premier choice for those with large families who need the extra space.
Unlimited Cargo Capacity
The Ascent provides up to 153.5 cubic feet of total passenger volume, which is more than 40 cubic feet more than the Forester—Subaru’s next largest vehicle. This certainly results in a lot of extra room for passengers to stretch out and get comfortable.
Second row passengers will enjoy 38.6” of legroom and a spacious 57.5” of hip room due to the Ascent’s wide chassis. Unlike many other SUVs in the segment, third row passengers won’t have to sit cross-legged either with an adequate 31.7 inches of legroom and 45.9 inches of hip room.
The Ascent’s spacious cabin also lends itself to a massive 86.5” of cargo space behind the first row. That’s 13.4 inches more than the Forester, which means more room for your cooler, sleeping bags and camping gear when you seek out your next great outdoor adventure. An available power rear liftgate will make loading items even easier. If you are traveling with five passengers or less and don’t need the extra seating space, the third-row seats can fold down and still accommodate 47.6” of cargo space as well.
Off-Road Capability and Inspired Performance
The Ascent comes standard with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which inspires confidence in unpredictable weather and challenging terrain. Uneven ground, rocks or tree roots won’t keep you from reaching your campsite thanks to the Ascent’s impressive 8.7” of ground clearance.
Powered by a turbocharged 2.4L Boxer four-cylinder engine that yields 260 hp and a hefty 277 lb-ft of torque, the Ascent certainly isn’t lacking for power. Unlike turbocharged engines from competing manufacturers, the Ascent’s impressive performance doesn’t come at the expense of fuel economy either. Paired with the smooth and efficient CVT transmission, the Ascent delivers up to 27-mpg highway and over 500 miles of driving range on a single tank of fuel.
Interior and Safety Technology
Inside, an available 54” panoramic moonroof brings in fresh air and makes the cabin of the Ascent feel even more open and spacious. Supple leather-trimmed seating is standard on the Limited and Touring trims and looks striking in Java Brown. These models also feature heated front and second row seats, a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats (Touring only). Starlink Multimedia is also included standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a 14-speaker 792-watt Harmon Kardon premium audio system is also available.
Standard Subaru EyeSight on the Ascent helps limit distracted driving by sending alerts when the driver’s vision isn’t focused on the road ahead. In addition, it also integrates Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and all-new Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering. Subaru has long been regarded as a pioneer in safety advancements, and EyeSight has already been found to reduce the rate of rear end crashes with injuries by 85 percent.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2021 Subaru Ascent is available in four trim levels and accompanying starting MSRP: Base ($32,295), Premium ($34,795), Limited ($39,595) and Touring ($44,445). These figures do not include any additional options or Subaru’s $1050 destination and delivery charge.
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