4 New Cars And SUVs To Avoid - Why Subaru Ascent Is Not On The List
The Subaru Ascent has had its share of negative press, but it's improving since its launch in 2019. Consumer Reports (by subscription) had it on its ten least reliable cars list last year.
For the 2021 model year vehicles to avoid buying, CR has the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta (small car), 2021 Ford Escape (small SUV), 2021 Honda Passport (midsize 2-Row SUV), and 2021 Ford Explorer (3-Row SUV).
Photo credit: Competition Subaru
How is the 2021 Subaru Ascent ranked?
In Consumer Reports testing, in the midsize 3-Row SUV segment, the 2021 Ford Explorer gets an overall score of 42 to take the popular midsized 3-Row SUV to avoid designation. The 2021 Subaru Ascent gets an overall score of 60 due to its transmission issues in 2019 models, the first production year. The 2021 Ascent ranks number 16 of 26 in its segment, the middle of the pack.
Should you buy the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
In more recent scoring, the 2021 Ascent improved and was picked as Consumer Reports 10 Best SUVs under $40,000 along with the smaller 2-Row Subaru Outback. Consumer Reports scores the Ascent higher than the Lexus UX, Lexus NX, Ford Edge, and Audi Q3.
Photo credit: Competition Subaru
Four advantages the Ascent has over other 3-Row SUVs
1. The Ascent family hauler has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with as much power (260 horsepower) as the 3-Row competitor's V6 powerplants. Fuel mileage comes in at 21/27 city/highway mpg and 23 combined.
2. The 2021 Ascent also has a superior safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS gives the 2021 Ascent a Top Safety Pick Plus award, better than 2020 models because of its improved headlights.
3. An overlooked advantage the Ascent has over other SUVs is its ground clearance (8.7-inches). It's best-in-class among 3-Row SUVs.
4. All trims come standard with all-drive, and it features X-Mode for improved all-weather performance in mud, snow, and more severe conditions.
What is the price of the 2021 Ascent?
The 2021 Subaru Ascent base starts at $33,345, and Premium trims begin at $35,845. The upper Limited starts at just over $40,000, with a starting price of $40,645. The top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $46,495.
The Ascent is built in America at the Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Consumer Reports says it's one of the 10 Best SUVs under $40,000, and there are four advantages the 2021 Subaru Ascent has over other 3-Row SUVs.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Competition Subaru
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