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2021 Subaru Ascent, pricing, features, specs
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By Denis Flierl Feb 7 2021 - 11:30am

4 New Cars And SUVs To Avoid - Why Subaru Ascent Is Not On The List

A new report reveals what cars and SUVs you should avoid buying. See where the 2021 Subaru Ascent ranks and why it's not on the list.
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Ascent front
Ascent rear
Ascent cabin
Ascent SUV

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).

2021 Subaru Ascent, pricing, features, specs
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.

2021 Subaru Ascent, pricing, features, specs
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.

You Might Also Like: New Subaru Ascent Family Hauler 3 Year Report Card - Are The Problems Fixed?

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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Comments

Jerry G Ryan wrote on February 8, 2021 - 7:19pm
Subaru's are junk. I drove my '19 Passport home from skiing in a snow storm recently. All Subaru's, Audi's, Volvo's, you name it, were in my rearview mirror. The Passport was phenomenal in the snow, and I'm talkin' at decent speeds while all the others were creeping along in the right lane. I've come to realize CR doesn't have a real world clue when it comes to vehicles.
Subiedoo wrote on February 9, 2021 - 9:47am
Well i guees it all depend what kind of driver are you? No? As ive seen Pilot struggle to get out from parking spot after the storm we had a week ago in NYC. While i picked spots with most snow and spend no extra seconds getting in and getting out with my Ascent. And so called xdrive (fake AWD as i call them )X5 kind of did a terreble job getting out from my spot where i spend no time. Bad driver? Could be. But ill tell you what, absolutely nothing beats Subaru's AWD.
PS Doff wrote on February 13, 2021 - 2:59pm
I agree with most of your points. There are limits to the Subaru Ascent's full time-symmetrical AWD. The transmission moves the wheels. Tires move and stop the car. If ground clearance isn't a factor, my cheap 2008 Honda Element with its part-time AWD with snow tires, can consistently get up steep snow and ice-covered highway grades faster than a Subaru with all-season tires. Given similar snow tires the Subaru would beat my Element. PS As a DIY owner-mechanic, I've liked everything about Subarus except the oil leaks, turbo engines and CVTs. With the leaks tamed, they're on my short list for replacing my 13 year-old orphan when it becomes necessary. After everyone has converted to electric, I'm hoping that they will be higher an my list
PS Doff wrote on February 13, 2021 - 2:40pm
When operating in snow, tires are more important than what they are installed upon. and the driver's experience and skill trumps both of those. Too many people believe that 4WD or AWD makes winter tires unnecessary and that their skill on dry roads directly translates to winter driving skill. A good driver can partially compensate for poor tires by driving slower and mire carefully. A poor one will pass all the other cars, because like speeding, his vehicle can. A truly skilled winter driver know that the biggest hazard on snow covered roads is unskilled drivers driving too fast and beyond their ability to brake to a complete stop without sliding or spinning.
Dolores Miller wrote on February 26, 2021 - 9:18am
I agree with you 100%. Seems people driving all wheel drive cars think they can stop quickly, tailgate and speed. I have always had snows on my Outback. They are essential, in my opinion, when driving on snow. If you are living in town and only drive to the store and back, with no hills, all season tires will do. In the end, it is the skills of the driver.
Richard Cameron wrote on February 20, 2021 - 5:07am
My Wife owns the 2021 Accent Unlimited. The Vehicle is Great in the Snow. Having the Turbo in the Engine is a real Plus. She loves this Car. It is a Beautiful Car both Interior design and Exterior. I will keep you updated on Performance. Sincerely, Richard D.Cameron U.S.COAST GUARD VETERAN, RET
Alex wrote on April 15, 2021 - 2:38pm
I've got a 2019 Ascent. I bought it because Consumer Reports initially lauded it, ranking it a 97/100. Kinda sucks that it's had transmission issues. Mine has had some hesitation and stuttering issues but Subaru says that's normal :/ I still love my Ascent and I baby it. It's only got like 13k miles I've had it over 2 years.
James wrote on June 3, 2021 - 12:59pm
Have had 0 issues on our late production 2020 Ascent. The early production ones had battery issues, we almost bought one and then the dealer had to jump start it! It had been on the lot a while while ours just came in April 2020. So 0 issues here and love it.