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Is The New Subaru Ascent Reliable? U.S. News Says It's Now One Of The 10 Best

Is the Subaru Ascent a reliable 3-Row SUV? U.S. News says it's one of the ten most reliable midsize SUVs you can buy today.

What are the ten most reliable midsize SUVs new car shoppers can buy today? U.S. News Cars has updated its rankings and says the 2022 Subaru Ascent is now one of the best new 3-Row SUVs for its reliability. The Ascent has taken some heat from Consumer Reports for reliability issues since its launch in 2019, but that is changing.

U.S. News reports the Ascent gets a predicted reliability score of 80/100 and says, "The family-hauler offers great reliability and comfort to boot. Beyond its predicted reliability, the Ascent's value proposition is strong, as it's one of few midsize SUVs with all-wheel drive by default."

2023 Subaru Ascent features, upgrades, pricing
photo credit: Schumacher Subaru

U.S. News 10 Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

The Subaru Ascent scores among the best, including the Hyundai Palisade (80/100), Mazda CX-9 (80/100), Honda Passport (80/100), Hyundai Santa Fe (80/100), Dodge Durango (81/100), Ford Explorer (81/100) Toyota 4Runner (81/100), Chevrolet Traverse (82/100), Toyota Highlander (82/100), Jeep Grand Cherokee (84/100), Kia Telluride (85/100), Chevrolet Blazer (85/100), Nissan Murano (89/100).

U.S. News scores are based on the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability ratings, which look at quality and dependability. Quality focuses on new-car purchases, while dependability looks at ownership experiences of three years.

2023 Subaru Ascent features, upgrades, pricing

The 2022 Subaru Ascent is sold out, making way for the newly-improved 2023 model. The information here will include the 2023 Ascent with new pricing and upgrades.

What sets the Subaru Ascent apart?

All Ascent trim levels come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-weather capability. The Ascent 3-Row SUV also comes with X-Mode for added off-road performance, and some trims offer dual-function X-Mode for active families who want to get further off the grid. The Ascent also earned the highest safety scores from the IIHS.

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Ascent?

The 2023 Subaru Ascent base starts at $35,120, and Premium trims begin at $39,180. The Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $42,520, the upper Limited starts at $42,820, the new Ascent Onyx Edition Limited is priced at $47,520, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $49,420. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

What is the 2023 Ascent fuel mileage?

All Ascent trim levels are powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

The 2023 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA-estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg. The 2023 Ascent Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition, and new Onyx Edition Limited trim levels get an EPA-estimated 19/25 city/highway mpg and 21 combined mpg.

Which Ascent trim offers the best value?

Many 3-Row SUV shoppers will land on the Ascent Premium, which offers the best value under $40,000. The Premium trim offers new features, upgrades, and all-weather performance for most families.

Active families will want the Ascent Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trim levels with its newly-added dual-function X-Mode with Hill Descent Control. Dual-function X-Mode capabilities include Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings to optimize all-wheel-drive performance for enhanced all-weather, off-pavement trail, and beach-going ability.

When is the 2023 Subaru Ascent available for U.S. customers?

The 2023 Subaru Ascent is available now for SUV shoppers to order. A new online configurator allows customers to build the Ascent with the features, upgrades, trim level, and see pricing before they visit a Subaru retailer.

U.S. News says the Subaru Ascent is now one of the ten most reliable midsize 3-Row SUVs for new car shoppers. It's a good pick for commuting during the week and for active families who want to get further away from civilization on the weekends.

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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: main image Schumacher Subaru