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According to a new report by Car and Driver, the 2021 Subaru Ascent is among the top ten 3-Row SUVs. They rank it number ten. Consumer Reports ranks the Ascent number 9 of 15 midsize 3-Row SUVs. Subaru of America reported March sales, and the Ascent is underperforming in 2021.
The 2021 Ascent family hauler is down -7.4 percent for the first quarter of 2021, while Forester (+22%), Outback (+27.3%), and Crosstrek (+63.5%) are all up in the first three months of 2021. In March, retailers delivered 5,111 of the Ascent 3-Row SUVs to customers.
How does the Ascent compare with the top ten midsize 3-Row SUVs? The latest data from March reveals the Ascent is near the bottom in sales compared with top-selling models. The all-new 2021 Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are outperforming the Ascent in its third year of production.
March midsize 3-Row SUV sales
Toyota Highlander 27,993
Ford Explorer 26,404
Honda Pilot 12,160
Hyundai Palisade 9,184
Kia Telluride 8,591
Dodge Durango 7,402
Volkswagen Atlas 6,918
Subaru Ascent 5,111
Mazda CX-9 3,537
Nissan Pathfinder 3,206
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent a good SUV for families?
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 models, Subaru Ascent gets an overall score of 60 due to its transmission issues in 2019 models, the first production year. The 2021 Ascent moves to number 9 in its segment, up from number 16 last year.
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.
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 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. Pricing includes $1,050 destination and delivery.
Even though it appears Subaru has fixed the Ascent transmission problems, consumer confidence in the Subaru Ascent has dropped, and buyers are flocking to the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer.
What's next for the 2022 Subaru Ascent?
The 2022 Subaru Ascent gets a refresh with some new exterior styling upgrades and improvements to the interior. We don't expect any changes to the 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine or the drivetrain. Look for the 2022 Ascent 3-Row SUV to get the next-generation EyeSight X driver-assist technology.
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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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Comments
This article is based on two
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This article is based on two articles and someone else's data? Horribly written article.
Inventory is down. For a
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Inventory is down. For a while my dealership was the only in the market area with any inventory what so ever for Ascents. Not wrong about the transmission issue but we've been putting in orders like crazy. I would love the Ascent to have the eyesight x but I don't see that happening with the refresh.
Nissan Pathfinder sales are
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Nissan Pathfinder sales are low because there isn't a 21 model and they are running the 20 model year out. It will be interesting to see their sales after the June release.
Two things needed for the
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Two things needed for the Ascent: Lose the CVT and offer a two row option. Not everyone wants to drive a minivan disguised as an off-road vehicle as most 3 row SUVs are.