If you have a large family, frequently transport a lot of people or cargo, or just simply prefer driving a bigger car, Subaru
is a car brand with budget-friendly, safe options for large SUVs. For drivers who want the biggest of the big, the largest Subaru SUV available is the Subaru Ascent. Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, looks at what you need to know about the car, including if it’s worth buying. Subaru Ascent pricing and trims
The Subaru Ascent is the largest Subaru SUV on the market, with three rows of seats and enough room to accommodate up to eight passengers. There are four models available for the 2023 model: Base, priced at $34,000, Premium, priced at $37,000, Limited, priced at $42,000, and Touring, priced at $48,000.
According to Car and Driver
, the best trim to purchase on the largest Subaru SUV is the Premium Subaru Ascent, since it has better fuel economy than other trims. Plus, it still has the standard upgrades the Limited and Touring have, while being within a reasonable price point for a car of its size. Subaru Ascent exterior and engine
Once drivers select their trim, they can decide if their Subaru Ascent accommodates seven or eight passengers by choosing the seating configuration. All trims of the Subaru Ascent use a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 260 hp. Consumer Reports
rated the engine acceleration a four out of five, citing a 0 to 60 mph run time of eight seconds flat. As for fuel economy, overall mileage is 22 mpg, with 14 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. All Subaru Ascents have a 5,000-lb towing capacity, which is another bonus when it comes to long drives. MotorBiscuit
reports the Ascent comes with all-wheel drive, which makes it safer and better equipped for steep inclines and adventuring. Plus, the car has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which equips it for off roading. Subaru Ascent interior and technology
Inside the Subaru Ascent, you’ll find three rows of seats, although the third row isn’t too comfortable or easily accessible.
In the front, there’s an 11.6-inch touchscreen navigation system that’s equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi Hotspot. The Limited and Touring trims feature perks like heated rear seats, memory foam driver seat, and leather trimmed upholstery.
Drivers will be happy to know that according to Subaru
, the Ascent is packed with industry-leading safety technology such as EyeSight Driver Assist and Subaru Starlink Safety Security. Plus, the 2022 model of the Subaru Ascent earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, which is the highest crash prevention rating possible. But, Consumer Reports gave the car a predicted reliability score of just one out of five, which raises questions.
Is the Subaru Ascent worth it?
The Subaru Ascent is definitely a car worth considering if you’re looking for the largest Subaru SUV. It has an incredible amount of space for both cargo and passengers, a solid engine and fuel economy rating, plus the standard set of Subaru safety features. On top of that, it’s a good price for a car of its size.
But, the Subaru Ascent does have some drawbacks, such as its predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports. As U.S. News
points out, there are other worthy competitors in the large SUV market, such as the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride. Before you purchase any vehicle, make sure you do your research to ensure it’s the right car for you.