With the popularity of the midsize crossover SUV market, is it any wonder if you’re not sure which one to choose? Though Subaru has typically been known for smaller vehicles, the Subaru Ascent is worth checking out. Here’s a quick look at the specs to get started.
What Subaru Ascent specs are worth knowing about?
Some of the major ones include:
- Passenger Capacity: Vechicle can carry either seven or eight occupants.
- Fuel Efficiency: 21 MPG city, 27 MPG highway, 23 MPG combined, 1 MPG drop for Limited/Touring trims.
- Powertrain: Turbocharged 2.4L flat-four boxer engine and CVT transmission
Though there are a lot more than just these three specs to consider, that doesn’t mean you need to search the internet to find them. We’ve compiled all of the information you need to make a smart decision about the Subaru Ascent below, making it easy to find what you need.
A Quick Look at the Subaru Ascent
A relative newcomer to the midsize crossover SUV category, the Ascent features a turbocharged 2.4L flat-four engine powering a constant-variable transmission that powers all-wheel drive. It was initially shown as a concept car at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, then began production with the 2019 model.
It was designed to take the place of the discontinued Tribeca, and as a three-row seating mid-size SUV crossover, it was designed to push Subaru back into the mid-size market with the largest vehicle they’ve ever created.
Though it did have a very early recall for a poorly-welded spot on the vehicle, it only impacted nine vehicles that had been sold, with the rest being recalled from dealership lots. It’s a recipient of multiple awards, including the 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick for the steering-responsive headlights, IIHS Superior Front Crash Protection and a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA.
Rugged Economy and Efficiency
Though some manufacturers get into trouble moving over to a different vehicle class, the Subaru Ascent made a smooth transition with the manufacturer’s typical approach to durable, economic vehicles with all-wheel drive and Boxer engines.
Though you might expect a 2.4-liter engine to not produce a lot of power, the turbocharged boxer engine, or flat-four, can generate 260 HP and 277 lb-ft of torque, with all trims above the base able to tow up to 5,000 pounds, plenty for a lightweight camper or boat.
You might expect poor fuel economy with this level of performance, but the Ascent receives fairly good fuel economy for a midsize crossover SUV, with the Ascent base and Premium trims having an estimated fuel efficiency of 27 MPG highway, 21 MPG city for a combined gas mileage of 23 MPG.
The additional features on the Limited and Touring trims do add some weight, which cuts the vehicle’s fuel efficiency to 26 MPG highway, 20 MPG city and a combined fuel economy of 22 MPG.
As with so many Subarus, it has exceptional traction control, with a wide range of features including Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control which monitors wheel speed along with the Traction Control System and X-Mode which adapts for slipping wheels and sends power to optimize traction on slick or wet roads.
MacPherson-style front struts provide superior handling, while 18″ and 20″ aluminum-alloy wheels keep you firmly on the road.
With regards to safety features, the Ascent is loaded, with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology including pre-collision braking and throttle control, lane departure and sway warning and adaptive cruise control.
High Beam Assist automatically switches your vehicle between high and low beams for optimal performance, while daytime running lights and a backup camera make it easy to see and be seen.
Other Key Specs for the 2020 Honda Civic
Now that we’ve popped the hood, let’s get a look at the interior and amenities. Except for the Touring trim which comes out to 150 cubic feet, the Ascent has 153.5 cubic feet of passenger space, giving you a comfortable range of motion for road trips and family events.
You can seat eight people including the driver with a second-row bench seat in the base model as well as the Premium and Limited trims, with the second-row captain’s chairs allowing seating for seven as a standard feature in the Touring and optional in the Premium and Limited trims. At various trim levels, heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats become an option.
But what about amenities? Standard features include a power liftgate with automatic close, memory height and a lock button, transmission paddle shifters for a fun drive, front- and second-row USB ports with third-row ports in the Limited and Touring trims, and a whopping 19 cup and bottle holders throughout the interior. Triple-zone climate control and vents at all three rows keep everyone comfortably happy.
Pros and Cons of the Subaru Ascent
Now that you’ve got some of the basic specs in mind, it’s time to look at some pros and cons for the Subaru Ascent, so you can learn what other drivers have already discovered:
Pros:
- A car-like platform for a drive that keeps you lower to the road
- A large, roomy SUV-like interior
- Lots of safety and driver-assist features
- A fresh interior design and layout
- Great crash safety scores
- All-wheel drive performance in rough weather
- Towing rated for up to 5,000 pounds in all but the base trim
Cons:
- Limited drivetrain and engine options with no six-cylinder or diesel option
- Somewhat shorter legroom for third-row seats
- Limited cargo space behind the third-row seats
- The engine, tire and road noise can be somewhat invasive
- The accelerator pedal can be somewhat touchy at first
With this information at hand, you’ll have a much better idea of whether the Subaru Ascent is a good match for your situation or if you should keep looking at other options. However, whatever vehicle you decide to go with, always remember to check the Vehicle History before making a purchase so that you can avoid any unexpected issues down the road.
