Subaru Ascent Engine: A Quick Look at the Specs

John A
Mar 7, 2021

Blue 2021 Subaru Ascent With White Background

First coming onto the market as a 2019 model, the Subaru Ascent is an upscale and roomy midsize SUV that is already garnering high praise. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the important specs of the engine found in the 2020 Subaru Ascent.

What are the specs of the 2020 Subaru Ascent engine?

The 2020 Subaru Ascent comes equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is capable of outputting up to 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.

In order to help you decide if the 2020 Subaru Ascent is the right choice for your next automotive purchase, we’ll dive into the specs and history of the 2020 Ascent’s impressive engine as well as address a few commonly asked questions about this model and its engine.

History of the 2020 Subaru Ascent’s Engine

The 2020 Subaru Ascent features a brand new engine that was specifically designed for the Subaru Ascent when the vehicle first came onto the market as a 2019 model. This engine is a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It has a 3.7 in × 3.4 in bore stroke for a total displacement of 145.7 cubic inches and a 10:6:1 compression ratio. When equipped with this engine, the base model 2020 Subaru Ascent gets an EPA estimated fuel economy of 23 MPG combined city/highway.

People Also Ask

Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent Have a V6 Engine Option?

No, the 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the only available engine option for the 2020 Subaru Ascent.

What Transmission is in the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

The 2020 Subaru Ascent comes equipped with a CVT automatic transmission.

Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent All-Wheel-Drive (AWD)?

Yes, all trims of the 2020 Subaru Ascent come standard with an AWD drivetrain.

How Fast is the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

The 2020 Subaru Ascent is capable of accelerating from 0-60 MPH in 6.9 seconds.

Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent Underpowered?

A: While most three-row SUVs do come equipped with a V6 engine, the four-cylinder engine found in the 2020 Subaru Ascent is able to output 260 horsepower, which is capable of keeping up with most any V6 model.

Before You Buy, Be Sure to Check out Vehicle History

If you’ve decided that the 2020 Subaru Ascent is the right choice for you, the next step is to check out the Vehicle History of the specific model that you are considering. By downloading the Vehicle History report of the specific model that you are thinking of buying, you will be able to access a comprehensive report that outlines the vehicle’s accident history, repair history, recall history, and more, helping ensure that you make an informed buying decision.

Owner Reviews

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accountCircle Cate S on May 4, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Premium is the best 3 row midsize SUV.
I love my Subaru ascent, I have a family of five and the two rows in the back were essential. It drives great in all weather and makes me feel safe on the road. It handles so well in the snow it makes it almost impossible to lose control. The features are awesome and it drives so well. We love the captains chairs in the middle row and the third row is so easy to put up and down, with it down there is ample trunk space. This is my first Subaru but I am hooked. It looks great on the outside and inside and has good space in every row, it also has multiple USB charging ports in every row. Overall fantastic car.
accountCircle Michaella M on May 8, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent is reliable family vehicle.
Our Subaru ascent is the most reliable car we have owned. I feel safer in it than I have in our past vehicles - it has added features that alert you when you are crossing a road line, if a car has slowed down in front of you, and you can lock in the distance you'd like to be behind another car safely. The steering is very controlled, and in snow it has an 'x-mode' that gives you more power. Only downside is the back trunk area is not as roomy, but we can still manage to fit a lot back there, and the back row fits 2, or 3 small children, but not much leg room.
accountCircle Angela S on March 24, 2021
In love with the 2019 Subaru Ascent Premium.
I love the ascent. My family really wanted a Subaru SUV for the longest time. We were looking for an 8 seater though and it was great that the ascent came along. It is the roomiest of the same size SUV out there. I also love the new technology on the car of the smart cruise control, back up camera, and blind spot detector. I also love all the cup holders and USB ports. It has also been very convenient to have personalized temp control for each side and also the heated seats.
accountCircle Shawna S on June 25, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Touring: Get up and go family car with lots of safety features.
Great family car with lots of safety options. It has fast pick up speed and automatic safety breaking when in cruise control. It has a little bit of kick back due to manual transmission along with it being automatic. I would love to see the CarPlay mode more user friendly when driving down the road. Sometimes the radio will silence when phone is plugged in; that is really annoying. The siri voice command sometimes does not recognize a listed contacted from my smartphone.
accountCircle Kate H on April 5, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Limited is a part of the family!
Our entire family is in love with this car. It is large enough for family road trips and for carpooling, but it feels like a smaller, zip around town kind of vehicle. Our kids love the separate climate controls in the second row, and we all love the multitude of cup holders and USB ports. The moon roof is amazing, as is the stereo system. The car handles well in all kinds of weather and we feel that it is among the safest family cars on the market.
accountCircle Maria D on June 6, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Premium great third row seats and 19 cup holders.
The Ascent rides like a cross trek but bigger. Subaru has done an amazing job with versatility, the only drawback is the air conditioner seems to have issues with gas leak. We already had it serviced but no apparent issue per dealership. However, other owners have speculated similar issues. Other than the A/C we are happy for the ride and reliability that every Subaru brings.
accountCircle Megan H on May 29, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Limited has the best safety features offered.
The 2019 Subaru ascent has many features that make it one of the most desirable 3rd row SUVs on the market. The safety features such as collision assist, lane assist, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control are reliable and extremely driver friendly. The amount of space in the 3rd row is surprising. My 50 year old parents fit in that row with plenty of room to spare!
accountCircle Lisa M on April 3, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Limited family car with lots of safety.
It is a wonderful car that has great safety features. The car drives like a dream. It can hold eight people comfortable & it can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The problem with it is it has a push button start which can get a little annoying because the engine is very quiet & I've left the car running. Someone can drive it but once the engine shuts down the car cannot be stopped.
accountCircle Martin E on August 31, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Limited - The ideal family car meets luxury.
The Subaru ascent is the most reliable family vehicle that I have ever owned. In the time that I have owned it, I have never had an issue. It is the perfect combination of a family car and a luxury car. I say luxury because of its quiet cabin, incredibly smooth ride and immense power. Getting on and off the highway is a breeze; the engine almost had a sports feel to it.
accountCircle KA P on June 21, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Limited-great for towing campers!
I love Subaru's. I used to have a forester and chose to get the larger SUV model because it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This is great because we have an airstream that we like to take with us when camping/traveling. I also like the option of the third row of seats. We chose to do the row of club seats, which makes it easier to get in and out of the back of the car.
accountCircle Quoc N on March 8, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Touring perfect vehicle for an outdoorsy family.
We absolutely love our Subaru ascent. The motor is peppy and gets good gas mileage. The optional captains seat for the 2nd row is great because we can separate the kids. It also provides a gap for stowing longer items like skis or 2x4s. The sound system is excellent and the car is extremely comfortable. Handles beautifully in the snow!
accountCircle madyln G on July 27, 2021
Reviewing the 2019 Subaru ascent.
I have had multiple recalls, which can serve to be a big hassle, however, it is an amazing road trip car and it is extremely comfortable on extended car journeys. I especially love the carplay feature, as well as the heated seats and cooling seat features. I would purchase this car again when it is time to look for a new car.
accountCircle Lindsey M on August 25, 2021
Reliable and spacious 2019 Subaru Ascent
The ascent is extremely reliable and comfortable. Love the bucket seats and ability to fold. Up the back seat for extra trunk space. The only downside is that it is claustrophobic to sit in the far back seat. Everything is very user friendly and straightforward just like my outback was. Smooth ride, no complaints.
accountCircle Lo R on April 16, 2021
2019 Subaru ascent - review of vehicle.
No current problems with the car. Had to have the ac repaired about 6 months into owning it as there was a recall, and all air was blowing hot. Comfort level is amazing. Fits 7 people with no issues. Have traveled many times with the car and have been able to relax fully. Gas mileage is wonderful as well.
accountCircle Jessica S on May 20, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Premium family vehicle.
Vehicle looks sharp and classy. Comfortably fits 8 people. We are a sports family and this vehicle checks all the needs. Lots of room for people, gear and everything you bring with you. Drives great in all types of weather including snow and is super dependable. Great gas mileage and is very quiet.
accountCircle Jason G on April 11, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is the best vehicle I have ever owned.
My subaru ascent is extremely comfortable, and spacious. It is all wheel drive and handles wonderfully in treacherous weather. I couldn't think a better vehicle for myself and family. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a reliable and esthetically pleasing family vehicle.
accountCircle Laura B on March 26, 2021
My beautiful 2019 Subaru ascent.
We have only had 1 issue since buying our Subaru ascent and it was involving an issue that was covered by our vehicle warranty and did not cause permanent damage. We have had a few recalls but Subaru has been amazing as far as taking care of everything in a timely, professional manner!
accountCircle Wiggle B on July 6, 2021
My review on 2019 Subaru Ascent. I give it in total a 8/10.
Well, the look of the car for starters is a nice design, if kept up it is very well put. Comfort is great I like the seating and just the designing of the car. Performance is sleek, good speed, reliability is great we have had slight issues with it however but they were easily fixable.
accountCircle Brie W on July 7, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Premium: A perfect family car
Comfortable and practical. Love all of the cup holders and the ease of putting down and raising seats. Drives smoothly and the safety features are excellent. We have driven on long road trips comfortably in this car with at least five people inside. I would recommend it to anyone.
accountCircle Taylor H on July 3, 2021
Safe and efficient 2019 Subaru Ascent that is sure to amaze.
The Subaru ascent is a wonderful car for a family on the go. It is spacious and can hold up to 7 passengers. It is a safe vehicle with many features that make it superior to other cars in its class. It does well on gas and is very economical. I highly recommend the Subaru ascent.
accountCircle Courtney V on June 21, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent PREMIUM is a great family car, fits 4 people comfortably and has the third row.
I haven't experienced any problems with this car. Plenty of space for a family, smooth ride and quick but you do not feel the turbo much. It is nice that this turbocharged car takes regular gas too. Does great on highway trips. I would definitely buy another one in the future.
accountCircle Carrie F on June 12, 2021
Great gas mileage and roomy 2019 Subaru Ascent
The ascent is comfortable to drive with many safety features. It also has seating for 8 adults and is rugged and ready for off road conditions when needed. The turbo charged engine has plenty of get up and go when needed and the 4 cylinder engine gives you great gas mileage.
accountCircle Ben M on June 6, 2021
2019 Subaru ascent first year model.
The car drives well, great with kids and active lifestyle. I love going on long road trips with my wife and kids, great gas mileage. The make is outstanding, but the voice system can use a little work. Works well with apple CarPlay. Overall a great car and fun to drive.
accountCircle Arv Heilman on August 20, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent Big Disappointment
Transmission jerky when accelerating. Can't decide what gear it wants. Lighting in cargo area is anemic. No proper light there. On the positive, noise and ride are good. Radar controlled cruise control is handy. Over all not a car I'd buy again. Others are better.
accountCircle Pat O on June 29, 2021
2019 Subaru Ascent is a great vehicle for everyone.
Drives really smoothly, has great power and pickup for a 4 cylinder, the turbo makes the difference the additional features like lane warnings and back up camera are great had great storage yet still seats 8 very comfortably would recommend to anyone.
avatar John A
John A. is a freelance writer and automotive enthusiast currently living in Myrtle Beach, SC. When he's not working, John enjoys writing fiction, practicing mixed martial arts, and joyriding in his 2018 Ford Mustang GT.
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