2019 Subaru Ascent Review: Unreliable Midsize SUV With Expensive Repair Costs

Oct 4, 2023

The 2019 Subaru Ascent lasts around 125,000 miles, with serious transmission and electrical issues reported. At $22,150 to $35,998, it’s not worth the money when you’ll spend thousands of dollars fixing anything that pops up as it ages.

The Good

The cargo space is great for its size, the suspension is smooth even on rough dirt roads and there’s a lot of standard technology features.

The Bad

The third row has limited leg room, the transmission is noisy and repair costs get expensive as they age.

Is the 2019 Subaru Ascent a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 7/10 – 2019 is a bad year for the Subaru Ascent since it has more problems than any other year, making it one to avoid. Owner reviews complain about a lot of road noise, poor fuel economy, along with expensive repairs.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a midsize SUV, the seats offer excellent support on longer drives, cargo space is also good for its size.
Reliability 6/10 – There are a lot of mechanical and electrical problems reported on the 2019 and 2020 Ascent models, there are improvements for 2021–2023.
Performance 7/10 – Performance from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is okay, the towing capacity is high at up to 5,000 pounds, but it’s still not very fun to drive.
Safety 9/10 – The 2019 Ascent is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring as well as rear cross-traffic alert.
Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, giving 440 miles of range out of the 19.3 gallon tank. Gas costs are $12 cheaper than average, at $230 per month.
Value 7/10 – The 2019 Subaru Ascent is cheaper than some other midsize SUVs, but has faster depreciation rates as well, lowering its overall value score.

Positive Owner Reviews

Valerie K

Subaru ascent very nice family SUV.

Quiet, smooth driving vehicle. Steering initIally looser than expected for an SUV, but easy to get use to. Brakes well. Acceleration quick. Roomy for kids. Could use additional space in the back for carrying groceries, but not unreasonable. Overall a very nice purchase for a 3 row car.

Kate K

I give the ascent an a+!

This car is reliable, quick enough to get into traffic safely while carrying my kids in the backseat. Also big enough to carry enough luggage for the four of us to go a really long week on vacation. It is spacious in the back and runs really smoothly.

Kate H

Our beloved car 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.

Chris C

Black Subaru ascent is an amazing family car.

Incredibly reliable with a very smooth ride and great pick up from the v6 engine. The three rows give me plenty of space for everyone and that they fold down flat makes it easy to haul anything. I love that the middle row is adjustable to give enough leg space for all.

Mick S

The Subaru ascent is a great car.

The safety features and the lane assist on this car are amazing. It is comfortable and seats up to 8 people. It is quiet. Great in the snow with AWD. The navigation and phone interface program that they use are great and work as well as any car that we have owned. We really love it.

Thomas D

If I could rate higher than 5, this vehicle would earn it for having everything.

No problems at 30,000+ miles. The tires wear fast but the manufacturer was contacted and they took care of everything. I love the ascent for everything it is and everything it has. The touring model is so worth the money with all of the upgrades. Trust in the brand and trust in the vehicle! It fits my entire family (3 kids, dogs, etc.) With ease for our numerous vacations.

Kat K

My Subaru ascent is comfortable, safe, and amazing!

I love my Subaru ascent! It is comfortable, provides plenty of seating for my growing family, and plenty of storage for our adventures. My wife loves to buy furniture from people off social media, and I can rely on my ascent to have enough room to haul everything from a small vanity, to a large wardrobe. Subaru's reputation for safety is unmatched, and makes me confident that if we were to get in an accident, my daughter would be safe. We bought our first Subaru in 2015 with my wife's outback, and we will be Subaru owners for life.

Terri F

They get the best gas mileage of all 3rd row AWD vehicles!

I love that it is brand new. I love that nobody else around here has one yet. I love that my family has so much room in it. I have zero complaints so far about it.

Negative Owner Reviews

Pam McCord

Loud and clunky A LEMOM

The interior finishes of the 2019 ascent were very nice but the problems we began to encounter at a little over 2,000 Miles were unbelievable four a brand new and rather pricey car!!! We heard a loud banger noise in the right front passenger side and it moved through the white front end! I took it in and they fought nothing! A few weeks later I took it back to Roy Robinson Subaru and there mechanic drove with me and heard the noise immediately! He said It was the first and that he thought they didn’t use heavy duty enormous materials when designing the front end of this car!!! They told me they currently had no fix for the problem and I needed to speak with their engineer after he returned from a trip regarding this problem!! When you spend 43,000 on a car since when are you required to speak to an engineer!! I came home did more research on line and realized this was a big problem! I was instrumental by Subaru Corporation to bring car back to Dealing immediately and get into a loaner. They kept my car for 27 days and all they did in that amounted of time was change shocks, knowledge that was not a fix for the problem! I also had cutting out with my transition, they couldn’t fix that either! They intentionally gave the car back in under 39 days to avoiding it Beijing deemed a lemon!!!! We are very upset and as a result didn’t want to contact this struggle and traded the car for a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas! We lost thousands of dollars as we only had Ascent for four months!!! Subaru just sent me a Dyson vacuuming cleaner to make me forget the terrible treatments we received!!! Not gonna happen!!! Choose your brand and dealership carefully!!!

John Smith

Recall

Nice car to drive but to much recall!!! Starting to regret buying it!

I am getting horrible gas mileage I'm so very disappointed

Roomy love the color

Erin M

Good car; eyesight needs improvement.

Good car but the eyesight feature is awful. Constantly detects obstacles where there are none and will slam on the brakes. It is very unsafe and scary. Otherwise the storage space is great, love the room in the car, and the bench seats are great for using and then storing them down when more room is needed.

KA P

Subaru ascent-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.

Hing L

Subaru ascent 2019 review.

The ascent is very smooth, the engine and transmission are not loud at all. It sits 7 passengers comfortably, the trunks is very spacious. Gas mileage is very economically, I fill it up once every 2 weeks. All the safety features are top of the line, the sensors are accurate.

Barb Hanson

Battery Dies At One Year

Bought my Ascent one year ago this month. Woke up 2 days in a row with a dead battery, no lights or doors left on or ajar. Had just driven the vehicle the day before. Waiting to hear what the dealer does. I'm so disappointed! Thought I was going to love my first Subaru, now I'm wishing I would have stuck with Hondas.

Ann T

One likes it.. Less flash more beep.

My partner loves this car. He drives most of the time. I think it beeps too much. For all the beeping In Does, Does not beep, only flashes a light on the side mirror, when I am about to lane change and it senses a car in my blind spot. I like the dual temp controls and the amount of storage space.

What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Ascent?

Consumer Reports says the 2019 Subaru Ascent offers a smooth ride and a functional interior, but it only earns average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
Edmunds rates the 2019 Ascent at 3.5/5, enjoying the high towing capacity at 5,000 pounds, but doesn’t like the slow CVT automatic transmission.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Ascent a 4/5, praising the upscale technology amenities, but owners don’t like the relatively small third row compared to some other SUVs.

What Common Problems Does the 2019 Subaru Ascent Have?

Common problems found on the 2019 Subaru Ascent include transmission failures, the stereo system freezing, and dead batteries. Overall, these problems are worse than some other midsize SUVs on the market, leading to more expensive repair costs as the Ascent ages.

Transmission failures are the most widespread complaint from 2019 Ascent owners, showing up at around 50,000 miles. Owners report the transmission starts making excessive noise and slipping while accelerating. The only way to fix the issue is by replacing the entire transmission, which costs over $3,500.

The stereo system freezing is another problem found on some 2019 Ascent models, usually within the first 2,500 miles. There are some software updates available for the touchscreen, which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $50 for labor.

Dead batteries have also been mentioned by some Ascent owners at around 3,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the SUV, and some of them get stuck on, draining the battery after the engine is off. Diagnosing the source of the battery drain costs around $100, while fixing it can range from $20 to $300. One of the most common sources of the problem is the rear hatch motor.

There are eight recalls on the 2019 Subaru Ascent, which is worse than most other SUVs on the market. The most serious recall covers improperly fastened ground bolts, which may cause a fire even while parked. Subaru will replace ground bolts and wires on affected models for free. Other serious recalls include the drive chain breaking, fuel pump failures, and the PCV valve separating. Subaru will replace all of those parts for free, too.

How Long Will the 2019 Subaru Ascent Last?

A well-maintained 2019 Subaru Ascent may last around 125,000 miles, which is much shorter than long-lasting competitors like the Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than many competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $735 per year.

As a used 2019 Ascent reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the battery cable for $350, A/C blower costing $850, along with the oil pan gasket, which costs around $1,150.

Nicole B

It is reliable. One small engine problem that ended up being a recall so no longer a problem. My particular car has an interior panel that keeps popping open. Subaru Fixed it once, but it has not been fixed. Taking it back in.

A s

So far I haven't encountered any problems with my Subaru. I have been in the Subaru family for 7 years now and have never had any problems. It's truly a great car.

Fernando C

It’s reliable mechanically. Some of the computerized features are funky. The back trunk has a mind that of its own in terms of whether to open or not electronically.

Mary S

So far our car has not had any issues. There are many options for warranty that also help mitigate this, should one arise.

Samantha L

I haven't had any problems with it at all. We have regular services done. It feels reliable and extremely safe.

How Is the Technology?

The standard entertainment technology is very good, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Optional entertainment technology features include an 8-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful stereo system.

Standard safety technology is good and includes Subaru’s EyeSight, which has:

Rearview camera
Forward automatic emergency braking
Lane departure warning
Forward collision warning
Adaptive cruise control
Lane keep assist

Optional driver assistance features include:

Blind spot monitoring
Reverse automatic emergency braking
Automatic high-beam headlights
Rear cross traffic alert
Adaptive pivoting headlights
Front-view camera

Is the 2019 Subaru Ascent a Good Value?

No, the 2019 Subaru Ascent is not a good value since it has more problems than any other year, and is not as good as most other midsize SUVs on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $22,150 to $35,998, making it less than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $31,995 to $44,695. Depreciation is worse than some other SUVs, losing about 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Subaru Ascent?

There are four models of the 2019 Subaru Ascent offered, from the entry-level Base through to the more luxurious Ascent Touring. The Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive on all models.

Base is the entry-level model with:

18-inch wheels
Roof rails
Automatic headlights
60/40-split folding second- and third-row seats
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
Rearview camera
Four USB ports (two in front, two in the second row)
5-inch touchscreen display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Six-speaker audio system with satellite radio
Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology
Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
Adaptive cruise control
Lane departure warning

Premium has more features such as:

Heated side mirrors
Windshield wiper de-icer
Power-adjustable driver’s seat
Heated front seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Rear-seat climate controls
Spill-resistant cloth upholstery
Upgraded multimedia system with 8-inch touchscreen and voice controls
4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
Towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds
Optional packages: OP 12 and OP 14 with features like power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, navigation system, and more
Availability of second-row captain’s chairs (seven-passenger max capacity)

Limited is a step up, adding:

Choice of seven- or eight-passenger seating configuration
Includes all features from the Premium’s OP 12 package
20-inch wheels
Adaptive LED headlights
Automatic high beams
LED fog lights
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Additional driver-seat adjustments
Heated outboard second-row seats
Rear door sunshades
Dual third-row USB ports
Additional leather cabin accents
Optional package with features like panoramic sunroof, navigation system, and 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system

Touring is the flagship model which has:

Includes all of Limited’s features and options
Chrome exterior accents
Automatic wipers
Ambient cabin lighting
Upgraded leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Heated steering wheel
120-volt household-style power outlet
Total of eight USB ports
Front-view camera display
Rearview mirror with a rearview camera image (allowing clear rear view despite obstructions)

Base

260 HP 23 MPG

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Premium

260 HP 23 MPG

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Limited

260 HP 22 MPG

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Touring

260 HP 22 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Subaru Ascent?

The 2019 Subaru Ascent comes with a single engine option across all its trim levels. It’s powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine. This engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 23 MPG. It’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) which. The SUV can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in approximately 7.4 seconds. Additionally, when properly equipped, the Ascent has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it versatile for both family trips and towing needs.

What Colors Does the Subaru Ascent Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Subaru Ascent?

The 2019 Subaru Ascent was designed with the comfort of its passengers in mind, solidifying its place as a family-oriented SUV in Subaru’s lineup. Inside, occupants are greeted with a spacious and thoughtfully designed cabin that can accommodate up to eight passengers in some configurations. The seats are upholstered with quality materials, and higher trim levels offer plush leather with both heating and cooling functions. The Ascent offers ample legroom and headroom across all three rows, making sure that even longer journeys remain comfortable for passengers, whether they’re adults or children. The rear seats are particularly comfortable for its size.

Ride quality is commendable, with the Ascent’s suspension adeptly soaking up road imperfections and providing a smooth ride, even on rough terrains. Additionally, noise insulation is effective, providing a serene environment within the cabin. Climate controls are intuitive and efficient, offering tri-zone automatic climate control in certain trims, making sure all passengers can tailor the environment to their liking. Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent provides a comfortable and relaxing driving experience, whether you’re on a short commute or embarking on a cross-country adventure.

How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Ascent Have?

The 2019 Subaru Ascent, Subaru’s three-row SUV, offers impressive storage space tailored to meet the needs of families and adventurers alike. Regarding raw numbers, when all three rows of seating are in use, the Ascent provides a practical 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space, enough to fit daily grocery bags or a stroller comfortably. When you fold down the third-row seats, the space expands dramatically to a generous 47.5 cubic feet, which can easily accommodate larger items like mountain bikes, camping gear, or multiple suitcases for those weekend getaways.

For those times when you need maximum storage capability, folding down both the second and third rows will grant you a cavernous 86.5 cubic feet of space. That’s enough room for larger furniture items, like a medium-sized couch or a kayak. Besides the main cargo area, the Ascent also comes with multiple smaller storage compartments, pockets, and holders scattered throughout the cabin to help organize smaller items like phones, beverages, or personal effects, making the ride as convenient as it is spacious.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The first generation of the Subaru Ascent was introduced for the 2019 model year as a new three-row midsize SUV.

2019: First model year for the Subaru Ascent, which was introduced as a larger SUV than anything else in Subaru’s lineup.

2020: Standard rear-seat reminder system and power-folding side mirrors.

2021: Adaptive cruise control added to Subaru’s EyeSight safety features, steering-responsive LED headlights added.

2022: Sport package no longer offered on the premium model, Onyx Edition has black exterior trim.

2023: Updated front and rear styling, improved driver aids, along with a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

How Does the Subaru Ascent Compare to the Competition?

The 2019 Subaru Ascent is a bad midsize SUV since it has a lot of mechanical and electrical problems in its first year. We recommend models from 2021 and newer if you really want an Ascent.

The Toyota Highlander is another midsize SUV, which costs around $4,000 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Highlander, while the standard all-wheel drive system works better in the Subaru Ascent. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since it costs less to own long-term.

The Honda Pilot is a popular competitor, which is available for roughly $3,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Honda Pilot, while the Subaru Ascent offers a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Honda Pilot since there are fewer mechanical issues reported as they age.

Ranks #9 Midsize SUV by Owners

2019 Toyota 4Runner

4.74

2019 Jeep Wrangler

4.73

2019 Subaru Ascent

4.55

Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Ascent?

Nicole B

Yes. It is reliable and especially good in the snow. All wheel drive is necessary where at live. The features are exceptional such as navigation, lane assistance, x-mode, auto vehicle hold, etc.

A s

Yes this car is a great car. Perfect for going off road whether it's in the mud, snow or sleet. It's also perfect for big families. Has great leg space and comfortable for long distance road trips.

Terri S

It is a great car. Drives well, fits all the kids, and has good trunk space with seats down. Very happy so far.

Braxton B

Yes! Very smooth riding, yet sturdy vehicle with plenty of space for people and anything else you need to transport. Also, durable fabric that will help stand up to stains.

Camille C

It’s an excellent vehicle! Drives smoothly and has tons of great features. It’s roomy inside and has decent gas mileage.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Wiggle B on May 28, 2021

My review on subaru. 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.

Lindsey M on April 19, 2021

Reliable and spacious family vehicle.

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.

Brie W on April 8, 2021

A perfect family car but cooler than a minivan.

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.

Tammy T on April 2, 2021

Would love if my ascent had pedals that moved forward.

We love our ascent. The only thing I would like is the pedals to move toward me. I am short and need to move my seat forward. If the pedals moved toward me, I would not need the seat to be placed so close to the steering wheel. We love all the safety that is in this vehicle. The back up monitor is wonderful.

Carrie F on March 31, 2021

Great gas mileage and roomy.

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.

Kaitlyn H on March 29, 2021

Great ride, great value!!

Love the Subaru Ascent! It has a great, comfortable ride and plenty of space. The 8 seats are large and easy to get in and out of, which is great. The color scheme of the exterior blue and interior tan/black compliments well. Reliable vehicle for a good price.

Mike T on March 28, 2021

The back up camera and it let's you know when the road is ice love.

It smokes a little and do not know why and fuel mileage is not so good. Comfortable car to drive I like that. And seem to have good traction love the back up camera. And the fob key drives good heated seats great seeing out of the mirrors is hard has big blind spots.

Taylor H on March 20, 2021

Safe and efficient vehicle 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.

Rob T on March 18, 2021

2019 Subaru ascent. Comfortable.

I like the comfortable seats. I do not like so many beeps. I want it to beep when I am about to change lanes and someone is in my blind spot, but in this case it only blinks. I like the number of USB ports, it could have more. I like that it is blue. I do not use the pairing to my phone, but my spouse does.

Rhonda H on March 16, 2021

You can never go wrong with a Subaru. It truly is the perfect vehicle.

I really do not have any problems. I love my Subaru. I have heated seats and lots of safety features. This help me feel completely safe when driving. I feel empowered and unstoppable. The car stops if I get too close to a car whether that be in front or in back. It gives me a single when the car in front of me moves so that I know it is time and safe to go.

pat O on March 13, 2021

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.

Julianne M on March 8, 2021

The Ascent is the best Subaru yet

This vehicle is great. Performance is fantastic, as are all of the features. I absolutely love the cameras- front, rear, and rearview. Lane deviation is great, but not as awesome as the adaptive cruise control. That is by far my favorite feature. The only complaint I have is some of the lighting. There was an incident soon after we got the vehicle where the back hatch was accidentally opened and stayed open all night. Some of the accent lighting on the inside of the car doesn't turn off, so by morning the battery was dead. Other than that, no complaints. Subarus are my favorite car brand, and the Agent does not disappoint.

Kate K on March 3, 2021

I give the ascent an a+!

Jason G on March 3, 2021

My silica black touring ascent 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.

Angela S on February 17, 2021

In love with the Subaru ascent.

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.

Jessie K on February 9, 2021

We found the perfect midsize SUV.

We absolutely love our Subaru ascent! It is the perfect midsize SUV. We love how spacious it is especially for my tall husband. The safety features sold us on it, and we have been so pleased. We love that it has a third row. It is a fantastic family car.

Arv Heilman on February 9, 2021

Big Disappointment

Not what I expected given the glowing CR and other reviews. Gas mileage stinks even if babied and coasting a lot. Constant radio very annoying. Should be a way to disable the auto on feature. Collision warning, blind spot and rear cross traffic not very helpful as by the time there's a warning the car is upon you. 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.

Cj on February 9, 2021

I am getting horrible gas mileage I'm so very disappointed

Roomy love the color

Lo R on February 5, 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.

Jessica S on February 3, 2021

Dependable sports 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.

Michaella M on January 13, 2021

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. Looking at the outside of the car, you'd never know the amount of room that this car actually has - it has more room than our previous 2 mini-vans. 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.

Caitlyn B on January 7, 2021

Sry comfortable and spacious vehicle for our family of five plus two dogs.

I love the way this vehicle drives. I love the space it gives my three kids. The only downfall that I can see is the lack of trunk space. I wish it was about 7 inches deeper so that our two dogs could sit back there. We've found the vehicle to handle bad weather very well. It gives great traction and drives very smoothly as well. The seats couldn’t be more comfortable and we both love the heated seat option in our very cold Midwestern winters. I already knew I loved Subaru vehicles for their relatability but this ascent has taken it to a whole new level and made it an easy purchase for my husband and I.

Ben M on January 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.

Megan H on January 5, 2021

This third row SUV 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!

madyln G on January 1, 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.

Kyle H on December 23, 2020

My Subaru is pretty good I guess the suspension deals well with road stuff.

Good, it is a manual so it is pretty hard to drive if you do not know how to use a shift. The suspension is pretty neat too. Not much problems under the trunk. Rarely ever had to go get it fixed. Cooling's very good. Touch screen is pretty neat too. I recommend it.

Maria D on December 16, 2020

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.

Kate H on December 15, 2020

Our beloved car is a part of the family!

Lindsey A on December 14, 2020

Overall great car as far as reliability and value!

Occasionally car has electrical issues (interior lights not working or radio not connecting to phone via Bluetooth). It is comfortable, but I wish driver seat did not have leg extension piece as it just becomes a collector for crumbs and yucky items. Also, wish interior was a little darker and more sleek.

Cate S on December 7, 2020

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.

Laura B on November 28, 2020

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!

Courtney V on November 22, 2020

This 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.

KA P on November 19, 2020

Subaru ascent-great for towing campers!

L C on November 14, 2020

Looks like a smaller SUV, but it has way more room and can fit 8 passengers.

I absolutely love my Ascent. It sits higher because it's an SUV, but I'm still able to drive it comfortably without it feeling so bulky. And it fits 8 passengers which is nice when you have extended family and children. I love that it doesn't look like a minivan or a mom car. The drive is very smooth and it has all the latest technology for cars like lane assist.

Kendra C on November 13, 2020

The Subaru ascent is a great family car but still very sporty.

The ascent is a very roomy, reliable car. It rides very nicely. The captains chairs are great and the third row seat is comfortable. The third row seat folds down and there is a lot of room to hall things. The GPS and heated seats are another great feature.

Mary P on November 3, 2020

The vehicle drives nicely and has tons of cool features.

The main reason I purchased this care was because it is an all wheel drive. I like to go to the snow and didn't want to have to worry about using chains. The inside is very roomy and comfortable. There are an insane amount of cup holders. The sunroof is an awesome feature.

Rhea B on November 2, 2020

Love my Subaru Ascent and all 19 cup holders!

2019 Subaru Ascent, Limited Currently no problems with this vehicle. Its performance and reliability so far has been great. This vehicle is very comfortable from the front seats all the way to the third row. I have had a few people sit in the third row and they have had no complaints. They say it is very comfortable. When I found out that this vehicle has 19 cup holders I thought that is insane! Who needs that many cup holders?! When you have 3 toddlers- you need extra cup holders! I love the location of the vents in the back. Very accessible and convenient. My only 'complaint' is if you have infant rear facing car seat in the middle they do not have a vent. So depending if you have a full third row the middle seat does not get a vent. All in all, great vehicle!

Nathan M on October 28, 2020

Subaru ascent is a must have vehicle.

Newer model, has had quite a few recalls. All recalls have been handled and taking care of by Subaru. There are so many features included in all trim levels. My favorite feature is the adaptive cruise control, it allows me to focus more on the road and helps me react promptly in the event of traffic incidents.

George L on October 24, 2020

Great SUV with options for nearly everyone.

A great choice for us. Easy handling and economical. The only downside is I wish I had gone to the top of the line in order to have memory seat adjustment for driver and power seats for passenger side. Otherwise a great care with great comfort and safety features.

Kat K on October 14, 2020

My Subaru ascent is comfortable, safe, and amazing!

Lisa M on October 13, 2020

Wonderful 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.

Denae H on October 12, 2020

Great safety features and comfortable ride.

I have owned this SUV for over a year and I absolutely love it. We have had zero problems. I love all of the safety features including the lane assist which lets you know if you drift outside the lane and the automatic braking if someone in front of you stops suddenly.

Quoc N on October 5, 2020

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!

Sonia E on October 5, 2020

My lovely, comfortable and safe Subaru ascent.

I love my ascent Subaru. It is very roomy n very comfortable. My adult children and my grandkids all fit to go on long trips. The features I love the most is the safety of my car. I had a luxury car before my Subaru and I feel this ascent is a better ride. I am very happy with this car.

Bradleigh F on September 30, 2020

Great storage and good for long car rides.

I love my vehicle. The fans in the front seats get a lot of use. The safe following feature is great on long car rides. I have a car seat in the passenger side bucket seat and the front seat has to be a pretty upright for the car seat to fit so that makes road trips a little uncomfortable. I like the storage in the back and how easy it is to put up and down the rear seats.

Marisa M on September 27, 2020

Safe and reliable vehicle.

It works for our family and enough space to accommodate luggage and people when we go on road trips. The collision alert is convenient when driving as well. We feel safe in our car if we are to be in a car accident. So far no complaints about the vehicle.

Katie K on September 24, 2020

Amazing features and better than my last Lexus!

2 recalls in which they fix for free. Otherwise amazing and feel completely safe and comfortable! It has lane assist and a front view camera in the rear view mirror. Clear backup camera and automatic stopping mechanism if it senses anything in front of it. Best car by far.

Anita T on September 21, 2020

What I like and dislike about ascent.

My car is very comfortable, roomy, the front and back seats are adjustable. It is a bit bigger than our former car, so parking is more difficult for me. I really like the 3 colors in the backup camera. It has lots of 'beeps'. Too many. All the beeps sound the same. It does not beep when I am changing lanes and there is someone in my blind spot. It only blinks. This is one time that a nice louder beep would be good. The back hatch door does not open unless shut off engine. So loading groceries at Walmart when the driver is still in his seat is more complicated.

Betsy B on September 21, 2020

Love my Subaru ascent and all the features it comes with.

No complaints, it really is a great vehicle. It is sporty while also having one of the highest safety ratings at its price point. Previously, I drove a Honda accord and gas mileage is very similar. Driver assist takes some getting used to but overall is very helpful.

Amanda L on September 13, 2020

It's the greatest vehicle ever

I love the color of my vehicle I love that my vehicle fits my family I love the gas mileage that I get

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.