Are Subaru Ascent reliable cars?

The Ascent is generally considered a reliable three-row SUV, with strong safety ratings and solid resale value, but reliability varies by model year and owner maintenance history.

The Subaru Ascent, introduced for the 2019 model year, has become a popular choice for families thanks to its spacious interior, standard all-wheel drive, and strong safety credentials. This article weighs reliability across years, common issues reported by owners, and how the Ascent stacks up against rivals in the segment.

Reliability snapshot by model year

2019–2020 models

These early Ascent models established the name, earning praise for space and safety while showing some reliability quirks that interested buyers should note.

• Engine and powertrain: there were reports of higher-than-expected oil consumption in some turbocharged units, leading to service notes and monitored fixes for affected vehicles.


• Transmission: occasional CVT-related concerns, including shudder or hesitations in certain cases; many drivers did not experience issues, but it’s a known area to watch.


• Electrical and infotainment: intermittent glitches such as touchscreen freezes or connectivity hiccups were reported by some owners.


• Overall impression: safety, space, and AWD capability were strong positives that offset some reliability caveats for many buyers.

In this early window, reliability depended heavily on individual vehicle history and how promptly recalls or service campaigns were completed.

2021–2023 models

As Subaru refined the platform, reliability messaging generally improved, with fewer widespread problems and continued emphasis on safety and practicality.

• Engine and transmission: broadly solid performance with routine maintenance; fewer reports of major failures compared with the earliest years.


• Safety and software: continued high safety scores; infotainment and system updates addressed some early software quirks.


• Maintenance costs: typical for the class, with ongoing AWD maintenance and turbocharged engine service requirements.

For these model years, reliability tends to be more favorable, particularly for buyers prioritizing space, safety, and all-weather capability.

2024 and later models

Latest-generation Ascent models build on previous progress, incorporating refinements to drive feel, cabin quality, and technology, with ownership reports leaning positive on reliability.

• Reliability trend: generally favorable in consumer surveys for newer units, with fewer recurring issues noted by owners.


• Maintenance: in line with peers in the segment; following the maintenance schedule remains important.


• Resale and ownership: Subaru’s brand strength supports solid resale values in the used market.

Newer models typically represent the best reliability proposition within the lineup, though they carry a higher initial price.

How the Ascent stacks up against rivals

Compared with popular three-row rivals like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Kia Telluride, the Ascent often wins on safety and all-wheel-drive capability. Reliability is generally competitive with peers in recent years, though turbocharged engines and CVTs can present more maintenance considerations than some naturally aspirated rivals.

What owners should watch and how to preserve reliability

To maximize reliability, consider these practical steps and confirm them during a purchase or resale evaluation.

• Follow the maintenance schedule religiously, including timely oil changes with the recommended grade and synthetic oil if required by the model year.


• Address recalls and service campaigns promptly at an authorized Subaru service center.


• Monitor oil consumption in turbo models and report unusual consumption early to a dealer.


• Keep up with transmission service intervals and monitor for any CVT-related irregularities, especially in earlier years.


• Document and maintain a thorough service history; a well-maintained example tends to be more reliable over time.

Proactive maintenance and attentive service history are key factors in sustaining reliability for the Ascent across its lifespan.

Bottom line

For most buyers, the Subaru Ascent delivers reliable, safe, and spacious three-row transportation with standard all-wheel drive, making it a strong contender in the family-SUV segment. While some model years have notable issues—particularly early turbo engine oil consumption and CVT quirks—later models generally show improved reliability and strong owner satisfaction. A careful pre-purchase inspection and a thorough review of the vehicle’s service history remain essential.

Summary

Overall, the Subaru Ascent combines reliability with practicality, safety, and all-weather capability. It tends to perform well in owner satisfaction, though prospective buyers should pay attention to model-year specifics and maintain a rigorous maintenance routine to maximize long-term dependability. When compared with peers, the Ascent offers compelling value for families who prioritize safety and AWD, with reliability that has improved in newer years.

Is the Subaru Ascent a good car to buy?

The Subaru Ascent can be a good car to buy if you prioritize standard all-wheel drive, a high level of safety, and a comfortable, spacious interior with excellent outward visibility. However, potential buyers should be aware of reported issues like poor fuel economy, some engine and transmission noise, and an overly sensitive accelerator pedal. 
Pros

• Standard AWD: All models come with Subaru's all-wheel-drive system, making it a strong choice for all weather conditions. 
• Safety: The Ascent consistently earns top safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA, thanks to the standard EyeSight safety suite. 
• Spacious and comfortable: It is Subaru's largest model, with plenty of room for up to eight passengers and their gear. 
• Comfortable ride: It offers a smooth and controlled ride that handles bumps well. 
• Good visibility: The design provides excellent outward visibility. 
• Towing capacity: It has a strong and capable towing capacity. 
• High-quality interior: Many reviews praise the quality of the interior materials and fit and finish. 

Cons

• Fuel economy: Some owners report poor fuel economy, though EPA ratings can vary depending on the model year and driving conditions. 
• Accelerator response: The accelerator pedal can be overly sensitive, and the CVT can lead to engine and tire noise, especially under hard acceleration. 
• Handling: The handling is not a strong suit; the steering can feel vague, and there is noticeable body lean when cornering. 
• Potential reliability concerns: Some users have reported issues with the battery, transmission, and electrical system, although other sources cite it as reliable. 

This video provides an in-depth review of the Subaru Ascent, including its performance and features: 1mAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Feb 15, 2025
Conclusion
The Subaru Ascent is a good option for families who need a spacious, safe, and capable SUV with standard all-wheel drive. If you are willing to accept some drawbacks like less-than-stellar fuel economy and potentially less-engaging handling, it could be a great fit. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the Subaru Ascent's all-wheel-drive system and other components: 1mThe Car Care Nut ReviewsYouTube · Apr 30, 2024

What year is the most reliable Subaru Ascent?

The most reliable Subaru Ascent models are generally considered to be from 2021 and newer, with the 2023 and 2024 models having further improvements and fewer issues. The first two model years, 2019 and 2020, had the most problems, particularly with the transmission, and are best to avoid if possible.
 
Reliable years

• 2021 and later: These model years are frequently cited as reliable, having addressed many of the issues found in the earlier models. The 2021 model year saw significant fixes for problems like transmission issues. 
• 2023 and 2024: These model years are considered even more reliable, building on the improvements made in 2021 and 2022. The 2023 model received a mid-cycle refresh that included numerous updates and fine-tuning. 

Years to avoid

• 2019 and 2020: The first two model years of the Ascent had the highest number of recalls and complaints, with many reports of transmission problems. While some owners reported no issues, avoiding these years is the most reliable strategy. 

Does the Subaru Ascent have reliability issues?

We expect the 2025 Ascent will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car.

How long does a Subaru Ascent last?

between 200,000 to 250,000 miles
The Lifespan of a Subaru Ascent: What to Expect
The Subaru Ascent lifespan is impressive, typically reaching between 200,000 to 250,000 miles or about 13 to 17 years when driven an average of 15,000 miles per year.