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Does the Subaru Ascent have enough power?


The Subaru Ascent, a popular midsize SUV, has been a go-to choice for families and adventurers alike. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive system, it’s no wonder this vehicle has gained a loyal following. But one question often arises: does the Subaru Ascent have enough power to meet the demands of its drivers? Let’s dive into the details to find out.


Engine Specifications and Performance


The Subaru Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which comes standard on all trims. The turbocharged engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for a variety of driving conditions, from city commutes to highway cruising and even light off-road adventures.


How Does It Perform in Real-World Scenarios?


When it comes to real-world performance, the Subaru Ascent holds its own in several key areas:



  • Acceleration: The turbocharged engine provides smooth and responsive acceleration, making it easy to merge onto highways or overtake slower vehicles.

  • Towing Capacity: The Ascent boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is competitive for its class. This makes it a great choice for towing small trailers, boats, or campers.

  • Off-Road Capability: Thanks to its all-wheel-drive system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Ascent is capable of handling light off-road trails and inclement weather conditions with ease.


Is It Enough for Your Needs?


Whether the Subaru Ascent has enough power ultimately depends on your specific needs and expectations. For most drivers, the 260-horsepower engine provides more than enough power for daily driving, family road trips, and occasional towing. However, if you’re looking for a high-performance SUV with sports car-like acceleration, you may find the Ascent’s powertrain to be more focused on practicality than thrills.


Conclusion


In summary, the Subaru Ascent offers a well-rounded package of power, efficiency, and capability. Its turbocharged engine is more than adequate for most driving scenarios, and its towing capacity and off-road features add to its versatility. If you’re in the market for a reliable and capable midsize SUV, the Subaru Ascent is definitely worth considering.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Subaru Ascent fast?


With 4578 pounds of Subaru to haul around, that torque stat is important, and the Ascent feels plenty spry. We saw 60 mph in arrive in 6.8 seconds, and the quarter-mile in 15.4 seconds at 92 mph. So, not as quick as a 2003 Forester 2.5XT, but you can't expect everyone in the family to live up to a legend like that one.



Where does Subaru Ascent rank?


The Subaru Ascent boasts excellent safety ratings. Its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) overall rating is the highest: 5 Stars. It's also earned a spot on the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) list.



Can a Subaru Ascent really tow 5000 lbs?


The 2025 Subaru Ascent is engineered to meet the demands of both daily commutes and adventurous excursions. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, it stands as the most capable Subaru vehicle to date, allowing you to confidently haul trailers, boats, or recreational equipment.



Has Subaru improved the Ascent?


The 2025 Ascent adds Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, as well as Reverse Automatic Braking to its suite of standard active safety features. With the addition of Blind-Spot Detection, Automatic Emergency Steering is also standard for 2025.



Is the Subaru 2.4 L Turbo a good engine?


To answer your question, the new 2.4 Turbo engines from Subaru actually have been proving to be surprisingly good/reliable.



How many miles will a Subaru Ascent last?


between 200,000 to 250,000 miles
How Many Miles can a Subaru Ascent Last? The Subaru Ascent is a durable vehicle that is predicted to last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. With a yearly average of 15,000 miles, that adds up to around a 13-17 year lifespan.



How long do turbo Subaru engines last?


Most Subaru engines can be expected to last through 200,000 miles before needing significant maintenance or repairs.



How reliable is the Subaru 2.5 turbo?


The Subaru 2.5 Turbo Engine is a reliable and powerful engine that has proven itself to be a reliable choice for many car owners. However, as with any engine, it is not without its faults. Common issues include oil starvation, coolant leaks, and head gasket failure.



Which Subaru Ascent has the highest towing capacity?


The Subaru Ascent Premium, Ascent Onyx Edition, Ascent Limited, and Ascent Touring trims all have the highest Subaru SUV towing capacity at 5,000 pounds.



Does the Subaru Ascent have transmission problems?


Even so, one of the most common problems reported by Ascent owners is related to its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). In this article, we'll take a closer look at what causes these issues and what you can do to deal with them.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.