How fast is the Subaru Ascent 0 to 60?

The Subaru Ascent with its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine typically reaches 60 mph in roughly the mid-to-high six-second range, with real-world results usually landing around 6.5 to 7.5 seconds depending on year, trim, fuel, and payload.

What the numbers look like in context

The following breakdown explains how fast the Ascent can be in practice, what factors influence acceleration, and how measurements can vary across different tests and conditions.

Key factors that influence 0–60 times

Several variables determine how quickly the Ascent accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph. Understanding these helps explain why numbers differ from one test to another.

• Engine and power: The Ascent uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer (flat-four) with about 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which gives strong mid-range pull.


• Transmission system: It relies on a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with simulated gear steps; perceived acceleration can change with drive modes (Normal vs. Sport) and how the CVT is tuned during testing.


• All-wheel drive and weight: AWD is standard, which improves traction but adds weight, influencing the initial launch and roll-out time.


• Payload and seating: Carrying passengers and cargo increases vehicle weight, typically slowing acceleration modestly.


• Fuel quality: Premium fuel or higher-octane fuel can help the engine realize its rated output; using regular gasoline can yield slightly slower times.


• Tire condition and grip: Tire type (summer vs. all-season vs. winter), tread wear, and surface grip have a meaningful impact on launch traction.


• Weather and altitude: Cold weather and high altitude reduce available power and grip, which can lengthen the 0–60 time.

In practice, these factors tend to keep the Ascent in a narrow band of performance, with most tests showing times around the mid-to-high six seconds to low seven seconds under typical conditions.

Typical real-world results by scenario

The following ranges reflect common testing conditions and everyday use. They are approximate and can vary by tester, year, and equipment used.

• Unloaded, with premium fuel and good traction: about 6.6 to 7.0 seconds.


• With full seating and cargo: roughly 7.0 to 7.5 seconds due to extra weight.


• Cold weather or slippery surfaces: slower by approximately 0.3 to 0.6 seconds.


• Model-year variations: earlier 2.4T models (2019–2020) often land near the upper end of the range, while mid-2020s models tend to sit toward the lower end when tested under ideal conditions.

These figures reflect real-world driving rather than laboratory numbers and emphasize how a few pounds of payload or a change in tires can shift the result noticeably.

How the Ascent compares with rivals

In the three-row, mid-size SUV segment, the Ascent’s acceleration places it in the same ballpark as rivals like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer when equipped with turbocharged or V6 powertrains. None is a dedicated performance SUV, but the Ascent benefits from a strong torque figure from its turbo engine, which helps it post competitive 0–60 times for its class. Real-world drivers should expect similar numbers across this segment, with exceptions based on payload, fuel, and tires.

Summary

The Subaru Ascent’s 0–60 mph performance sits in the mid-to-high six-second range under typical conditions, with variations primarily driven by payload, fuel quality, tire grip, and weather. Across model years, the 2.4-liter turbo remains the core driver of acceleration, delivering solid mid-range power for everyday driving and family use. For buyers prioritizing speed, loading and test-driving under their usual conditions will give the most accurate sense of how the vehicle will perform in daily life.

Notes on timing accuracy

0–60 times for the Subaru Ascent can vary depending on the testing methodology and the specific vehicle configuration. Always consider real-world tests from reputable outlets and, if possible, perform a personal test drive to gauge acceleration under your typical load and conditions.

Do Subaru Ascents have good power?

The pragmatic Subaru Ascent may be more well-known for its 5-Star NHTSA safety rating, standard all-wheel drive, and spacious seating for eight... but can this adventurous family SUV bring the thrills? Powered by a muscular 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine, the Ascent delivers an impressive 260 horsepower.

How fast can a Subaru Ascent go from 0 to 60?

The Subaru Ascent typically takes between 6.9 and 7.3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, depending on the specific model year and trim. This is due to its 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 260260260 horsepower and 277277277 lb-ft of torque. While not the fastest in its class, its acceleration is considered respectable for a three-row family SUV. 
You can watch this video to see a 0-60 mph test of the 2025 Subaru Ascent: 56sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Feb 15, 2025

• Typical 0-60 mph times: A range of approximately 6.96.96.9 to 7.37.37.3 seconds is generally reported. 
• Engine: A 2.42.42.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine is standard across all models. 
• Horsepower: The engine produces 260260260 horsepower. 
• Torque: It delivers 277277277 lb-ft of torque. 
• Performance context: The acceleration is considered reasonable for a large, three-row SUV. 

Which is better, Subaru Ascent or Honda Pilot?

The Honda Pilot makes more efficient use of its longer and wider frame, offering more passenger volume and maximum cargo space than the Ascent. These two SUVs have many similar safety features, but the Honda Pilot offers more of them standard on the entry-level model, like a Driver Attention Monitor.

What are the weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent?

Common Subaru Ascent cons include poor fuel economy, a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that can feel disconnected and noisy, and brake issues like premature wear and juddering. Other drawbacks cited by owners are limited interior cabin width, inconsistent technology and infotainment, and engine noise, particularly under acceleration. Some owners also report issues with electrical systems, and despite a decent engine, some feel it is underpowered for the vehicle's size, particularly with its CVT. 
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems and weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent: 52sNexologyYouTube · Sep 11, 2025
Performance and powertrain

• Poor fuel economy: Some owners report fuel economy that is worse than advertised. 
• Underpowered engine: The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is often considered underpowered for the Ascent's heavy weight. 
• Noisy CVT: The CVT can cause a "droning" noise and a disconnected feeling, while competitors use more traditional automatic transmissions. 
• Inconsistent throttle: Some drivers find the throttle too touchy at low speeds or sluggish at higher speeds. 

Brakes

• Premature wear: Owners report premature wearing of brake pads and rotors.
• Vibration and noise: Complaints include pulsating or vibrating brakes and squeaking noises. 

Interior and technology

• Limited interior width: Despite being a large SUV, the cabin is narrower than many competitors, reducing usable space for passengers. 
• Frustrating technology: Some owners find the technology and infotainment systems frustrating to use. 
• Driver assist system issues: In some conditions, such as heavy rain, the EyeSight driver assist system can shut down. 

Other issues

• Engine and transmission problems: In addition to the CVT, other engine and transmission-related issues have been reported by owners. 
• Electrical system issues: Reports include problems with interior lights and other electrical components. 
• Repairs: Some owners report that repairs for certain issues, like replacing a windshield, can be expensive and trigger other cascading problems. 

This video discusses several issues with the Subaru Ascent, including the CVT, brake problems, and electrical system: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 4, 2025