Is the Subaru Ascent fuel-efficient?

The Subaru Ascent delivers competitive fuel economy for a three-row SUV, with EPA estimates around 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and about 23 mpg combined for its AWD-equipped 2.4L turbo engine.

In this report, we break down the official ratings, compare them with peers in the segment, examine real-world mileage, and offer practical tips to maximize efficiency. We also note how year and trim variations can affect numbers for buyers evaluating a new or used Ascent.

EPA ratings and how to read them

The official figures come from the EPA testing cycle and are useful for comparing three-row SUVs, though real-world results vary with load, terrain, and driving style.

What the EPA numbers cover

• Ascent (2024–2025, AWD, 2.4L turbo): 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined (EPA est.).


• Compared with similar three-row SUVs powered by non-hybrid gasoline engines, the class generally lands in the low-to-mid 20s combined, with highway numbers commonly in the upper 20s to around 28 mpg depending on drivetrain and tuning.

Overall, the Ascent’s highway efficiency is competitive for the segment, while its city mileage sits in line with similar non-hybrid three-row rivals.

Real-world mileage and driving factors

Real-world fuel economy for the Ascent depends on several factors, including cargo weight, terrain, climate, and driving style. Many owners report mixed-driving mileage in the low-to-mid 20s mpg, with highway-only trips potentially approaching the mid-20s if driving conservatively and at steady speeds.

In city-heavy commuting with full seating and cargo, mpg typically trails the EPA estimate by a few miles per gallon. On long highway trips with a light load, the Ascent can approach or exceed 25 mpg, though results vary widely by year, trim, maintenance status, and external conditions.

Maximizing fuel efficiency in everyday use

Small, consistent actions can help you get closer to EPA numbers and improve overall efficiency with the Ascent.

Practical tips for better economy

• Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures; underinflation reduces fuel economy and can affect handling.


• Limit heavy cargo and avoid roof-mounted gear when not needed to reduce aerodynamic drag and weight.


• Use cruise control on highways and maintain steady speeds to minimize unnecessary acceleration.


• Schedule regular maintenance: replace air filters, keep spark plugs clean, and ensure the CVT transmission is serviced as recommended.


• Avoid prolonged idling and, where appropriate, minimize use of the air conditioning in mild conditions; keep windows up on the highway to reduce drag if you’re driving fast with windows down.


• Plan trips to reduce stop-and-go driving and combine errands to keep the engine in its efficient operating range.

Adopting these practices can yield incremental gains, though real-world results depend on conditions and driving behavior.

Summary

The Subaru Ascent offers respectable fuel economy for a three-row SUV in its class, with EPA estimates around 21/27/23 mpg and real-world mileage often in the low-to-mid 20s for mixed driving. It remains a strong choice for buyers who prioritize interior space, all-wheel drive capability, and practical versatility, while recognizing that fuel consumption will be higher than many two-row compact crossovers.

Is the Subaru Ascent good on gas for its size?

The 2023 Subaru Ascent gets 20 MPG city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway1. Every Subaru vehicle is made for any type of adventure, so it's nice to get gas mileage that'll keep you driving on the highway and far away from the gas station.

Which Subaru is the most gas efficient?

The 2025 Subaru Solterra EV has the best fuel efficiency, measured in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent), while the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid leads among traditional hybrid models with a combined 35 MPG. For conventional gas-powered vehicles, the 2025 Subaru Legacy has the highest highway MPG at 35, and the 2025 Subaru Impreza offers strong combined city/highway mileage. 
Electric Vehicle (EV)

• Subaru Solterra: With 104 combined MPGe (114 city/94 highway), this is the most fuel-efficient option. 

Hybrid

• 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid: This model achieves an estimated 35 MPG combined (35 city/34 highway). 

Conventional Gas

• 2025 Subaru Legacy: The base 2.5L engine model gets an estimated 35 MPG on the highway. 
• 2025 Subaru Impreza: This model is a strong contender, with an estimated 36 MPG highway on some trims. 
• 2025 Subaru Crosstrek: The Crosstrek can achieve over 30 MPG on the highway. 

Factors that affect gas mileage

• Engine choice: Turbocharged engines typically get worse gas mileage than their base-engine counterparts.
• Transmission: Models with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) are generally more fuel-efficient than those with manual transmissions.
• Tires and accessories: "Wilderness" models and other upgrades like all-terrain tires or lift kits can negatively impact fuel economy due to increased rolling resistance and compromised aerodynamics. 

What are the weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent?

Common cons for the Subaru Ascent include a cramped interior, particularly in the third row, frustrating and unreliable tech, poor fuel economy, and a CVT transmission that can feel sluggish. Other issues reported by owners include problems with steering, suspension, brakes, and the climate control system, particularly uneven heating/cooling in the third row. 
Performance and reliability

• CVT transmission: The continuously variable automatic transmission can feel sluggish, especially when accelerating or towing, and some owners have reported issues. 
• Fuel economy: Fuel efficiency is often criticized as being mediocre for its class. 
• Brakes: Some reports mention issues like premature pad wear, vibration, and problems with the master cylinder. 
• Reliability concerns: While later models are expected to have average reliability, some owners of earlier models reported issues with engine components, steering, and suspension. 

You can watch this video to learn more about common problems with the Subaru Ascent: 52sNexologyYouTube · Sep 11, 2025
Interior and technology

• Interior space: Despite being a three-row SUV, some find the interior, particularly the third row, to be narrow and cramped compared to competitors. 
• Technology: The infotainment and climate control systems are frequently criticized for being frustrating, with a touchscreen that can be slow to respond, which makes adjusting climate settings difficult. 
• Lack of convenience features: Some models have a single 12-volt outlet placed in an inconvenient location, and others lack third-row lighting or an accessible 110-volt outlet. 
• Uneven climate control: Reports of uneven heating and cooling are common, with the third row sometimes not receiving enough airflow. 

What is the real world mpg for a Subaru Ascent?

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Ascent Premium is rated for 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Any trim above that will lose 1 mpg in both categories. Still, the Ascent has above-average EPA estimates and confirmed the latter in our 75-mph real-world test.