Is the Subaru Ascent good on gas?
The Subaru Ascent is reasonably efficient for a three-row SUV, delivering roughly 23 mpg combined with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and all-wheel drive. Real-world mileage typically lands in the low-to-mid 20s, depending on driving conditions.
How fuel economy is measured and what affects it
The EPA’s ratings for the Ascent reflect a balance between power, all-wheel drive, and everyday practicality. The numbers are a guide for city, highway, and combined driving, and real-world results can vary based on conditions and load.
The following factors most influence the Ascent’s fuel economy in daily use:
- Engine and drivetrain: The Ascent uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine with all-wheel drive as standard, paired with a CVT. The turbo provides strong acceleration, but efficiency is a trade-off for power.
- All-wheel drive: AWD is standard on all trims, which adds weight and drivetrain losses compared to two-wheel-drive configurations, typically lowering city mpg by a few miles per gallon compared with FWD.
- Driving conditions and style: Frequent hard accelerations, rapid braking, and heavy traffic push mpg downward; steady highway cruising improves it.
- Vehicle load: More passengers and cargo increase weight and can reduce fuel economy, especially on hills or during climbs.
- Tire type and maintenance: Tire choice, proper inflation, and regular maintenance (air filter, spark plugs, oil changes) affect efficiency.
- Weather and altitude: Cold weather, snow, and high altitude can reduce engine efficiency and increase rolling resistance.
In summary, the combination of a powerful turbo engine and standard AWD yields solid efficiency for its class, with typical daily mileage often in the low- to mid-20s mpg range.
Real-world performance and how it compares to rivals
Automotive testing and owner reports typically show highway fuel economy in the upper 20s and mixed driving in the low- to mid-20s for the Ascent. The vehicle’s size, three-row layout, and strong turbocharged output mean it can be competitive with other mid-sized family SUVs, though it isn’t a hybrid, so it won’t match the city mpg of hybrid rivals. In terms of overall efficiency, the Ascent sits in the middle of its segment: capable power with respectable, but not class-leading, fuel economy.
How to maximize fuel economy in the Ascent
Simple habits can help you get the most from every tank. Consider these practical steps when you own or are shopping for an Ascent.
- Maintain proper tire pressure and use OEM-recommended tires for better efficiency.
- Drive at steady speeds on highways and use cruise control where appropriate to minimize braking and acceleration cycles.
- Limit unnecessary weight and roof rack cargo when not in use to reduce aerodynamic drag and weight.
- Keep up with routine maintenance (air filter, spark plugs, oil changes) to ensure the engine runs efficiently.
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and long idling; plan trips to minimize stops and starts.
By adopting these practices, drivers can typically see modest gains in real-world mpg without sacrificing performance or practicality.
Bottom line: how it stacks up
The Ascent provides solid fuel economy for a family-friendly three-row SUV with robust power and standard all-wheel drive. While not a hybrid, its efficiency is competitive within its class, and most buyers will find the vehicle offers a good balance between space, capability, and daily practicality.
Summary
In short, the Subaru Ascent is reasonably good on gas for a three-row SUV. It delivers EPA ratings in the low- to mid-20s mpg in typical mixed driving, with highway mileage often higher and city mileage lower. Real-world mileage will vary with load, driving style, and conditions, but the Ascent remains a competitive option for families who want space and AWD without sacrificing too much fuel efficiency.
