Is the Subaru Ascent powerful enough?

The Subaru Ascent is a midsize SUV that offers a compelling combination of capability, comfort, and safety features. While it may not be the most powerful vehicle in its class, the Ascent provides ample power and performance for most driving needs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Ascent's powertrain and assess whether it's powerful enough to meet the needs of modern SUV buyers.

Powertrain and Performance

The Subaru Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which helps to deliver power to all four wheels for improved traction and handling.

In terms of performance, the Ascent can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 7.4 seconds, which is on par with many of its midsize SUV competitors. The Ascent also has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it capable of hauling small trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment.

Real-World Driving Impressions

While the Ascent's powertrain may not be the most powerful in its class, it provides more than enough power for most everyday driving situations. The turbocharged engine delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience, with ample torque available for passing, merging, and climbing hills. The Ascent's all-wheel-drive system also helps to provide confident handling and stability, even in inclement weather or on unpaved roads.

However, it's worth noting that the Ascent's performance may feel slightly underwhelming when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and cargo. In these situations, the engine may struggle to maintain the same level of responsiveness and acceleration. Drivers who frequently tow heavy loads or need maximum power for off-road adventures may want to consider a more powerful SUV option.

Conclusion

Overall, the Subaru Ascent's powertrain is well-suited for the needs of most midsize SUV buyers. While it may not be the most powerful vehicle in its class, the Ascent's turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system provide a compelling balance of performance, capability, and efficiency. For drivers who prioritize everyday practicality, comfort, and safety, the Ascent's power and performance are likely to be more than adequate.

What is a Subaru Ascent comparable to?

Major competitors to the Subaru Ascent include the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Hyundai Palisade. Other rivals in the three-row SUV segment are the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, and Mazda CX-90. The Ascent's standard all-wheel drive is a key feature, while competitors may offer front-wheel drive or hybrid options. 
Key competitors

• Toyota Highlander: A close competitor that offers both gasoline and hybrid powertrains, available front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. 
• Kia Telluride: Known for its stylish interior and high-quality ride, it is often ranked highly for luxury and interior design. 
• Honda Pilot: A versatile option that is a strong contender in the segment, noted for its multiple storage solutions and practical features. 
• Hyundai Palisade: Another popular three-row SUV that competes directly with the Ascent and offers a well-appointed interior. 
• Ford Explorer: A well-established competitor in the segment with a wide range of trims and features. 
• Chevrolet Traverse: A large, three-row SUV that is a direct rival in terms of size and passenger capacity. 
• Mazda CX-90: Often seen as a competitor that offers a more premium and performance-oriented driving experience, although it has received criticism for its infotainment system. 

How the Ascent compares

• Standard All-Wheel Drive: A key advantage for the Ascent is that all models come standard with Subaru's all-wheel drive, while other competitors offer it as an option or have front-wheel drive on their base models. 
• Ruggedness and Ground Clearance: The Ascent is positioned as a rugged option with higher ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading and challenging weather conditions, a feature highlighted in comparison to the CX-90, for instance. 
• Value: The Ascent is often considered to be a reasonably priced option for its class, especially when factoring in the standard all-wheel drive. 

Which is better, Subaru Ascent or Honda Pilot?

The Subaru Ascent is a better choice for those prioritizing standard all-wheel drive and off-road capability, with a turbocharged engine and a larger infotainment touchscreen. The Honda Pilot excels with more interior and cargo space, a smoother ride, and more standard safety features, though its all-wheel drive is optional. Both SUVs offer comparable fuel economy, have similar towing capacities (up to 5,000 pounds), and strong safety ratings. 
This video provides a detailed comparison of the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot, highlighting their features, performance, and practicality: 59sJustin PritchardYouTube · Jun 10, 2024
Subaru Ascent

• Pros:
  • Standard all-wheel drive on all trims. 
  • Standard 11.6-inch touchscreen is larger than the Pilot's base screen. 
  • More torque from its 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. 
  • More ground clearance. 
  • More cup and bottle holders. 
• Cons:
  • Slightly smaller interior and cargo space compared to the Pilot. 
  • Turbo lag may be noticeable for some drivers. 

This video demonstrates the design and interior of the Subaru Ascent: 41sRaiti's RidesYouTube · Dec 10, 2024
Honda Pilot

• Pros:
  • More overall interior and cargo space. 
  • Smoother ride. 
  • Standard safety features include more advanced systems. 
  • Standard FWD, with AWD available on higher trims. 
• Cons:
  • Standard engine is a V6, but AWD is not standard on all trims. 
  • Base touchscreen is smaller than the Ascent's. 

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the Subaru Ascent if: You frequently drive on rough roads, need standard all-wheel drive, or want a large standard infotainment screen. 
• Choose the Honda Pilot if: You need the most passenger and cargo space, prioritize a smoother ride, or want the most standard safety features across all trims. 

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.

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.