Why does the Subaru Ascent get such bad gas mileage?
The Subaru Ascent typically delivers lower fuel economy than its EPA label might suggest because it is a large, heavy, all-wheel-drive SUV equipped with a turbocharged engine and a CVT, all of which favor power and capacity over efficiency.
In practical terms, the question centers on how a family-sized, three-row crossover can’t match the mileage of lighter, front-wheel-drive rivals, and what factors influence everyday fuel use. The following explains the core reasons, the official numbers, how real-world driving changes results, and tips to improve efficiency without compromising capability.
What the official numbers reveal
The Ascent uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing about 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD and a CVT. Official EPA ratings for this setup hover around 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. Those figures are based on standardized testing that does not always mirror real-world conditions, where many factors can lower actual fuel economy.
- Heavy curb weight and standard all-wheel drive add to the baseline energy needed for acceleration, climbing hills, and maintaining traction.
- The turbocharged powerband is designed for quick response and strong performance, which can increase fuel consumption when boost is actively used.
- The CVT can hold engine RPMs higher during some bursts of acceleration or uphill driving, which can reduce efficiency in everyday driving.
- Aerodynamics and practical cargo loads (roof racks, roof boxes, and passengers) contribute to drag and rolling resistance that lower mpg.
Taken together, these factors help explain why real-world mileage often trails the EPA numbers. The Ascent remains competitive for a vehicle of its size and capability, but efficiency isn’t its strongest suit.
How to maximize fuel economy in the Ascent
Even with design constraints, there are practical steps drivers can take to improve mileage without sacrificing safety or comfort. The following tips target common inefficiencies observed in daily use.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and rotate tires regularly to minimize rolling resistance.
- Aim for steady speeds on highways and use cruise control when appropriate to avoid unnecessary acceleration.
- Limit cargo and remove roof racks or cargo boxes when not needed to reduce aerodynamic drag.
- Schedule regular maintenance, including air filters, spark plugs, and oxygen sensors, to ensure the engine runs efficiently.
- When possible, avoid prolonged cold starts and allow a gentle warm-up before heavy throttle or highway driving.
Implementing these practices can help close the gap between real-world MPG and the official rating, especially on longer highway trips.
Real-world experiences and comparisons
Owner anecdotes and fuel economy reports vary widely, but many Ascent drivers report averages in the low-to-mid 20s mpg for typical mixed driving, with highway-only driving sometimes approaching the 27 mpg EPA highway target if driven calmly at moderate speeds. Weather, load, and driving style all play a significant role in the variance from one trip to the next.
Bottom line
The Subaru Ascent’s mileage results from a combination of its size, standard all-wheel drive, and turbocharged performance. While it offers substantial interior space and capability for families, fuel economy isn’t its strongest attribute. Real-world mileage will differ based on conditions and habits, but understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations and identify practical steps to improve efficiency.
Summary
In short, the Ascent’s lower-than-ideal fuel economy stems from its heavy, all-wheel-drive design, turbocharged powertrain, and CVT, compounded by real-world factors like driving style and weather. By maintaining proper maintenance, reducing drag, and driving with efficiency in mind, drivers can improve mpg, though the vehicle is better suited to power and practicality than to top-tier fuel economy in its class.
Why is my Subaru getting bad gas mileage?
A clogged filter can add strain to your engine, and it will use more fuel than necessary. Don't carry extra weight! If you have vehicle add-ons, such as a roof or bike rack, remove it if you only use it occasionally. It increases resistance and decreases your fuel tank.
Why is Subaru's fuel consumption so high?
The reason is because the motor was designed in the 80s so it's ancient technology, and it's a low compression motor so it doesn't burn fuel efficiently at light throttle. It's also a very heavy car at nearly 3500lbs. All this combines to give it poor gas mileage and dated performance numbers.
What affects the Subaru Ascent's mpg?
Steady state, your instant mpg should be around 31-32mpg. If it is, then the engine is ok and its other factors like traffic, warm ups running rich, etc. If it's below 30 then I'd be checking things like alignment, tires, engine, etc. Nothing you can do TO the Ascent will improve the mileage.
Is the Subaru Ascent a gas guzzler?
Find out more about the gas mileage of the 2023 Subaru Ascent at Team Gillman Subaru North. The 2023 Subaru Ascent gets 20 MPG city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway1.
