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If you are looking for a three-row SUV, how do you know if the 2021 Subaru Ascent family hauler is a vehicle you should be on your list? We’ll give you a quick rundown of the Ascent and give you fuel mileage, cargo capacity, new features, safety ratings, and what trim level hits the sweet spot.
What’s new for 2021?
The 2021 Ascent gets new safety upgrades over the current model worth noting. The new model comes with advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane keep assist added to the standard EyeSight driver-assist safety technology. Another newly added safety feature is the steering responsive LED headlights that are now standard across all trim levels, and the second- and third-row seat belt reminder is now standard.
What is the best Ascent trim level?
The 2021 Ascent comes in four trim levels for SUV buyers with a growing family. It comes in Base ($32,295), Premium ($34,795), Limited ($39,595), and top-of-the-line Touring ($45,445). Destination & delivery add $1,050 to the price.
If you don’t need leather seats, the 2021 Ascent Premium offers the best value and features standard all-wheel-drive, X-Mode, EyeSight driver-assist safety tech, and unique spill-repellent cloth upholstery. It gets upgrades for families like the all-weather package with heated exterior mirrors and heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer.
Customers can load up the Premium trim with features and still keep the family hauler under $40,000.
Options on the Premium include second-row captain chairs; 20-inch wheels in a dark gray machine finish, and a power rear gate with height memory. You can also opt for keyless access with push-button start, auto-dimming rearview compass mirror, panoramic moonroof, navigation, and a stow-able cargo cover.
How big is the Subaru Ascent inside?
The 2021 Ascent is the biggest model Subaru offers and comes with 19.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row. With the second row folded you’ll have 47.5 cubic feet and with the third row folded flat, Ascent offers 86.5 cu.ft., big enough to carry two mountain bikes inside or plenty of room for sports gear and your four-legged friends.
If you are hauling people, Ascent can carry up to 8 passengers with the second-row bench seat. Ascent features 153.5 cubic feet total passenger volume and offers 38.6 inches of second-row legroom.
Does the Ascent have enough power?
Ascent is powered by a new 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. For those who are wondering what torque is in simple terms, it’s what gets a vehicle moving from a stop and helps in pulling the vehicle up a hill, or when towing. Ascent has a maximum tow rating of 5,000 lbs, and has enough power to tow a small trailer or camper.
What is the fuel mileage of the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
The EPA estimated fuel economy is 21/27 mpg city/highway and 23 combined mpg for the Premium trim. Ascent Limited and Touring come in at 20/26 city/highway and 22 combined mpg because they are slightly heavier.
What connectivity and convenience features does Ascent offer?
Standard features include tri-zone front and rear automatic climate control, a rear vision camera, a multi-function display, a host of input/charging USB ports, and an amazing 18 cup holders. The Ascent also comes standard with a 6.5-inch multimedia system with smartphone integration capabilities like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
How safe is the Ascent?
All Ascent trims come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, X-Mode for severe driving conditions, and EyeSight driver-assist technology. The Ascent will be rated the highest Top Safety Pick Plus score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) because of the new standard steering responsive LED headlights.
The 2021 Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV family hauler is built at the U.S. past in Lafayette, Indiana, and begins arriving in Subaru retailers this summer. If you are wondering what the differences between Ascent and the Outback are, check out our complete comparison below.
You Might Also Like: New Subaru Outback Vs. Ascent 3-Row, Which Is The Best Fit For Your Family?
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press and the founder of Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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