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The 2024 Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV is a good pick for new car shoppers this fall, but why did sales drop again? The Ascent has good and bad qualities, and one could be keeping it from selling better. It has two excellent qualities and one significant trim level it's missing.
The Ascent drops in sales for the second month in a row.
The 2023 Subaru Ascent is the fourth best-selling SUV behind the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek. Subaru of America reports they delivered 4,860 Ascent 3-Row SUVs to customers in August. The Ascent sales dropped 13.8 percent compared with the 5,638 models sold in August 2022. The Ascent is up 2.9 percent in the first eight months, with 42,282 models sold in 2023.
Check Out This Related Story: The Subaru Ascent Gets A Significant Upgrade For Active Families
Ascent has excellent all-weather performance.
The Ascent 3-Row SUV has two features that customers want. The first is its Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode for all-weather performance. Dual-function X-Mode gives it off-pavement performance for active customers wishing to escape civilization. Customers won't find a better vehicle for urban and rural commuting.
Ascent is one of the safest 3-Row SUVs.
The second feature customers want is safety, and the Ascent is the safest 3-Row SUV for families. 2024 Ascent models arrive this fall with Subaru's latest EyeSight safety technology, including a Wide-Angle Mono Camera. Subaru says the enhanced EyeSight driver assist system operates more smoothly and in an extended range of conditions. The improvements are a result of a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster.
Don't Miss This Related Story: Most New Midsize SUVs Fail In Rear Passenger Safety - The Subaru Ascent Excels
Ascent fuel mileage is an issue.
One of the shortcomings of the Ascent is its reported fuel mileage. Some customers say the Ascent's EPA-rated fuel mileage is much less than advertised.
Several Ascent owners are unhappy with its fuel mileage. One customer told us he gets 11 to 13 mpg in city driving and never over 19 mpg when highway traveling. He has over 3,500 miles on the new vehicle. More Subaru Ascent owners (from Ascent Forums.com) also say fuel mileage is well below what the EPA reports.
Check Out This Hot Topic: A Problem With Subaru Ascent Fuel Mileage? Owners Say EPA Isn’t Even Close
What does the EPA say the fuel mileage of the new 2023 Ascent is rated?
The 2023 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA-estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg. Because they are slightly heavier, the Ascent Limited and Touring trim levels get an EPA-estimated 19/25 city/highway mpg and 21 combined mpg.
Subaru of America says the 2023 Ascent family hauler can reach over 500 miles of highway driving range, but with an asterisk that says, "Based on EPA-estimated highway fuel economy. Actual mileage and range may vary."
The Ascent does not offer a Hybrid trim level.
The Ascent needs a hybrid trim level to compete with the top-selling 3-Row SUVs. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid 3-Row SUV has considerably better EPA-estimated fuel mileage. The EPA says the Highlander hybrid gets an estimated 36/35 city/highway mpg and 36 combined mpg.
The 2024 Subaru Ascent arrives this fall, but no hybrid trim level exists.
The 2024 Subaru Ascent comes in six trim levels. The Base trim starts at $35,490, and Premium trims begin at $38,090. The Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $42,890, the upper Limited starts at $43,190, the Ascent Onyx Edition Limited is priced at $47,890, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $49,790. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees now $1,295 (+$70).
The 2024 Subaru Ascent is an excellent all-weather, all-wheel-drive 3-Row SUV offering superior safety features for families. The 2024 Ascent gets new safety upgrades and new technology for midsize 3-Row SUV shoppers, but it's missing a hybrid trim level.
Don’t Miss This Hot Topic: Consumer Reports Says Avoid Ford Explorer, Subaru Ascent Is Your Best Under-The-Radar Pick
Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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