Real Subaru Ascent MPG - It’s Shocking What Owners Report And It’s Not Good News

Several Subaru Ascent owners say the 3-Row SUV is underperforming in fuel mileage. What does Subaru of America (SOA) say the Ascent should get? SOA says the 2023 Ascent family hauler gets up to 26 MPG, but with an asterisk that says, "EPA-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage may vary."

Torque News reported earlier this year on the Ascent fuel mileage issue. This is an updated report on the Ascent fuel mileage discussion. 

What does the EPA say the fuel mileage of the new 2023 Ascent is rated?

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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.

Why do all 2023 Ascent trims get lower fuel mileage?

We asked a Subaru spokesman why the lower fuel mileage ratings on 2023 Ascent models, and here is the reply. "There are a few reasons, including power consumption due to enhanced features and emission regulation changes."

The emission regulation changes affected Ascent's 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine. The 2023 Subaru Ascent also comes with added weight due to the interior upgrades and new EyeSight driver-assist safety technology.

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What do owners say about the 2022 Ascent fuel mileage?

We talked to one 2022 Subaru Ascent owner who is extremely unhappy with the Ascent fuel mileage. Sam Williams says 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.

Williams says, "There are plenty of other folks in my position. Subaru's response has been to instruct that I perpetually take the car in for unspecified tests. They know they have a problem and a history of cheating on these things. I've also informed the EPA, but they couldn't care less. Fuel economy ratings are a farce."

"Regardless, Subaru is in denial, and their response has been to send me back to dealers for unspecified test after test. So far, they've told me the mpg is normal, and they even wrote as much on Yelp," says Williams.

Another Subaru Ascent owner, Richard Torres, writes, "Our Subaru Ascent is terrible on gas mileage—no better than 16 to 19 mpg. I had an Outback before, and the mileage was great. 32+. I'm very disappointed with the Ascent. I've talked to other Ascent owners, and they say the same. The mileage sucks!!"

More Subaru Ascent owners (from Ascent Forums.com) say fuel mileage is well below what the EPA reports. 

From Brian99000, "I have a 2022 Ascent Touring, which I purchased with 5 miles, mostly mine from the test drive. My question is about fuel economy. I have 1,000 miles, all highway. One hundred twenty miles home from the dealership on I-75 and 700 to and from Georgia on I-75. Cruise set on both trips at 75. I'm only getting 19 mpg. Is this normal for highway mpg? It's a far cry from what they advertise. The dealership says it's the Florida heat. I call BS. My Infiniti and Toyota performed on the highway according to the advertised mpg. Is this just a break-in period, and it will get better? I'm concerned."

John Wadsworth says, "I'm almost 5K miles in. Wife's car not a heavy foot. Lifetime average mpg is 17.4. 7 mile R/T commute - what anyone would consider "around town" - and not impressed with MPG. I bought the car with the full intention of keeping it for a long time; we're a young family who likes to play outside, and a friend has a new F-150 and is crushing our MPG with a similar commute (except he has a lead foot)."  

OHM says, "I was sold on this vehicle for the right size for my family of 5, dog, and occasional kids' friends, the safety features, and the announced mileage (21 city/ 27 highway mpg). I am EXTREMELY disappointed about the big gap between actual consumption of the Ascent compared to expectations stemming from Subaru's marketing documentation for that model and compared to other CVT-equipped vehicles I drove in the same conditions."

In Ascent's defense, some owners are happy with their fuel mileage.

DocRock says, "Our results are not quite as severe. My wife gets about 16 MPG in city driving; I get about 18 (I am gentler on the accelerator and coast to red lights and stop signs - traffic permitting). On the highway, my mileage has varied between 30-34 MPG; my wife gets around 28 MPG (I tend to drive more conservatively than she does)."

Finally, Eroi50 says, "We just finished the break-in Period over a 600-mile round trip, and we were getting around 24-25 MPG. But I was conservative on the pedal, keeping it to the speed limit. Aside from weather conditions and flat vs. mountainous/hilly terrain, if you drive that way, you should be rewarded with close to Subaru's suggested MPG."

If you own a newer Subaru Ascent family hauler (2020-2023 model year), what fuel mileage are you getting? Let us know in the comments below.

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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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