See what gas mileage some Subaru Ascent owners are getting. It may shock you. What Ascent mpg are you getting?
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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?
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.
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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Looking at a the bigger…
Looking at a the bigger picture, I suspect, after speaking with (disappointed) owners of other models in the Subaru family including our 2015 Outback, that this encompasses the majority of the lineup. Our vehicle typically runs an average of three MPG less than the EPA test cycle results with light to moderate driving, albeit not to the extent of the Ascent.
Some of those quotes from…
Some of those quotes from owners are the issue. The guy that buys the new car and hits the highway at 75 with cruise control. He's doing everything the owners manual says NOT to do during break in!!! Wonder why your car isn't working right? Read the book!
This is my 4th Subaru, and…
This is my 4th Subaru, and BY FAR the worst gas mileage of them all. I knew the #'s going in, but I haven't hit the EPA #'s but a very few times. I have about 30k now, and consistently average around 18-19 combined. My Forester and WRXs were consistently high 20's and low 30's. I have taken to driving my Prius more, despite the Ascent being a much more comfortable car. Very disappointed that Subaru can't make this car do better. Might have to move away from the brand, if they don't figure it out.
We get about 19 mpg in town,…
We get about 19 mpg in town, but we also get usually a minimum of 25mpg on the road, and often, at least 27mpg. We have a 2022 Ascent Base model.
I have put over 5000 on a…
I have put over 5000 on a new Ascent Touring. I get 24.8 mpg with mixed but more highway driving. I drive fast but easy stops and starts. I love this car and very happy with gas mileage.
We have a 2020 and have been…
We have a 2020 and have been appalled by the lack of MPG. We are getting about the same as those in your article. My wife drives this vehicle and I constantly wonder if the accelerator pedal can be adjusted so the turbo doesn't kick in so easily. She LOVES the vehicle and shrugs off the fuel. We have 52000 miles on the vehicle. I started to do a calculation for what MPG was listed as, but it scared me too much.
I had a 2019 V6 Chevy…
I had a 2019 V6 Chevy Traverse prior to moving to the 2023 Subaru Ascent limited. The gas mileage was supposed to be comparable. I knew I was getting a smaller engine but upgrading to AWD from FWD from the Traverse. I drive a LOT. I wouldn't have gotten the vehicle had I known I would be getting 21.7 on the highway. That isn't acceptable in 2023! I got 27-29 average with my V6 Traverse! I've had the Ascent since May of 2023 and have 14K on it already.
I’m on the same level with…
I’m on the same level with those experiencing awful MPG. 13-15 in town, 19-22 freeway. I did, at one point, get 25 after I reset my trip meter and coasted down a mountain from Tahoe. Ridiculous. Does this qualify for the lemon law or a massive recall? For power to MPG, it should perform like a hot rod. So disappointing.
I have an onyx limited and…
I have an onyx limited and average around 16 mpg. It SUCKS! 220 miles is typical for a full tank.
We own a 2020 Ascent with 39…
We own a 2020 Ascent with 39,000 miles on it. We have consistently achieved 21 mpg in the city and 26-28 mpg on the highway since day one. Occasionally, we have hit more than 30 mpg on certain legs of our journey. We usually travel with a pretty full load of luggage.
Very disappointing mileage…
Very disappointing mileage 2022 Ascent. Getting around 13 city. A little better on highway.