The Subaru Ascent Is Not Broken But Sounds Like It

Sat in 2nd row bench seat of 2024 Ascent and it is definitely not comfortable for 3 people. Outboard riders lack back support near the doors and have side bolsters digging into your back. A Forester or Outback is much more comfortable for 3 in 2nd row.

You promised to say what changes were coming and failed to deliver on that promise. I'm fact, there was very little content at all. How about writing fewer articles but with some real content? Thank you.

Maybe they will give it a real transmission. The cvt is unrefined, not serviceable, and causes worry.

I have an ascent touring 2022, and I would like get in new model when car started engine it takes long time to get idle RPM, to reduce somehow this time. All during this time, revolution about 1700 per minute. It's really annoying.

I bought my 2024 Ascent last February and I Love my car. I love the comfort, the control, the safety you feel. My family is split, pretty much down the middle, Toyota and Subaru, but everyone agrees the Ascent wins hands down for the best comfortable ride.
I was also pleasantly surprised with my gas mileage. It has power enough to get me around slow moving vehicles on two lane highways. The gas pedal is a bit touchy so drive accordingly.
Am I sad that I didn't wait for the 2025, maybe a little, but I love my car and I'm so glad I have it!!!

My wife is waiting for the 2025 model to become available. Our sales person is also waiting for details so that we can place an order. Not worth getting a 2024 at this point and we’d like to find out something sooner than later. I own a 2022 Outback touring model and am very pleased with it. Is there any timeframe when we can order?????

In past 4 yrs I almost bought an ascent twice but low mileage stopped. Ascent screams for a hybrid engine not an electric one. Toyota highlander hybrid isn't as nice a drive or interior but its mpg gives it a huge edge. Check the Fuelly.com numbers. Ascent's excellent IIHS safety scores are tops with only Ford Explorer competitive. Families notice this. A newly designed front would clinch the Ascent's ascent in the 3 row market.

Part of the problem is for the last two years Subaru has mistakenly published on their website that the Ascent has the same cargo capacity as the Outback. To make matters worse, every magazine and online review pulls that data from Subaru’s website and tells the world the Ascent only has 75.6 cu ft instead of the actual 86.5, so many buyers never even look because they think the Ascent is smaller than it really is. This error has been reported to Subaru many times, but the misinformation on their website continues.

I have a moderate mileage 2020 Forester Premier (Canada). I shall either purchase a new designed 2025 Ascent or a 2026 Ascent hybrid. Happy to wait..

It came down to a telluride and the Aspen and I went with the Telluride and one reason only. The Aspen needs a 6-cyl engine. Forget the 4-cyl/turbo, that’s a joke, especially for heavy hauling. I traded in my Cadillac xt5 for the Telluride. The xt5 is garbage.

I purchased my 3rd new Subaru, an Ascent Limited 2020 in January 2020. I experienced significant problems at about 15,000 miles with shuddering upon a right turn acceleration. I have had a right front hub assembly, front springs, 2 CV axles, front struts, the transmission (with a factory re manufacture) and center differential replaced... all under warranty. I now have nearly 75,000 miles on it and only believe it has value as a trade in to a dealer.
The problem is that the CV transmission combined with a longer wheelbase, heavier weight, and higher toque engine flat out doesn't work. This was not apparent in my older, smaller new Outbacks.
I owned 4 franchised Auto Repair Centers and was frustrated that they only replace the transmission and center differential as a last resort. Until the CVT transmission is cast out do not buy an Ascent.

Love the car! Hate the gas mileage. Tech a little slow ...I can live with that. Nice ,comfortable car.

I have a 2024 Touring ascent. 2nd row captains are fantastic. 3rd row only if you are a dog or kid. While I love the car, rides well, handles awesome, it is a hog. The MPG on the stickers and published every where is extremely exaggerated. As soon as a hybrid comes out I'll be trading it in. I almost cannot afford to keep gas in it to drive just for school drop off and pick up.

I love my 2022 Ascent. Things I wish they'd add the the new model. Comfier seats, make second row easier to fold, hybrid model that can tow up to 7000 instead of 5000...

We are dedicated Subaru owners, having owned 5 Outbacks since 1999.
The 2024 Ascent is closer to not looking like an "old person's car".
I am anxiously waiting for the new 2025 and have high hopes a great change is coming.
We need a vehicle to tow a trailer and there are lots of options from other highly rated manufacturers.

The issue with the Subaru Ascent is the gas mileage and No Hybrid being available. We all are looking to steal our way into an EV world without buying one. If there was a Hybrid I think the Ascent would be where the Highlander Hybrid is right now, impossible to get with cost above MSRP. I say that in a good way because buying a vehicle with a gasoline engine right now seems like a real setback for anyone looking even to the near future. EVs must get to 500 mile range before they make sense. Subaru needs to get moving into the Hybrid world. Tons of us looking for Hybrid 3 seaters. The Hond CRV is the best Hybrid 2 row vehicke available with reasonable price and negotiation allowed! Can you imagine what the Subaru Ascent would be if it came as a Hybrid right now! I would but stock in Subaru then!

We just purchased a new 2024 Ascent Limited to replace our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 3 row SUV that was totalled in an accident.
I was concerned about the 4cyl turbo compared to the V6 in the SantaFe but after driving the Ascent the concern was forgotten completely.
The Ascent has more than enough power, and will fly if pushed to the floor. Gas mileage is about 1mpg less than the SantaFe but the car has no issue handling my driving needs.
The only small issue I have is with engine and tire noise intrusion into the cabin. I understand the 4 might work a little harder but it seems to me that as good as the car is in ride, performance and safety options that Subaru could spend a little more on noise canceling.

I purchased a 2019 Touring Ascent new after owning an Outback for 3 years! I wanted a 3rd row seat for my grandkids, more room for hauling dogs, camping gear, a tow package with the 2” hitch to hold bikes and to pull a trailer for our kayaks. A stout list of requirements but the Touring Ascent fit my needs perfectly.

Let me first say that with all the issues and recalls on this model - I still love IT and Subaru! Despite the common phrase “never buy the first year of a new model” I discounted it thinking that Subaru has been around for a long time and knows what they’re doing. But in this case I was wrong.

I’ve had all of the commonly known recalls on this model and they have all been addressed by my dealer and their service team in a timely manner. The only one outstanding item is the slippage of the transmission. But, I’ve learned to live with it since SOA did not want to put in a new one and instead tried to fix it with a software update that didn’t work.

In summary I plan to continue driving it until
I can trade it in on a new one, hopefully with the Wilderness Package but if not, I’ll opt for another touring model in hopes SOA finally gets it right!

A loyal Subie owner,
Mary S.

Driving my 2nd Ascent and loving it; my plan was to buy the 3rd one in 2025 but am now skeptical of the projected reworking. Maybe I will wait till 2026 to see the kinks worked out of the new version.
Over 100k on my 2019 & 2022 with no mechanical issues at all, has been steady comfortable ride on many road trips.
Thx!