Follow us today...
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent a good three-row SUV? The Subaru Ascent family hauler checks all the right boxes for three-row shoppers, but why are sales of the Ascent so dismal? Subaru of America reports the 2021 Subaru Ascent sales for April, and they are up slightly over April 2020. Subaru reports 4,398 sales compared with 3,954 last year.
The surprising number is the Ascent sales year-to-date. Subaru has delivered 18,871 Ascent SUVs to customers in 2021. But last year, 19,578 models were sold through April 2020. That's 3.6 percent less than a year ago. Every other Subaru model is up from the pandemic year. But Ascent is the only model that is dropping behind.
photo credit: Competition Subaru
Why aren't more shoppers choosing the Ascent 3-Row SUV?
When the Ascent first launched in 2019, the new 3-Row SUV was a success, and customers responded. Subaru did well in picking up its loyal customers who traded in their Forester and Outback for a larger vehicle. But Subaru has failed to gain new customers from other brands.
Subaru is doing well with its niche customers who use a 3-Row SUV for more than a family and grocery hauler. Subaru Ascent comes standard with all-wheel-drive, 8.7-inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode for off-pavement excursions. The Ascent fills a niche with features no other 3-Row has to offer, so it's a surprise Subaru isn't selling more of them.
What does the Subaru Ascent need to lure away customers from the competition?
Reliability has been Ascent's most significant issue. Consumer Reports had the 2019 Ascent on its 10 Least Reliable Cars list and lost their recommendation due to reliability issues. With an all-new model, it's not unusual for vehicles to have "bugs" that need to be fixed.
The Camden, N.J. automaker seems to have corrected the transmission issues in the 2020 and 2021 Ascent models. But it could take time to convince new 3-Row SUV buyers it's a reliable vehicle.
What is the price of the 2021 Ascent?
The 2021 Subaru Ascent base starts at $33,345, and Premium trims begin at $35,845. The upper Limited starts at just over $40,000, with a starting price of $40,645. The top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $46,495.
The rest of 2021 will tell the story if the 2021 Subaru Ascent will recover and be a success or continue to drop behind.
You Might Also Like: The 2021 Subaru Ascent Family Hauler Is A Surprise 3-Row SUV Best Value Pick
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. Check out 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.
Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.
Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!
Photo credit: Subaru USA
Follow us today...
Comments
Love my 2020 limited 7 seat.
Permalink
Love my 2020 limited 7 seat. BUT the brake pads are rough, Not smooth when stopping. With 13,500 miles I really hate to push the brake pedal.
I have owned my 2021 Subaru
Permalink
I have owned my 2021 Subaru Ascent for 6 months. Noticed a week ago problems with my Sound system not working....phone, radio, cd player, navigation NO VOLUME. Called in to the dealership to have it looked at and 2 days prior to my apt. I go out to start my car for work and it totally locks up and all lights start flashing on my dashboard along with the BATTERY. Completely DEAD. Called dealership and had them tow it back to them. I'm waiting on an explanation. I keep this SUV in mint condition and garage kept. ALL HIGHWAY MILES....a bit over 7,000K. Waiting on outcome of diagnosis. Other than this problem I TOTALLY LOVE MY ASCENT.
It's the 19 cup holders, just
Permalink
It's the 19 cup holders, just too much for everyday people!
Took my 2020 Ascent in today.
Permalink
Took my 2020 Ascent in today. Hope they fix it.
This is my first Subaru and bought for reliability (?)
Took to Colorado in the snow and was super surprised by how stable and secure I felt on snow, iced road, etc….
Great SUV but thought I was buying smart this time. I’m am wondering if I got caught in the hype of Subaru and should have gone in a different direction.
This transmission issue will probably by haunting and expensive down the road.
Repeat Subaru owner? Probably not because my Toyota Tundra was completely awesome and should have went that route for the true automatic transmission in the Toyota Highlander.
Have a 2021 Ascent.
Permalink
Have a 2021 Ascent. Transmission can still buck on hill from time to time. Brakes are loud/thumpy when breaking from highway speeds or in steep declines even after having both front brakes redone before 17k mikes. More cupholders than useful storage. Console cupholders can’t even hold a to go coffee stable. Infotainment console annoying. Thats why I wouldn't buy another.