A Problem With Subaru Ascent Fuel Mileage? Owners Say EPA Isn’t Even Close
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."
What does the EPA say the fuel mileage of the 2022 Ascent is rated?
The 2022 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA-estimated 21/27 city/highway mpg and 23 combined mpg. Because they are slightly heavier, the Ascent Limited and Touring trim levels get an EPA-estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg.
The EPA drops the 2023 Ascent fuel mileage
The 2023 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA-estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg. The 2023 Ascent Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition, and new Onyx Edition Limited 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, 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 3500 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 let the EPA know, but they could 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!!"
If you own a newer Subaru Ascent family hauler (2020-2023 model year), what fuel mileage are you getting? We are guessing the poor and less than the EPA advertised fuel mileage is not an isolated incident with a few Ascent owners. Let us know in the comments below, and we will pass them on to Subaru of America.
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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.
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