The Best Years For Subaru Ascent And Some To Avoid

The Subaru Ascent, introduced in 2019, is a three-row SUV designed to fill a gap in Subaru's lineup, offering families a spacious and capable vehicle. Choosing the right model year is crucial for reliability, features, and overall satisfaction. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Ascent's model years, highlighting the best options and those to potentially avoid, empowering you to make an informed purchasing decision.

Subaru Ascent Model Years: A Quick Overview

Detailed Explanations

2019: Launch Year

The 2019 Ascent marked Subaru's return to the three-row SUV market. It boasts a roomy interior, comfortable seating, and Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Standard EyeSight driver-assist technology provided a good safety foundation. However, as the initial model year, it was prone to some teething issues, including transmission problems, excessive oil consumption, and software glitches.

2020: Minor Improvements

The 2020 Ascent saw minor improvements to the transmission programming, aiming to address some of the initial shift quality concerns. Software updates were also rolled out to improve the infotainment system's performance. While these updates helped, some of the original issues, particularly related to transmission and oil consumption, persisted.

2021: Enhanced Safety Features

The 2021 Ascent brought significant improvements to its safety features. Adaptive cruise control with lane centering became standard, providing a more advanced driving experience. A seat belt reminder for all seats was also added, enhancing passenger safety. However, the underlying issues of oil consumption and occasional infotainment glitches remained a concern for some owners.

2022: Incremental Updates

The 2022 Ascent received incremental updates but no major changes compared to the 2021 model. This meant that while the vehicle retained its strengths, it also carried over the same potential issues, including reported oil consumption and infotainment system quirks. It’s generally seen as very similar to the 2021 model year.

2023: Redesign and Tech Refresh

The 2023 Ascent underwent a significant refresh, featuring redesigned front and rear styling, giving it a more modern and aggressive look. The infotainment system was updated with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, addressing a common complaint from previous years. The EyeSight system was also improved, offering enhanced safety features. Early reports suggest improved reliability, but long-term data is still needed.

2024: Continuation of the Redesign

The 2024 Ascent represents a continuation of the 2023 redesign. With no major changes from the previous year, it inherits the updated styling, enhanced infotainment system, and improved EyeSight system. As a relatively new model year, comprehensive reliability data is still emerging, but it's expected to maintain the improvements introduced in 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which Subaru Ascent model year is the most reliable? While long-term data is still emerging, the 2023 and 2024 models appear to be the most reliable due to the redesign and updated technology.

• What is the biggest problem with the early Subaru Ascent models? The 2019 and 2020 Ascents were plagued by transmission issues and excessive oil consumption, which caused significant concern among owners.

• Does the Subaru Ascent have a good safety rating? Yes, the Subaru Ascent consistently receives high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, thanks to its robust construction and standard EyeSight safety features.

• Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent a good used car? The 2021 Ascent is a decent used car, especially if you value advanced safety features, but be aware of potential oil consumption issues and infotainment glitches before purchasing.

• What's the difference between the 2022 and 2023 Subaru Ascent? The 2023 Ascent received a significant redesign with updated styling, an improved infotainment system with wireless connectivity, and enhanced EyeSight, setting it apart from the 2022 model.

• Does the Subaru Ascent hold its value well? The Subaru Ascent generally holds its value reasonably well, consistent with other SUVs in its class, but factors like mileage, condition, and trim level will influence its resale value.

• What is the fuel economy like on the Subaru Ascent? The Subaru Ascent is EPA-rated at 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, making it competitive with other three-row SUVs, though real-world fuel economy can vary.

• Are there any recalls for the Subaru Ascent? Yes, various Subaru Ascent model years have been subject to recalls. Checking the NHTSA website for the specific VIN is recommended to confirm if any recalls apply to a particular vehicle.

• Is the Subaru Ascent good in the snow? Yes, the Subaru Ascent is excellent in the snow thanks to its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides superior traction and control.

• What is the towing capacity of the Subaru Ascent? The Subaru Ascent has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it suitable for towing small trailers, boats, or campers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Subaru Ascent model year can significantly impact your ownership experience. While the early model years (2019-2020) had some issues, the 2023 and 2024 models offer the most appealing combination of updated features and potential reliability. Consider your budget, desired features, and willingness to address potential issues when making your decision.