2021 Subaru Ascent

History/Overview

Introduced in 2019, the Subaru Ascent is the brand’s first three-row mid-size crossover since the poorly received Tribeca that disappeared after 2014.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2021, Subaru’s largest vehicle adds steering-responsive headlights as a standard feature across the board. The EyeSight active safety suite gains lane centering and traffic jam assist functions, and there’s now a seatbelt reminder for all three rows of seats.

Available Trims

Subaru offers the Ascent in Convenience, Touring, Limited and Premier trim levels. All use a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which comes matched with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive.

Standard Features

Convenience trim comes with power-adjustable/heated side mirrors, body-colour door handles, steering-responsive LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker stereo, three-zone automatic air conditioning, eight-passenger seating, and an eight-way power driver’s seat.

The EyeSight driver assist system is standard, with forward collision detection, automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, traffic jam assist, lane centering assist, and lane keep assist.

Touring trim brings a power tailgate, auto-dimming side mirrors, LED fog lights, a sunroof, trailer wiring, windshield wiper de-icer, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, cargo cover, rear A/C controls, third-row reading lights, passive keyless entry, push-button engine start, auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated garage door remote, leather-trimmed shift lever and steering wheel, water-repellent upholstery, reverse automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, and trailer sway control.

Ascent Limited comes with chrome exterior trim, 20-inch wheels, navigation, a 14-speaker stereo, third-row USB ports, a heated steering wheel, rear-window sunshades, a 6.3-inch multi-function display, leather seating, 10-way power driver’s seat and four-way power front passenger seat, and heated second-row seats.

Finally, Premier configuration adds ambient interior lighting, a 120-volt power outlet, a smart rearview mirror, woodgrain interior trim, ventilated front seats, chrome exterior door handles, power-folding side mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers.

Key Options

Touring and Limited trims can be optioned with a seven-seat interior with second-row captains’ chairs. Premier’s option is brown leather upholstery in place of black.

Fuel Economy

Subaru’s fuel consumption estimates for the Ascent are 11.6/9.0 L/100 km (city/highway).

Competition

The Subaru Ascent competes for family driver dollars with a fleet of more established vehicles. Those include the Nissan Pathfinder, Honda’s Pilot, the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade, Kia’s Sorento, GM’s Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia siblings, the Ford Explorer, Volkswagen’s Atlas, and the Dodge Durango.