The best Subaru Ascent model year is 2024, with the 2022 Onyx Edition at #2 and the 2021 at #3. The worst is 2019: NHTSA lists 9 recalls and 443 complaints, against 1 recall and 51 complaints for 2024. The Ascent ran from 2019 and a 2027 model is priced from $40,795.
Base MSRP: $34,395 for the Base trimNHTSA recalls: 1 recall for model year 2024 AscentsNHTSA complaints: 51 complaints for model year 2024 AscentsFuel economy: 22 mpg combined (20 city, 26 highway), fueleconomy.govBuyer verdict: CarGurus names 2024 the best Ascent year; Consumer Reports gave it a better-than-average reliability verdictChanges: Updated EyeSight technology, a new mirror design and integrated turn signals on every trim
The 2024 Ascent is the year CarGurus calls best, with updated EyeSight and integrated turn signals. NHTSA lists 1 recall and 51 complaints, and it is rated 22 mpg combined.
Go ifThe best-reviewed year after the 2023 facelift
Skip ifYou want the lowest used price
Why #1 over #2: Its 1 recall and 51 complaints beat the 2023 facelift year’s 4 recalls.
2
2022 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition
Answrs VerdictThe value pick.
Base MSRP: $38,495 for the Onyx EditionNHTSA recalls: 2 recalls for model year 2022 AscentsNHTSA complaints: 56 complaints for model year 2022 AscentsFuel economy: 23 mpg combined (21 city, 27 highway), fueleconomy.govOnyx Edition: New for 2022 with black wheels, badging and trim, StarTex water-repellent upholstery, a power tailgate and a heated steering wheelUsed value: CarGurus recommends 2021 and 2022 as the best value; about $25,600 average used price
The 2022 Onyx Edition added black wheels, StarTex upholstery and a power tailgate at $38,495. NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 56 complaints, and it rates 23 mpg combined.
Go ifA pre-facelift Ascent with a good record
Skip ifYou want the 11.6-inch touchscreen
Why #2 over #3: Its 56 complaints are far below the 2021’s 103.
3
2021 Subaru Ascent
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest safe bet.
Base MSRP: $32,295 for the Base trimNHTSA recalls: 2 recalls for model year 2021 AscentsNHTSA complaints: 103 complaints for model year 2021 AscentsFuel economy: 23 mpg combined (21 city, 27 highway), fueleconomy.govSafety: Held the 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awardChanges: Steering-responsive LED headlights standard on every trim and lane centering assist on the adaptive cruise control
The 2021 Ascent held the 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and made LED headlights standard. NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 103 complaints, against 324 for 2020.
Go ifThe cheapest year after the early problems
Skip ifYou want the new touchscreen and styling
Why #3 over #4: Its 103 complaints beat 2020’s 324 and 2019’s 443.
4
2025 Subaru Ascent Limited Bronze Edition
Answrs VerdictThe fewest complaints so far.
MSRP: $48,995 for the Limited Bronze EditionNHTSA recalls: 1 recall for model year 2025 AscentsNHTSA complaints: 15 complaints for model year 2025 AscentsFuel economy: 22 mpg combined (20 city, 26 highway), fueleconomy.govChanges: Bronze Edition and Onyx Edition Touring added; the Base trim was dropped
The 2025 Ascent Limited Bronze Edition costs $48,995 and has just 15 NHTSA complaints and 1 recall, with 22 mpg combined.
Go ifA near-new Ascent with very few complaints
Skip ifYou want the lowest price
Why #4 over #5: Its 15 complaints are the fewest of any year with a full record, though it costs $48,995.
5
2026 Subaru Ascent
Answrs VerdictThe newest with data.
MSRP: $40,795 for the PremiumNHTSA recalls: 1 recall for model year 2026 AscentsNHTSA complaints: 0 complaints for model year 2026 AscentsFuel economy: 22 mpg combined (19 city, 26 highway), fueleconomy.govChanges: Onyx Edition trim dropped; Premium gains StarTex upholstery, black 18-inch wheels and standard heated front seatsPowertrain: 2.4 L turbo boxer with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft
The 2026 Ascent Premium starts at $40,795 and drops the Onyx Edition. NHTSA lists 1 recall and 0 complaints so far.
Go ifA new Ascent with a clean record so far
Skip ifYou want proof of long-term reliability
Why #5 over #6: It has a record to check, unlike the 2027, at the same $40,795.
6
2027 Subaru Ascent
Answrs VerdictThe newest, with no record yet.
MSRP: $40,795 for the PremiumNHTSA recalls: 0 recalls for model year 2027 AscentsNHTSA complaints: 0 complaints for model year 2027 AscentsFuel economy: 22 mpg combined (19 city, 26 highway), fueleconomy.govChanges: New Deepwater Blue Pearl color, USB-C ports and an interior light OFF switchPowertrain: 260 hp and 277 lb-ft with a CVT; towing up to 5,000 lb
The 2027 Ascent keeps the 2.4 L turbo with 260 hp and adds USB-C ports and a new Deepwater Blue Pearl color, from $40,795. NHTSA lists 0 recalls and 0 complaints, but it is too new to judge.
Go ifBuying new with the latest colors and ports
Skip ifYou want a track record
Why #6 over #7: It gets USB-C ports and new colors, but has no record, unlike the 2023.
7
2023 Subaru Ascent
Answrs VerdictThe facelift year with a mixed record.
Base MSRP: $33,895 for the Base trimNHTSA recalls: 4 recalls for model year 2023 AscentsNHTSA complaints: 45 complaints for model year 2023 AscentsFuel economy: 22 mpg combined (20 city, 26 highway), fueleconomy.govFacelift: New front fascia, LED headlights, C-shaped taillights and an 11.6-inch touchscreenReliability view: CarComplaints.com rates 2023 the worst year, citing electrical problems
The 2023 Ascent brought the facelift and an 11.6-inch touchscreen. NHTSA lists 4 recalls and 45 complaints, and CarComplaints.com rates it the worst year.
Go ifThe first facelifted look
Skip ifYou avoid years with several recalls
Why #7 over #8: Its facelift styling beats the 2020 Limited’s older look and 5 recalls.
8
2020 Subaru Ascent Limited
Answrs VerdictCheap, with a CVT recall.
MSRP: $39,345 for the LimitedNHTSA recalls: 5 recalls for model year 2020 AscentsNHTSA complaints: 324 complaints for model year 2020 AscentsFuel economy: 23 mpg combined (21 city, 27 highway), fueleconomy.govCVT recall: Recall 21V955 covers 2019-2020 Ascents: a programming error in the Transmission Control Unit may let the clutch engage before the drive chain is clampedUsed price: CarGurus puts 2019-2020 used Ascents at $17,500-$20,000
The 2020 Ascent Limited costs $39,345 and is covered by CVT recall 21V955; NHTSA lists 5 recalls and 324 complaints.
Go ifThe lowest used prices with the rear-seat reminder
Skip ifYou want a low-complaint year
Why #8 over #9: Its 5 recalls beat the 2019’s 9.
9
2019 Subaru Ascent Limited
Answrs VerdictThe rocky launch year.
MSRP: $38,995 for the LimitedNHTSA recalls: 9 recalls for model year 2019 AscentsNHTSA complaints: 443 complaints for model year 2019 AscentsFuel economy: 23 mpg combined (21 city, 27 highway), fueleconomy.govRecalls: Include the transmission hydraulic sensor (19V855), driveshaft center support bolts (19V519), PCV valve (19V856) and missing B-pillar spot welds (18V508)Top complaint: CarComplaints.com: an open tailgate drains the battery, the most-reported 2019 problem
The 2019 Ascent Limited costs $38,995, with 9 recalls and 443 complaints, including the transmission hydraulic sensor and missing B-pillar spot welds.
Go ifThe lowest-cost way into an Ascent
Skip ifYou hate recall paperwork
Why #9 over #10: It costs $38,995, well under the Touring’s $44,695.
10
2019 Subaru Ascent Touring
Answrs VerdictLuxury on a rough year.
MSRP: $44,695 for the TouringNHTSA recalls: 9 recalls for model year 2019 AscentsNHTSA complaints: 443 complaints for model year 2019 AscentsFuel economy: 23 mpg combined (21 city, 27 highway), fueleconomy.govTouring trim: Java Brown leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 14-speaker, 792-watt Harman Kardon systemReputation: CarGurus calls 2019 a rocky start with the most owner complaints of any model year
The 2019 Ascent Touring costs $44,695 and has leather, ventilated seats and a Harman Kardon system, but shares the 9 recalls and 443 complaints of its launch year.
Go ifThe most luxurious 2019 Ascent
Skip ifYou want the best-reviewed years
How we ranked these
We ranked each model year on NHTSA recall and complaint counts, known problem years from CarGurus and CarComplaints.com, fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov, MSRP and the changes each year brought. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Subaru Ascent year?
CarGurus names 2024 the best Ascent year; it recommends 2021 and 2022 as the best value used. NHTSA lists 1 recall and 51 complaints for 2024.
What Subaru Ascent years should you avoid?
Avoid 2019 first: NHTSA lists 9 recalls and 443 complaints, and CarGurus says it has the most owner complaints. 2020 has 5 recalls and 324 complaints.
Is the Subaru Ascent reliable?
It depends on the year. NHTSA complaints fall from 443 for 2019 to 56 for 2022 and 15 for 2025.
Does the Subaru Ascent have CVT problems?
Recall 21V955 covers 2019-2020 Ascents, where a programming error in the Transmission Control Unit may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is clamped.
