2021 Subaru Ascent

Excellent Value & So Far... So Good

Sunday, December 27, 2020

So far... so good... reflections about my nearly 1-year old 2020 Subaru Ascent Touring. I spent 2 years exploring the 3-row cross-over market segment and finally ended up where I started my search and that was with the purchase of the Ascent Touring. In my humble opinion, the Ascent offered everything I wanted, nothing I didn't want, and zero compromises versus its competition. When all was said and done, I walked out of the dealership with 0% APR and the total price paid including tags and taxes = $41,500; which I felt and still feel was a wonderful price and value. Maintenance - Zero issues or concerns. My car has been back to the dealer for 2 oil changes and 1 tire rotation so far. Average Fuel Economy - Mixed driving over 9K miles has given me back exactly 22 MPG. Not bad. Not super awesome either. But is what I expected. Driving experience - The Ascent handles everyday driving very well. Excellent visibility, very sure-footed, responsive, relatively quiet, and smooth. Turbo lag is barely noticeable and you can definitely out-run anything on the highway when needed. Interior - Very nice fit and finish and much more upscale versus the competition in this segment at this price point. The Harmon/Kardon stereo sounds great. Quirks - Subaru has been using a CVT for a decade and this is my first car with a CVT. I have noticed that the CVT is louder (noticeable whine) than my old automatic and makes a rather disconcerting 'chirp' when cold and shifting into Drive. However, this 'chirp' is normal for a CVT when cold due to the pulley's filling up with Transmission Fluid. Otherwise, I appreciate the smoothness and efficiency of the CVT and it seems very well matched to the engine. Bottom Line - I have no regrets and would purchase this car again versus the competition in this segment. So far it has been a joy to drive and is as safe a car as you can get.

Car appeal is subjective

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

My family bought the first Ascent delivered to the northeast and since then we’ve driven east to west across the US and north and south. We’ve probably logged more miles than anyone else and we’re still in love in every way. The turbo allows me to easily pass on the highway. The storage capacity is adequate for an SUV and on par with the competition. We’ve done off roading with zero problems. I love the wide side doors. We’ve towed several different trailers and had zero problems. I’ve driven icy snowy roads and loaded it with 800lbs or more of building material. I think for me, a Subaru will always represent higher quality because I’ve driven to crazy places (like mount Washington) where competitors suffered brake issues that you’d never see while driving to and from Walmart. I’ve seen Subarus stress tested, beaten about, and then keep on trucking. Maybe your experience differs, but for me the Ascent will always be 5 stars.

Excellant highway car

Saturday, January 09, 2021

the car (Ascent Touring) is an excellent highway car, easily cruses at 78 MPH, quiet, comfortable, roomy. Not roomy enough for a 3 person winter camping trip to the UP of Michigan. Towed an Air stream Sport (Bambi) from Michigan to Maine, through the hills and mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire. The car performed exceedingly well, handling was solid and secure (added a trailer brake controller), for the most part we had plenty of power (the car definitely felt the extra weight going up a couple of those mountain passes). The only downside was the gas mileage, probably would have been comparable to a light duty truck).