Choosing the right Subaru Ascent model year can make or break your SUV experience. In this thorough guide, we’ll dive deep into the Ascent’s history, highlighting the best years to buy and the ones you’d be smart to avoid.
We’ve done the difficult lifting, analyzing data from reliable sources like NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book. Our comprehensive evaluation covers everything from performance and reliability to safety and resale value.
Ready to discover your ideal Ascent?
Let’s dive in and uncover the essential findings that’ll steer you towards the finest Subaru Ascent for your needs.
Table of ContentsShow
Subaru Ascent Generations
The Subaru Ascent burst onto the scene in 2019, marking Subaru’s triumphant return to the three-row SUV market. This newcomer didn’t just show up – it arrived with a bang.
Picture this: Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive, a spirited 2.4L turbocharged engine, and a suite of safety features that would make a bodyguard envious. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology? Yeah, it’s standard.
But the Ascent isn’t just about power and safety. It’s a space wizard too. With room for up to eight passengers and enough cargo space to rival a tiny storehouse, it swiftly became a leading force in its category.
Here’s a concise overview of the Subaru Ascent generations: **First Generation (2019-Present)** – **Launch**: Introduced in 2018 as a 2019 model year vehicle – **Purpose**: Replaced the Tribeca as Subaru’s large three-row SUV – **Engine**: 2.4L turbocharged flat-four boxer engine (260 hp, 277 lb-ft torque) – **Transmission**: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) – **Drivetrain**: Standard all-wheel drive (Symmetrical AWD) – **Seating**: 7 or 8 passengers depending on configuration – **Safety**: Standard EyeSight driver assistance suite – **Size**: Mid-size SUV built on Subaru Global Platform **Key Updates by Year**: – **2020**: Minor updates to infotainment system – **2021**: Added wireless Apple CarPlay capability – **2022**: Refreshed exterior styling, updated interior materials, enhanced infotainment – **2023**: Additional trim levels and feature updates – **2024**: Continued refinements to technology and convenience features The Ascent remains Subaru’s biggest vehicle, designed primarily for the North American market with a focus on family-oriented features, safety, and all-weather capability.
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2019-Present |
Pay attention to those generational shifts, folks. They could be the vital factor in your Ascent adventure.
Subaru Ascent Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to picking the cream of the Ascent crop, we don’t mess around. Our assessment dives into a smorgasbord of factors:
- Owner-reported reliability (we’re talking surveys here)
- Annual maintenance costs (because who likes surprise bills?)
- Safety ratings (because your family’s safety is non-negotiable)
- Consumer Reports reliability scores (they know their stuff)
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores (happy drivers tell no lies)
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the official word)
- Edmunds owner ratings (real talk from real owners)
- JD Power owner ratings (more owner insights)
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings (because KBB is the real deal)
- VehicleHistory owner ratings (history doesn’t lie)
- Cars.com owner ratings (car enthusiasts unite)
Buckle up for our upcoming graph – it’s a visual feast of all these ratings combined, giving you the complete picture of how the Ascent has performed over the recent years.
Now, feast your eyes on this diagram. We’ve categorized each Ascent model year into best and worst years. It’s like a report card for cars, but way more useful.
| Generation | Best Year | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2022 2023 2024 | 2019 2020 |
Oh, and heads up: NHTSA recalls are like warning flags in our ranking system. More complaints and recalls? That’s a direct ticket to a reduced reliability score.
Let’s break down the Ascent’s finest and worst years, shall we?
Best & Worst Years for Subaru Ascent 1st Generation (2019-Present)
Subaru rolled out the Ascent with families in mind. Three rows of seats? Check. All-wheel drive as standard? You bet. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology? It’s got your rear.
But here’s the scoop: 2022 to 2024 are the ideal years for the first-gen Ascent. 2019 and 2020? Let’s just say they’re not winning any popularity contests.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
The 2022, 2023, and 2024 Ascent models? They’re like the outstanding pupils of the SUV world. Subaru took notes, made improvements, and boy, does it show.
These models kept the sturdy 2.4L turbocharged BOXER engine. We’re talking 260 horses and 277 lb-ft of torque here. Pair that with an improved Lineartronic CVT, and you’ve got a ride that’s both quick and fuel-efficient. How efficient? Think 21 city/27 highway MPG.
Safety-wise, Subaru didn’t rest on its laurels. The EyeSight system got even more advanced, adding tricks like lane centering and emergency lane keep assist. No wonder it snagged the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
The tech enthusiasts will love this: bigger touchscreens and more intuitive interfaces across all trims. From the base model to the premium Touring trim (hello, leather seats and panoramic sunroof!), every Ascent got a brain upgrade.
Best part? These years kept Subaru’s reputation for safety and dependability intact. No major hiccups reported. That’s why they’re sitting pretty at the top of our list.
The Worst Years: 2019, 2020
Now, about those 2019 and 2020 models… Let’s just say they had some significant challenges.
These early birds caught more than worms – they caught problems. We’re talking electrical gremlins (battery drain issues with the power rear gate, anyone?), transmission troubles (slipping and sudden shifts), and windshields that seemed to crack if you looked at them oddly.
And the recalls? Oh boy. Engine shutdowns, fuel pump failures, damaged drive chains – it was like a total hits compilation of car problems. There was even a fire risk due to a faulty terminal issue. Yikes.
All these issues, especially with vital bits like the engine and transmission, didn’t exactly inspire confidence. That’s why these years are at the bottom of our Ascent totem pole.
Want the down-and-gritty?
Check out the NHTSA 2019 and 2020 Subaru Ascent recalls and complaints. It’s quite the read.
Subaru Ascent Resale Values
Curious about how well the Ascent holds its value? This chart’s got you covered:
Conclusion
So, what’s the conclusion on the best Subaru Ascent year?
After crunching the numbers and analyzing the data, we’re giving the gold star to the 2022-2024 models. They’ve ironed out the kinks and packed in the features. As for the 2019 and 2020 models? Let’s just say they’re best left in the rear mirror.
Now, it’s your turn. What features make or break a family SUV like the Ascent for you? Safety tech? Storage space? That fresh car scent?
Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Let’s get this difficult conversation rolling!
