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 prudent to avoid.
We’ve done the arduous lifting, analyzing data from trusted 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 best 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 peppy 2.4L turbocharged engine, and a suite of safety features that would make a bodyguard jealous. 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 small warehouse, it quickly became a force to be reckoned with in its class.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the Subaru Ascent generations:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2019-Present |
Pay attention to those generational changes, folks. They could be the deciding 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 fool around. Our evaluation 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 full picture of how the Ascent has performed over the years.
Now, feast your eyes on this chart. We’ve categorized each Ascent model year into best and worst years. It’s like a report card for cars, but way more helpful.
| Generation | Best Year | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2022 2023 2024 | 2019 2020 |
Oh, and heads up: NHTSA recalls are like red flags in our ranking system. More complaints and recalls? That’s a one-way ticket to a lower reliability score.
Let’s break down the Ascent’s best 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 prime 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 honor roll students of the SUV world. Subaru took notes, made improvements, and boy, does it show.
These models kept the powerful 2.4L turbocharged BOXER engine. We’re talking 260 horses and 277 lb-ft of torque here. Pair that with a refined Lineartronic CVT, and you’ve got a ride that’s both swift 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 intelligent, adding tricks like lane centering and emergency lane keep assist. No wonder it snagged the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
The tech geeks will love this: larger touchscreens and more intuitive interfaces across all trims. From the base model to the upscale Touring trim (hello, leather seats and panoramic sunroof!), every Ascent got a brain boost.
Best part? These years kept Subaru’s rep for safety and reliability 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 daunting 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 surprise shifts), and windshields that seemed to crack if you looked at them funny.
And the recalls? Oh boy. Engine shutdowns, fuel pump failures, broken drive chains – it was like a greatest hits album of car problems. There was even a fire risk due to a ground terminal issue. Yikes.
All these issues, especially with crucial 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 nitty-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 graph’s got you covered:
Conclusion
So, what’s the conclusion on the finest 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-view 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 smell?
Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Let’s get this steep conversation rolling!
