There comes a moment in every long-term test when you stop reviewing the car and start simply living with it. The notes become fewer. The expectations fade. You’re no longer noting which button does what or whether the seat bolsters are sufficiently aggressive. You’re just driving.
That’s where we found ourselves with our 2019 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Limited after 40,000 miles — not analysing a vehicle, but experiencing one. And after nearly two years of road trips, daily commutes, hauling furniture, snow-laden highway runs, and everything else a midsize three-row SUV is supposed to handle, we have thoughts.
Fair warning: this isn’t a eulogy. The Ascent didn’t die. But it is moving on, and before it goes, it deserves an honest accounting.
Why We Chose the Ascent in the First Place
When the 2019 Subaru Ascent joined our long-term fleet, the three-row SUV segment was already heating up. The Mazda CX-9 had just narrowly beaten it in a comparison test. The Toyota Highlander was the established benchmark. The Kia Telluride was waiting in the wings.
But the Ascent had something the others didn’t: a turbocharged flat-four engine paired with a CVT, standard all-wheel drive, and Subaru’s reputation for building vehicles that simply work. We wanted to know if that reputation was earned or inherited from simpler times.
What we wanted was a vehicle for people who need three rows, need all-wheel drive, and need to tow a small trailer on weekends. The Ascent checked those boxes on paper. After 40,000 miles, we can tell you whether it delivers in practice.
The Powertrain: A Conversation That Never Ends
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four engine.
On paper, 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque sound adequate for a three-row SUV weighing around 4,600 pounds. In reality, the Ascent feels quicker than the numbers suggest — 0-60 arrives in approximately 6.8 seconds, which is genuinely competitive for the segment.
But here’s what the numbers don’t capture: the engine sounds coarse. At low speeds, under hard acceleration, and during cold starts, the flat-four produces a noise that reminds you it’s working. Not unpleasant, exactly. Just… present. The CVT amplifies this by holding the engine at higher revs than a traditional automatic would.
This is the Ascent’s most honest compromise. Subaru prioritized fuel economy — the EPA rates it at 21 mpg combined — and achieved it by using a smaller, more efficient engine paired with a transmission that keeps that engine in its power band. The result is 22 mpg observed over 40,000 miles of mixed driving, including some very unscientific lead-foot moments.
That’s better than most V6-powered rivals.
40,000 Miles of Honest Observations
After 19 months with this Ascent, we learned things that no first-drive review could teach us.
The Good
The Ascent’s ride quality is exceptional. Consumer Reports rated it among the best in the segment, and we agree. Over broken pavement, pockmarked highways, and New England winters, the Ascent absorbed impacts with a composure that belied its price. It never crashed. It never startled. It simply carried us forward.
Cargo space proved genuinely generous. With all seats in place, there’s 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row — enough for a weekly shop or a weekend’s luggage. Fold the third row, and you get 43.5 cubic feet. Fold everything flat, and 75.6 cubic feet awaits. We hauled a 200-pound TV stand, three expanded suitcases, three hanging bags, a dog cage, and assorted items on one trip. The Ascent swallowed it all.
The all-wheel drive system inspired genuine confidence. In snow, on gravel, and across muddy boat launches, the Ascent never faltered. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD isn’t the most sophisticated system on paper, but in practice, it works exactly as advertised: put power down, and the car moves forward.
The Concerning
The third row remains genuinely cramped for adults. Legroom measures just 31.7 inches — less than rivals. After 40,000 miles, we used the third row exactly twice for passengers. Both times, those passengers were children. If you’re regularly transporting adults in the rearmost seats, look elsewhere.
Lane-keeping assistance proved overly attentive on long highway runs. The steering correction was frequent enough that we began muting it via the steering wheel button on every journey. This isn’t unique to the Ascent, but it’s worth knowing if you spend hours on the interstate.
The remote starting feature — absent on our 2019 model — was missed on every cold morning. Later Ascents include it, which is fortunate, because Subaru winters are cold, and warming the cabin before departure is genuinely appreciated.
Real-World Fuel Economy: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Over 40,000 miles, our Ascent averaged 20 mpg overall. That’s exactly what the EPA promises and represents solid efficiency for a vehicle this size.
On pure highway runs, we saw 27 mpg — which is 1 mpg better than the EPA highway rating. In city driving, expect closer to 17-18 mpg if you’re aggressive with the throttle.
During towing duties — yes, we towed with this thing — economy dropped into single digits. The Ascent’s 5,000-pound towing capacity is genuinely usable, but plan accordingly.
What We’d Change
If Subaru asked us for feedback before designing the next Ascent, here are the changes we’d request:
- A quieter powertrain — More sound insulation or a hybrid辅助 system to smooth the engine’s rough edges
- A genuinely adult-friendly third row — More legroom and easier access
- Standard wireless phone charging — It shouldn’t require stepping up to a higher trim
- Faster USB-C ports throughout — The 2019 model’s charging was already dated in 2019
These aren’t dealbreakers. But in a segment as competitive as this one, incremental improvements matter.
The Competition Hasn’t Stayed Still
Here’s what makes writing this wrap-up bittersweet: when the Ascent arrived, it was competitive. Today, it’s fighting harder.
The 2025 Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer more refined interiors and comparable all-wheel-drive systems. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid delivers significantly better fuel economy. The Mazda CX-90 brings a level of driving engagement the Ascent simply doesn’t match.
None of these rivals offer standard all-wheel drive at the Ascent’s price point. But the gap is narrowing.
The Verdict After 40,000 Miles
Car and Driver’s long-term 2019 Ascent finished its 40,000-mile tenure with a clear verdict: “There’s plenty of room for Subaru to refine it into something better.”
We agree, but with an addendum. After living with this car, we can tell you that it does what it promises. It moves people and cargo reliably, comfortably, and efficiently. It handles poor weather without drama. It doesn’t attract attention, but it doesn’t disappoint either.
The Ascent is the automotive equivalent of a good friend who shows up on time, does what they say they’ll do, and never makes a fuss about it. You might not fantasize about them, but you’d notice if they were gone.
Our Ascent served faithfully. It earned its rest.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional ride quality — Consistently comfortable across all road surfaces
- Standard all-wheel drive — Genuine capability in poor weather and light off-road use
- Strong fuel economy — 20 mpg overall matches EPA estimates reliably
- Generous cargo capacity — Accommodates large loads with ease
- Practical seating for families — Front and second row are genuinely adult-friendly
- Towing capability — 5,000 pounds is competitive for the class
- Safety technology — EyeSight system is comprehensive and largely unobtrusive
Cons:
- Coarse engine note — The turbo-four sounds rougher than rival V6s
- CVT personality — Holds engine at higher revs; not everyone will appreciate this
- Crammed third row — Genuinely suitable only for children
- No remote start on base trims — An oversight in cold-weather markets
- Aging design — The Ascent is entering its eighth year without a full redesign
- Lane-keeping can be intrusive — Requires frequent muting on highway runs
Tips for Ascent Shoppers
If you’re considering an Ascent — new or used — here’s what experience teaches:
- The Premium trim is the sweet spot — It includes the power driver’s seat, heated front seats, power rear gate, and push-button start without climbing to Limited prices.
- Used 2020-2021 models represent excellent value — These years had resolved any early production issues while still offering modern features.
- The Onyx Edition is worth the premium if you value aesthetics — The blacked-out exterior details genuinely elevate the Ascent’s appearance.
- Consider the Hybrid alternatives — If fuel economy is paramount, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and upcoming Subaru hybrids may serve better.
- Test drive on your worst road — The Ascent’s suspension handles poor surfaces well, but if your commute is brutal, a demo drive confirms whether it’s acceptable to you.
- Factor in winter tire costs — All-wheel drive helps, but dedicated winter tires make a meaningful difference in snowy regions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Subaru Ascent after high mileage?
Based on our 40,000-mile long-term test and available reliability data, the Ascent proves reasonably reliable. Consumer Reports rates its predicted reliability at 81/100, which is above average for the segment. The turbocharged engine and CVT require standard maintenance but show no unusual wear patterns in our experience.
What is the fuel economy of the Subaru Ascent in real-world driving?
The EPA rates the Ascent at 21 mpg combined (19 city, 26 highway for front-wheel-drive models; 19 city, 25 highway for all-wheel-drive). Our long-term test averaged 20 mpg overall, with highway-only runs reaching 27 mpg. Towing drops economy to single digits.
How does the Ascent compare to the Kia Telluride?
The Ascent offers standard all-wheel drive and competitive fuel economy, but the Telluride provides a more refined interior, smoother powertrain, and more third-row space. The Ascent excels in cold-weather capability and starting price. Both are competent choices; the decision often comes down to priorities.
Can the Subaru Ascent tow?
Yes. The Ascent is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Onyx Edition and Wilderness-adjacent trims can manage slightly more. Subaru’s Trailer Stability Assist system helps manage sway during towing.
Is the third row of the Ascent usable for adults?
In honest terms, no. The third-row legroom of 31.7 inches is among the smallest in the segment. Adults can sit there for short trips, but it is not comfortable for extended journeys. The third row is best suited for children.
Rating
7.5/10 — The Ascent earns credit for delivering exactly what it promises: a comfortable, capable, fuel-efficient three-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive. It loses points for an ageing design, coarse powertrain, and genuinely cramped third row. But for buyers who prioritize reliability and everyday usability over segment-leading prestige, the Ascent remains a strong choice.
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After 40,000 miles, here’s what we learned about the Subaru Ascent. Honest long-term test results, real fuel economy, and whether it’s still worth buying.
