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Midsize Three-Row SUV
Subaru Ascent
→ Consider
Solid choice with some caveats
⚠ Low risk
CVT transmission failures on 2019-2020 models requiring full replacement at 40-70k miles. Issue appears largely resolved in 2021+ production but some bucking/shuddering reports persist through 2022. Avoid early years when buying used.
Subaru built this three-row hauler for families who prioritize crash protection and winter capability over fuel bills, and the tradeoff is real. The turbo four moves 4,500 pounds with surprising punch, standard AWD handles snow confidently, and the safety structure is legitimately impressive (owners walk away from nasty wrecks). But 17 mpg in mixed driving will hurt every week, and the 2019-2020 models had CVT failures serious enough to warrant full transmission swaps at 40-70k miles. The third row barely fits kids, let alone adults. If you're shopping used, the 2019-2020s are a hard pass, aim for 2023+ when Subaru finally debugged the powertrain. Buy this if you need the safety, the AWD, and can stomach premium gas at SUV-worst efficiency. Skip it if you actually need three usable rows or want a vehicle that won't punish you at the pump, the Honda Pilot does both jobs better.
The generation that matters
This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.
2019–2020 models
2019–2020
Compromised
Early models had documented transmission issues and quality problems. MotorTrend's long-term 2019 spent months at the dealership with 'an unimaginable series of things go wrong.' Community consensus: avoid these years if buying used.
2021–2022 models
2021–2022
Mixed
Major transmission fixes applied, but 2022s had widespread brake problems (premature wear, warped rotors, recalls). Consumer Reports flagged brake issues specifically. Owners report CVT still jerky at low speeds.
2023+ refresh
2023–present
Solid
Extensive 2023 refresh brought updated styling, more standard tech, and resolved early gremlins. Community notes 'last few early gremlins fixed' by 2022+. Still criticized for poor fuel economy and CVT behavior, but mechanically stable.
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Common complaints7 issues−CVT transmission failures on 2019-2020 models, with some 2021-2022 reports, bucking, shuddering, complete replacement needed
−Poor fuel economy: 16-19 mpg city, 25-27 highway, worst in class for a midsize three-row
−Cramped third row unsuitable for adults or regular use
−Brake shuddering/vibration issues requiring rotor replacement, even under warranty
−Infotainment system can be laggy on startup, occasional freezing
−OEM tires wear out quickly (25-30k miles typical)
−Battery drain issues reported on 2019 models, sometimes requiring multiple replacements
✓
What owners praise7 strengths✓
Excellent safety ratings and crash protection, multiple owners report walking away from serious accidents
✓
Spacious interior with flexible seating configurations (captains chairs or bench)
✓
Strong turbocharged 2.4L engine with 260hp/277lb-ft, peppy acceleration for the class
✓
Standard symmetrical AWD system performs well in snow and light off-road conditions
✓
Generous standard features even in base trims, good value proposition
✓
Comfortable highway cruiser with smooth ride quality
✓
Subaru of America provides strong warranty support when issues arise
📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric
High confidence▼
580 sources analysed with long-term owner data present
580 sources analysed — strong data quality
Reliability & Durability(22%)6.0
18 positive vs 12 negative long-term reports
User Sentiment(22%)7.2
892 positive upvotes vs 347 negative upvotes
Complaint Severity(16%)6.9
Complaints: 14 cosmetic, 47 functional, 23 systematic, 0 safety
Consensus Strength(8%)4.9
Opinion is use-case dependent — product divides opinion by intended use
Value for Money(15%)6.2
19 'worth it', 4 'overpriced', 11 mention better-value alternatives
Owner Advocacy(17%)8.3
7 repurchased/gifted, 22 unprompted recommendations, 5 regrets
Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.
Specifications2026
▼Pricing
Starting MSRP
$42,245
Range
$42,245 - $53,445
Capability
Fuel economy
19-20 city / 25-26 hwy MPG
Drivetrain
AWD standard
Dimensions & capacity
Seating
7-8 passengers
Cargo
17.8 / 43.5 / 75.6 cu ft (behind third/second/first row)
Powertrains
2.4L Turbo Flat-4
turbocharged horizontally opposed engine, standard on all trims
260 hp · 277 lb-ft
Trim pricing
Premium
base trim, water-resistant synthetic upholstery, heated front seats, power driver's seat
$42,245
Limited
perforated leather seats, available Bronze Edition with bronze accents
—
Touring
wood interior accents, available as Onyx Edition Touring
—
Onyx Edition Touring
range-topping trim, Nappa leather, black 20-inch wheels, 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio
$53,445
🏆
How it ranks in Midsize Three-Row SUV
7 products compared
1
Honda Pilot
7.9/10
→ Consider
2
Subaru Ascent you are here
7.2/10
→ Consider
3
Nissan Pathfinder
7.0/10
→ Consider
4
Volkswagen Atlas
6.5/10
→ Consider
5
Toyota Highlander
6.1/10
⚠ Caution
6
Buick Enclave
5.0/10
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7
Kia Sorento
4.1/10
✕ Skip
If you're buying
Know what others paid before you walk in.