Best Subaru Ascent Model Years (Ranked)
The Subaru Ascent is the brand's three-row family SUV, launched for the 2019 model year to give loyal Subaru owners a reason to stay in the family when they outgrew the Outback and Forester. It seats up to eight, tows up to 5,000 pounds, and pairs standard symmetrical all-wheel drive with a turbocharged boxer engine and the EyeSight safety suite. Because the Ascent has a short history confined to a single generation so far, this ranking sorts the best model years and trims by reliability, value, feature content, and how each holds up on the used market. The big story across these years is the 2.4L FA24 turbocharged engine — strong and torquey, but the source of the Ascent's early reliability questions — and how Subaru ironed out first-year issues as the model matured. Knowing which years dodged the early bugs and which trims deliver the best value is the key to buying an Ascent that will haul your family reliably for years.
The best overall Subaru Ascent is the 2021 or 2022 Premium, by which point Subaru had resolved the first-year teething issues, refined the infotainment, and the 2.4L FA24 turbo engine had a proven track record in a three-row family SUV with strong towing and standard safety tech. The best value is the 2019 Premium, the launch-year car that can be had for $22,000–$28,000 while still offering the same capable platform and eight-passenger flexibility. Be cautious with early 2019 cars carrying first-year recalls and undocumented service, and confirm all software and recall work is complete. As a rule, the 2021–2022 cars are the refinement sweet spot, while a well-sorted 2019 is the bargain.
*Note: Prices vary significantly based on condition and market; these are representative of the model's typical market positioning.*
1. 2022 Ascent Premium (FA24 Turbo) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2022 Ascent Premium is the standout. By this model year Subaru had refined the 2.4L FA24 turbocharged boxer four (260 hp, 277 lb-ft) and the Lineartronic CVT through several years of running production fixes, and the early infotainment quirks were resolved. The Premium trim adds the features most families want — three-zone climate, a power driver's seat, blind-spot detection, and roof rails — without the price jump of the Limited or Touring. Standard EyeSight safety tech, 5,000-pound towing, and seating for up to eight make it a genuinely capable family hauler. Expect $30,000–$37,000 for a clean example with full service history and all recalls completed.
2. 2021 Ascent Premium (FA24 Turbo)
The 2021 Premium is nearly identical to the 2022 and usually a bit cheaper. It carries the proven 260-hp FA24 turbo four, the CVT, standard EyeSight, and the practical Premium feature set. By 2021 the Ascent's early reliability questions had been largely addressed through running fixes and software updates. Strong reliability for a maturing model and slightly lower pricing make it a smart alternative to the 2022. Budget $28,000–$35,000. Confirm the infotainment software is current and all recall work is complete, and a clean 2021 Premium is a low-risk three-row family SUV that should serve well for years.
3. 2019 Ascent Premium (FA24 Turbo) 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2019 Ascent Premium is the best value on the used market. As the launch-year car it carries the same capable platform — the 260-hp FA24 turbo, 5,000-pound towing, eight-passenger flexibility, and standard EyeSight — for the lowest used price, typically $22,000–$28,000. The catch is that first-year cars had several recalls (including for fuel pumps and other items) and some early infotainment quirks, so buy only an example with all recall work documented and software updated. For a budget-minded family that does its homework, a sorted 2019 Premium delivers a huge amount of three-row capability for the money.
4. 2020 Ascent Premium (FA24 Turbo)
The 2020 Premium benefits from a year of running fixes over the 2019 launch car, resolving many first-year quirks while remaining more affordable than the 2021–2022 cars. It carries the same 260-hp FA24, the CVT, standard EyeSight, and the well-equipped Premium trim. Priced $26,000–$32,000, the 2020 is a strong middle-ground pick — newer and more sorted than the 2019, cheaper than the latest cars. Confirm recall completion and software updates, and the 2020 Premium offers excellent family-hauling value with the trademark all-wheel-drive capability and generous interior space the Ascent is known for.
5. 2022 Ascent Limited (FA24 Turbo)
The 2022 Limited is the loaded version of the standout model year, adding leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a larger touchscreen, a premium audio system, and other comfort features on top of the proven 260-hp FA24 and standard EyeSight. It ranks below the Premium only on value — you pay more for luxury features that aren't essential to the Ascent's core mission. For families who want the nicest interior and the most equipment in a reliable, sorted package, the Limited is the pick. Expect $34,000–$41,000. The same strong reliability and capability as the Premium apply, with added comfort.
6. 2021 Ascent Limited (FA24 Turbo)
The 2021 Limited offers the same upscale feature set as the 2022 Limited — leather, ventilated seats, upgraded audio, and a larger screen — for a bit less money, on the proven 2021 platform. It carries the 260-hp FA24 turbo, the CVT, and standard EyeSight, with the early reliability questions largely resolved by this point. Priced $32,000–$38,000, it's a strong pick for families who want a well-equipped, comfortable three-row SUV with documented service. As always with the Ascent, confirm software updates and recall completion, and the 2021 Limited delivers refined family hauling with the trademark all-weather grip.
7. 2020 Ascent Limited (FA24 Turbo)
The 2020 Limited combines the loaded feature set with the more affordable pricing of the earlier model year, while benefiting from running fixes over the 2019 launch car. It carries leather, the 260-hp FA24, the CVT, and standard EyeSight. Priced $30,000–$36,000, it's a good value for families who want the upscale trim without paying for the latest year. Verify all recall work and software updates are complete, since the 2020 still sits early in the model's life. With those items confirmed, the 2020 Limited is a comfortable, capable three-row hauler at a reasonable used price.
8. 2022 Ascent Base 8-Passenger (FA24 Turbo)
The 2022 base Ascent with the 8-passenger configuration is the value-conscious pick within the strongest model year. It carries the same proven 260-hp FA24 turbo, the CVT, standard EyeSight, and the full 5,000-pound towing capability, but skips the Premium's comfort extras to keep the price down. The base trim still includes the essential safety tech and the maximum eight-seat flexibility, making it ideal for large families who prioritize capacity and capability over features. Priced $28,000–$34,000, it's a sensible choice for buyers who want the best model year's reliability at the lowest entry point.
9. 2019 Ascent Limited (FA24 Turbo)
The 2019 Limited is the loaded launch-year car, offering leather, ventilated seats, and upgraded equipment at the lowest used price for a top-trim Ascent. It carries the 260-hp FA24, the CVT, and standard EyeSight, but as a first-year car it ranks lower because of the recalls and early quirks associated with the 2019 model year. Priced $26,000–$32,000, it can be a strong value for families who want the upscale trim cheaply, provided every recall is documented as complete and the infotainment software is current. Buy carefully and verify the service history, and it delivers loaded family hauling for less.
10. 2019 Ascent Touring (FA24 Turbo)
The 2019 Touring is the top-of-the-line launch-year Ascent, with the most luxurious appointments — premium leather, a panoramic moonroof, premium audio, and the most equipment available. It carries the 260-hp FA24, the CVT, and standard EyeSight, but it ranks last here because it combines the highest first-year complexity with the early recalls and infotainment quirks, meaning more systems that need to check out. Priced $28,000–$34,000, it's for buyers who want maximum luxury at the lowest top-trim price. Insist on documented recall completion, software updates, and a thorough inspection before buying.
What to Watch For When Buying
Because the Ascent is a young model, the most important buying step is confirming all recalls and software updates are complete. The 2019 launch year in particular had several recalls covering items such as the fuel pump and other components, and a responsible seller will have documentation showing the work was performed. Run the VIN through Subaru or the NHTSA recall database before buying any Ascent, and treat an undocumented car with extra caution. The second area to check is the 2.4L FA24 turbocharged engine: it's strong and torquey, but like any turbo boxer it is unforgiving of neglected oil changes, so demand a full oil-service history and listen for any unusual noises on a cold start.
The third item is the Lineartronic CVT, which handles the Ascent's weight and towing duty well but is expensive to replace if neglected — so confirm fluid-service records, especially on cars that have been used for towing. On the test drive, verify all-wheel-drive engagement, check that the infotainment system responds without freezing (early cars had laggy software that updates improved), and confirm the EyeSight suite calibrates and functions. If the car has been used to tow, inspect the transmission cooler, hitch, and brakes for heavy wear. A pre-purchase inspection at an independent Subaru specialist is inexpensive insurance that routinely catches the costly items before money changes hands.
How to Choose
If you want the most reliable and refined Ascent, target a 2021–2022 Premium with documented service and all recalls complete — it's the best blend of a sorted platform, the proven FA24 engine, and fair used pricing. If your budget is tight, a well-documented 2019 Premium delivers the same capability and eight-passenger flexibility for thousands less, provided every recall and software update checks out. Families who want maximum luxury should look at a 2021–2022 Limited, with leather, ventilated seats, and the most equipment. And large families focused on capacity over features should consider a 2022 base 8-passenger for the best model year's reliability at the lowest entry point. Match the model year and trim to your budget and priorities, and the Ascent rewards you with a genuinely capable, well-equipped three-row family SUV with the all-weather confidence Subaru is known for.
FAQ
What is the most reliable Subaru Ascent model year? The 2021 and 2022 model years are widely considered the most reliable. Subaru addressed early engine and transmission concerns by then, and the 2.4L turbo engine proved more durable in those years. Owners report fewer visits to the shop compared to the 2019 and 2020 versions.
Which Ascent year should I avoid? The 2019 model year had the most reported issues, including excessive oil consumption and transmission hesitation. While it offers the lowest price on the used market, it carries higher risk of needing repairs. Many owners recommend skipping it unless you have a warranty.
How long do Subaru Ascent engines typically last? With proper maintenance, the 2.4L turbo engine can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. Early years may need more frequent oil changes to avoid buildup, but later models have shown better longevity. Regular service is key to reaching higher mileage.
Is the Ascent good for towing a camper? Yes, the Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which suits many small campers and boats. The turbo engine provides ample torque for highway merging. However, towing near the limit will reduce fuel economy significantly.
Does the Ascent have enough room for a family of seven? The Ascent seats up to eight with the optional second-row bench, or seven with captain’s chairs. Third-row legroom is tight for adults over 6 feet tall, but children and smaller teens fit comfortably. Cargo space behind the third row is modest but adequate for groceries.
What is the best value trim for the Ascent? The Premium trim offers the best balance of features and price, including keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and the EyeSight safety suite. It avoids the higher cost of the Limited and Touring trims while still providing essential family comforts.
Bottom Line
The Subaru Ascent's best years are the 2021–2022 cars, with the Premium trim as the standout for refinement, reliability, and value. Budget buyers should hunt a well-documented 2019 Premium, accepting the first-year recalls only if every one is confirmed complete. Across every year, documented maintenance and recall work — plus oil-service history and CVT fluid records — separate a great Ascent from an expensive surprise. Buy on records and condition, run the VIN for recalls, and the Ascent delivers capable, all-weather three-row family hauling for the long haul.
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Sources
- Subaru of America — Ascent model history and specifications, subaru.com
- Wikipedia — Subaru Ascent model details and engine specifications
- Consumer Reports — Subaru Ascent reliability ratings by model year
- Edmunds — Subaru Ascent used pricing and ownership reviews
- Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) — Ascent used values by year and trim
- NHTSA — Subaru Ascent recalls and service campaigns, nhtsa.gov
- Car and Driver — Subaru Ascent reviews and towing specifications
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