Subaru has long been synonymous with reliability, safety, and all-weather capability. Stepping into the three-row SUV segment, the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited embodies these core values while offering ample space and a host of features tailored for families. As the largest Subaru ever crafted, the Ascent aims to compete in the bustling mid-size SUV market, and the Limited trim, just a step below the top-tier Touring, presents a compelling package of premium features and Subaru’s renowned engineering. This review delves into the specifics of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited, examining its exterior, powertrain, interior, utility, and overall driving experience to determine if it lives up to the Subaru name and meets the demands of modern families.
Exterior Design: Bold and Familiar Subaru Aesthetics
The 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited, while significantly larger than its Outback sibling, carries forward familiar Subaru design cues. The bold front grille immediately identifies it as part of the Subaru family, while the roof rails enhance its SUV silhouette and add practical functionality. Riding on substantial 20-inch wheels, the Ascent boasts a confident stance and road presence. The dual exhaust outlets hint at the robust engine beneath the hood, and a subtle yet stylish chrome strip running along the lower portion of the vehicle, between the front and rear wheels, adds a touch of refinement to its overall design. While not a radical departure from Subaru’s established design language, the Ascent’s exterior is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, projecting an image of capable family transportation.
Front view of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited showcasing its bold grille and headlights
Potent Powertrain: Turbocharged Boxer Engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Under the hood of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited lies a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, a hallmark of Subaru engineering. This powerplant delivers a responsive 260 horsepower and a substantial 277 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for daily driving and hauling cargo. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a type of transmission that Subaru has refined over decades. While CVTs sometimes face criticism for their driving feel, Subaru’s implementation is notably smooth and efficient. For drivers who desire a more traditional feel, paddle shifters on the steering wheel allow for simulated gear changes, though in most driving scenarios, the CVT operates seamlessly in the background. Despite its size, the Ascent doesn’t feel sluggish; in fact, it boasts a commendable 5,000-pound towing capacity, making it capable for family adventures that involve trailers or boats.
Side profile of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited highlighting its 20-inch wheels and chrome accents
Staying true to Subaru’s heritage, the 2021 Ascent Limited comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This system is a cornerstone of Subaru’s reputation, known for its exceptional capability in diverse driving conditions. Unlike some all-wheel-drive systems that engage only when needed, Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD is always active, constantly distributing power to all four wheels. This provides enhanced traction and stability, especially in inclement weather or on uneven surfaces, contributing to a safer and more confident driving experience for families. The system dynamically adjusts power delivery to the wheels with the most grip, ensuring optimal control and handling.
Rear three-quarter view of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited emphasizing its dual exhaust and tailgate
Interior Comfort and Technology: A Near-Luxury Family Space
Stepping inside the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited reveals a thoughtfully designed and well-appointed interior. The stitched seats are immediately comfortable, offering support for long journeys, and the optional panoramic moonroof expands the sense of spaciousness, flooding the cabin with natural light. While perhaps not overtly luxurious in the traditional sense, the interior materials and overall design approach a near-luxury feel, prioritizing comfort and practicality for family life.
Interior view of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited showcasing the dashboard, steering wheel, and infotainment screen
The instrumentation is clear and easily readable, shielded by a hooded visor to minimize sun glare. A configurable color driver information center provides essential vehicle data at a glance. The heated steering wheel is equipped with a multitude of controls for cruise control, audio, and phone functions, demonstrating a focus on driver convenience. Moving to the center console, you’ll find a generous supply of cup holders – two among the 19 total in the Ascent – along with the gear shifter and controls for X-Mode and automatic vehicle hold. X-Mode is Subaru’s off-road management system, incorporating hill descent control for enhanced capability in challenging terrains.
Close-up of the center console in the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited highlighting the gear shifter, cup holders, and X-Mode controls
At the heart of the dashboard is an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system. This system serves as the command center for Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, Subaru’s MySubaru app for service scheduling, various apps, vehicle settings, and Subaru Starlink, a connected services suite similar to GM’s OnStar, offering features like emergency assistance and remote vehicle services. The system also integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration, along with access to Aha, Pandora, voice activation, SiriusXM and HD Radio, a CD player, Travel Link for real-time traffic and weather updates, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The tested model also included the optional 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, delivering an enhanced audio experience. The infotainment system is designed for user-friendliness, with responsive touch controls and intuitive menus. Adding to driver convenience, a secondary information display positioned high on the dashboard presents key information, minimizing the need to take your eyes off the road.
Infotainment screen of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited displaying navigation and audio options
Utility and Practicality: Designed for Family Life
The 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited excels in practicality, especially for families. The second row features comfortable captain’s chairs with armrests that can fold forward to ease access to the third row, or passengers can walk through the space between the seats. Rear passengers in the second row are well catered to with their own climate controls, two power ports, and USB charging ports, ensuring comfort and connectivity for everyone. The third-row seating is surprisingly accommodating. While perhaps not ideal for very tall adults on long trips, it is genuinely usable for average-sized adults and perfectly suited for children and teenagers, making it a true three-row SUV.
Cargo capacity is a significant advantage of the Ascent. Even with the third row in use, there’s a substantial 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Furthermore, a dedicated storage compartment is provided for the cargo cover, keeping it out of the way when not needed. Folding down both the second and third rows reveals an expansive 86 cubic feet of cargo volume, rivaling many minivans and making the Ascent exceptionally versatile for hauling luggage, sports equipment, or home improvement supplies.
Safety and Features: Subaru EyeSight and Comprehensive Suite
Subaru prioritizes safety, and the 2021 Ascent Limited is equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety and driver-assistance features. These include a rear-view camera, push-button start, a power tailgate for ease of access, adaptive cruise control to maintain a set speed and following distance, blind spot monitoring to alert drivers to vehicles in adjacent lanes, steering responsive LED headlights for enhanced nighttime visibility, and Subaru’s acclaimed EyeSight Safety System. For the 2021 model year, a new rear seat reminder system was added, designed to prompt drivers to check the back seats before exiting the vehicle, a valuable feature for families with children or pets.
Rear seats of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited folded down to maximize cargo space
The EyeSight system is a standout safety technology. Utilizing two cameras mounted near the rearview mirror, EyeSight monitors traffic conditions, optimizes the adaptive cruise control system, and provides lane departure warnings if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane. Crucially, the Pre-Collision Braking feature can autonomously apply full braking force if a potential frontal collision is detected, potentially mitigating accidents or reducing their severity. The tested Ascent Limited included optional upgrades totaling $2950, encompassing the Starlink navigation system, the premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and the panoramic moonroof, further enhancing its features and appeal.
Close-up of the Subaru EyeSight dual camera system mounted on the windshield of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited
Ride and Driving Experience: Comfortable, Secure, and Efficient
On the road, the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited delivers a composed and comfortable driving experience. Handling is confident and predictable for a vehicle of its size, and the cabin remains quiet, minimizing road and wind noise. The EyeSight system further enhances the sense of security, providing an extra layer of protection and driver assistance. Fuel economy is EPA rated at 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, and real-world driving often mirrors or even slightly exceeds these figures, making it reasonably efficient for its class. Considering its comprehensive features, spaciousness, and standard all-wheel drive, the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited presents an exceptional value proposition within the competitive three-row SUV segment.
Verdict: A Top Contender for Family SUV Buyers
The 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited effectively blends Subaru’s core strengths with the practicality and space required by modern families. Its key highlights include its strong value proposition, a comprehensive suite of features, the reassurance of the EyeSight safety system, and the go-anywhere capability of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. While some drivers might desire an even more powerful engine option, the existing turbocharged Boxer engine provides ample performance for most needs. When weighing price, safety, features, and capability against other loaded three-row all-wheel-drive SUVs, the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited firmly earns a spot on any family’s shopping list.
2021 Subaru Ascent Limited Specifications
- What I liked most: The value, features, and Eyesight safety system.
- What I would change: An optional, larger engine.
- MSRP: Base price $39,595, as equipped $43,595
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 20 city/26 highway/22 combined.
- Official Color: Abyss Blue Pearl.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2,800 miles.
- Weight: 4608 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Temporary compact mounted under the bumper.
- Length-Width-Height: 196.8” long/76” wide/72” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.3 gallons with the filler on the passenger side.
- Towing Capacity: 5000 pounds.
- 2021 Ascent in a few words: Really safe SUV that packs a ton of value.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 miles on the powertrain.
- Final Assembly Location: Lafayette, Indiana.
- Manufacturers website: www.SUBARU.com
