The 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited stands as Subaru’s largest vehicle to date, a three-row SUV designed to cater to families needing extra space without sacrificing the brand’s renowned safety and all-weather capabilities. Having spent a week behind the wheel of the Ascent Limited, this review delves into the specifics of this popular trim level, exploring its exterior appeal, powertrain performance, interior comforts, utility features, and overall driving dynamics. First introduced in 2018 as a 2019 model, the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited continues to be a compelling option in the competitive mid-size SUV market, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Exterior Design
While significantly larger than the Subaru Outback, the 2021 Ascent Limited maintains familiar Subaru design cues. The bold front grille and prominent roof rails immediately identify it as part of the Subaru family. The Ascent Limited rides on substantial 20-inch wheels, adding to its confident stance. Dual exhaust outlets and a stylish chrome strip running along the lower portion of the vehicle, between the front and rear wheels, contribute to its sophisticated appearance. The overall design language balances ruggedness with refinement, making the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited visually appealing in various settings, from suburban streets to outdoor adventures.
Powertrain and Performance
Powering the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited is a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While CVT transmissions can sometimes be less engaging, Subaru’s implementation is noteworthy for its responsiveness and smoothness. The CVT in the Ascent Limited includes paddle shifters that simulate gear changes, though in everyday driving, the automatic mode proves to be highly efficient and well-tuned. Despite its size, the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited offers surprisingly brisk acceleration and a substantial 5,000-pound towing capacity, making it capable for both daily commutes and more demanding tasks.
As expected from a Subaru SUV, the 2021 Ascent Limited comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This renowned AWD system is constantly monitoring traction and distributing power to the wheels with the most grip, providing enhanced stability and control in various driving conditions, from wet pavement to snowy roads. The availability of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a significant selling point, especially for buyers in regions experiencing diverse weather.
The Limited trim sits above the base and Premium trims but below the top-tier Touring model, offering a sweet spot of features and value within the Ascent lineup.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Stepping inside the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited reveals a well-appointed and thoughtfully designed interior. The stitched seats are notably comfortable, providing ample support for long journeys. A large panoramic moonroof enhances the cabin’s airy feel, bringing in natural light. While not overtly luxurious, the interior of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited leans towards a near-luxury experience with quality materials and attention to detail.
The driver-focused instrumentation is clear and easy to read, featuring a hooded visor to minimize glare and a configurable color driver information display. The heated steering wheel is equipped with a multitude of controls for managing cruise control, audio settings, and phone functions, placing essential commands within easy reach.
The center console of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited is practical and well-organized, featuring two of the vehicle’s 19 cup holders, the gear shifter, and controls for X-Mode and automatic vehicle hold. X-Mode is Subaru’s off-road system, incorporating hill descent control for enhanced capability on varied terrains.
At the heart of the center stack is an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system. This system provides access to Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, My Subaru app for service scheduling, various apps, vehicle settings, and Subaru Starlink services, similar to GM’s OnStar. Smartphone integration is seamless with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system also includes aha, Pandora, voice activation, SiriusXM and HD Radio, a CD player, Travel Link, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The tested 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited was equipped with the optional 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.
The infotainment system is user-friendly, responsive, and quick to navigate. Adding to driver convenience is a secondary information display positioned high on the dashboard, providing essential vehicle data without requiring the driver to look far down.
Utility and Practicality
Moving to the rear of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited, the second row features comfortable captain’s chairs with armrests that fold forward to facilitate access to the third row. Alternatively, passengers can walk through the center aisle to reach the rear seats. Rear occupants benefit from dedicated climate controls, two power outlets, and USB ports, enhancing passenger comfort.
The third-row seating in the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited is surprisingly spacious, capable of accommodating two adults of average height, and ideally suited for children, even older teenagers.
Cargo space is a standout feature. Behind the third row, there is a generous 17.6 cubic feet of cargo area. A dedicated storage compartment is provided for the cargo cover when not in use. Folding down all rear seats expands the cargo capacity to an impressive 86 cubic feet, making the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited highly versatile for hauling cargo.
Standard Features, Options, and Safety
The 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited comes well-equipped with standard features including a rearview camera, push-button start, power tailgate, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, steering responsive LED headlights, and Subaru’s EyeSight Safety System. A new feature for the 2021 model year is a rear-seat reminder, designed to alert drivers to check the rear seats upon arrival at their destination, enhancing safety for children or pets.
Subaru’s EyeSight system is a key safety highlight. This system utilizes dual cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor traffic, optimize the adaptive cruise control, and provide lane departure warnings. The Pre-Collision Braking feature can automatically apply full braking force in emergency situations to help avoid or mitigate collisions.
The test vehicle included optional features totaling $2950, encompassing the Starlink navigation system, the 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and the panoramic moonroof.
Ride and Driving Experience
The 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited delivers a composed and comfortable ride. The cabin remains quiet at highway speeds, contributing to a relaxed driving environment. The inclusion of EyeSight safety features provides added peace of mind for both the driver and passengers, enhancing overall safety. Fuel economy is EPA rated at 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, and real-world driving experiences suggest these figures are achievable, or even slightly better.
Final Verdict
While some drivers might desire an even more potent engine option, the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited presents a compelling value proposition within the three-row, all-wheel-drive SUV segment. Considering its competitive price point relative to similarly equipped rivals, combined with its extensive list of standard safety and convenience features, the 2021 Subaru Ascent Limited should definitely be on the shopping list for families seeking a spacious, safe, and well-rounded SUV.
2021 Subaru Ascent Limited: Key Specifications
- What We Liked Most: Exceptional value, comprehensive feature set, and advanced EyeSight safety system.
- Wish List: Availability of a more powerful engine option.
- Base MSRP: $39,595 | MSRP as Tested: $43,595
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated): 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined
- Exterior Color: Abyss Blue Pearl
- Odometer Reading at Test End: 2,800 miles
- Vehicle Weight: 4608 lbs
- Spare Tire: Temporary compact spare, under-bumper mounted
- Dimensions (L/W/H): 196.8” / 76” / 72”
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.3 gallons
- Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs
- In Summary: A remarkably safe and value-packed SUV.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 miles powertrain
- Assembly Location: Lafayette, Indiana
- Manufacturer Website: www.SUBARU.com
