Subaru Ascent: Three-Row Family SUV Reliability and Value

10 minutes reading

Thursday, 16 Jul 2026 14:30 0 6 autotech

The Subaru Ascent is not often a top pick when considering new three-row SUVs, and most shoppers are more familiar with the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. However, the symmetrical AWD turbo-four-powered Ascent offers a distinct position in its segment that shouldn’t be overlooked compared with its more popular rivals. Follow along as we break down topics seldom covered by other publications, including long-term ownership data, CVT durability, and real-world third-row usability. If you are wondering whether this Subaru is the right choice for you and your growing family, you won’t find a more complete guide.

Table of Contents

What Makes The Subaru Ascent Different: Engine, AWD, And Layout

2.4T Turbo Boxer Engine

2026 red Subaru Ascent at a park

Subaru

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive On A Three-Row

While the Ascent and Highlander may be direct competitors, these two three-row SUVs follow different approaches. The Ascent utilizes a low-center-of-gravity longitudinal layout with a flat-four engine, while the Highlander employs a traditional transverse inline-four layout with a higher center of gravity.

Third-Row Practicality: Space vs. Reality

Of these three Japanese three-row rivals, the Honda Pilot offers the most third-row legroom with 32.5 inches, compared to the Ascent’s 31.7 inches and the Highlander’s 28 inches. The Pilot also offers the most third-row headroom at 39.3 inches, with the Ascent coming in second at 36.2 inches and the Highlander last with 36.1 inches.

Cargo space behind the third row follows the same pattern, with the Pilot offering the most at 18.6 cubic feet, the Ascent at 17.8 cubic feet, and the Highlander at 16 cubic feet. In terms of overall seat comfort, the Highlander gets mixed reviews, with owners’ primary complaint being the front seats feeling stiff on long road trips, although the durability and quality of the SofTex upholstery are strong. The Pilot, in comparison, is widely praised for its sofa-like plushness, but the softer foam tends to break down more quickly than the Toyota equivalent. The Ascent receives consistent praise for its seat comfort, but some passengers complain about the lack of adjustability, while padding durability remains a strong point.

Another one of the Ascent’s underrated qualities is its accessibility. The rear doors open almost to a 90-degree angle, allowing for the widest physical opening of the three Japanese rivals. The second-row seats include grab handles on their shoulder sections for ease of access to the third row. In comparison, getting into the third row of a Highlander is overall more difficult, and the gaps your body will need to slide through are narrower, despite the second-row seats being able to slide forward.

Subaru Ascent Reliability: What Long-Term Owners Report

CVT Transmission Longevity

When buying a Subaru, one of the primary concerns you might have is “Is my CVT going to die someday?” Possibly—the better question is when and under what conditions. The CVT may not be the benchmark for transmission durability, but simply generalizing and calling the CVT unreliable is untrue. Some 2019-2020 Ascent models experienced legitimate transmission-related issues, but later production has improved significantly.

The front fascia of the 2023 Subaru Ascent

The TR690 Lineartronic CVT used in the current generation Ascent is different from earlier units. This transmission is designed for use in high-torque, turbocharged applications and utilizes a heavy-duty steel chain and pulley system as opposed to a traditional belt-driven CVT. This beefed-up transmission is partly responsible for the Ascent’s towing capability of 5,000 pounds, the most of any Subaru model ever. Does this upgrade make the transmission perfect? Not exactly. The introductory 2019–2020 models initially suffered from recognized transmission issues. After multiple recalls and an updated warranty extension for qualifying 2019–2020 Ascent models in 2024, reported issues have dropped significantly. 2021+ models have even fewer complaints and are considered the most reliable.

Subaru Ascent three-row seat with baby carriers and Ivory interior

At about 50,000 miles, most owners of 2021+ vehicles report no major transmission issues, yet stories begin to diverge around the 100,000-mile mark. It is clearly possible to achieve 100,000 miles or more on the original 2019–2020 CVT, but there is no guarantee either. If durability is a concern, your best bet is to buy new or purchase a vehicle that is only one to two years old. Beyond 150,000 miles, there simply isn’t enough documentation to make a conclusive statement about the CVT’s long-term durability.

Subaru considers the CVT fluid to be a lifetime fluid, but the consensus is that if you do tow, frequently encounter steep elevation changes, or drive in more extreme climates, changing the fluid every 3–5 years is a safe bet. What is important is to ensure you use only Subaru CVTF-LV fluid for the change; it is the only formula specifically designed for this transmission.

Engine Durability Along With Common Owner Complaints

Close-up shot of 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STi engine bay

Many skeptical Subaru shoppers may still associate boxer engines with the old EJ-Series engines that had a bad reputation for blowing head gaskets. However, the FA24F 2.4-liter Turbo has no widespread incidence of head gasket failure, and the modern FA-Series engine is an entirely different architecture. Isolated failures still occur, as with any engine, but there is no evidence of a systemic defect in this particular power unit.

It is worth noting that the Ascent only debuted in 2019, so thousands of 250,000-mile examples simply don’t exist. The highest mileage Ascent models are currently in the 150,000-mile range. Carbon buildup is a common issue worth considering with any direct-injection engine, but the FA24 has no widespread complaints in this regard.

Perhaps the most notable common owner complaint is brake rotor wear, which is an issue that shows up in several owner accounts. Front rotors seem to wear prematurely, leading Subaru to issue updated brake components and warranty coverage for affected vehicles. The second most relevant complaint is infotainment-related glitches, such as a frozen or laggy touchscreen. Some owners have had the head unit replaced under warranty, but other than that issue, electrical quirks are infrequent and are rarely more than an inconvenience rather than a defect.

Real Ownership Costs: Maintenance, Insurance, Repairs

Expected Maintenance Expenses (Five-Year Breakdown)

All things considered, the Ascent is not particularly expensive to maintain for a midsize three-row SUV. CarEdge data states the average maintenance and repair costs are about $2,800 during the first five years, which is about $1,000 less than the average SUV. The Ascent is not quite as low-risk as a Toyota Highlander, but it is less expensive to upkeep than most domestic or luxury rivals.

For the first 60,000 miles, routine maintenance is no different from that of most vehicles. After that point, costs will increase due to routine spark plug replacement, front and rear differential fluid, brake fluid, and CVT fluid changes for peace of mind. As long as you utilize high-quality synthetic oil and allow proper warm-up, this engine is not nearly as intimidating as some shoppers assume. The standard Subaru warranty includes a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage.

Tire replacement requires extra attention because full-time AWD demands matching tread depth and tire condition across all four tires. Ideally, all four tires should remain close in tread depth, age, and condition. If only one tire is damaged and requires replacement, either replace both tires on an axle to match the pair, or have the new tire shaved to match the existing tires.

Insurance, Resale Value, And Depreciation

Interior dashboard view of the Subaru Ascent

In terms of insurance costs, CarEdge estimates an average of $2,500 per year, which is a bit more expensive than a Highlander, but roughly comparable to a Honda Pilot. In no case is the difference dramatic enough to influence a purchasing decision. When considering resale value, the average Ascent loses about $23,000 in value over the first five years, according to CarEdge.

The Highlander’s and Pilot’s depreciation over the same period is less aggressive, thanks to their reputation for long-term reliability and broader appeal. For used-car shoppers, this price difference is an advantage, as an Ascent with lower mileage can be found for significantly less than its typical rivals.

Should You Buy the Subaru Ascent? Final Verdict

Rear 3/4 action shot of 2026 Subaru Ascent in black towing a caravan

The Subaru Ascent has carved out a dedicated niche in the three-row SUV segment. It cannot match the Toyota Highlander’s reliability, nor does it offer a truly adult-friendly third row like the Honda Pilot. However, it does provide a combination that none of its competitors offer: standard symmetrical AWD, a strong turbocharged engine, and a driving experience that feels notably more engaging than most of its rivals.

2026 Subaru Ascent demonstrating it’s pracitciality with a roof rack and trailer hitch

If you deal with snow, mountain roads, or extreme conditions regularly, the Ascent makes a compelling case. As a used purchase, its faster depreciation translates into excellent value, as long as buyers go in with realistic expectations. The third row is great, but it is best reserved for kids or short trips, not cross-country adventures. The Ascent’s CVT has proven far more dependable in the later model years, but it still doesn’t carry the same long-term confidence as the conventional automatics found in the Highlander and Pilot.

Base Trim Engine: 2.4L H-4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission: 8-speed Lineartronic CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 260 HP @5600 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 277 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 20/26/22 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Lead acid battery
Make: Subaru
Model: Ascent

For the greatest peace of mind, opt for a well-maintained 2021 model year or newer. This way, you can experience one of the most capable three-row SUVs on the market for a fraction of the original price with many years of reliable service still ahead.