Comprehensive 2021 Subaru Ascent Review: Features, Safety Technologies, and Pricing Insights
The 2021 Subaru Ascent is a spacious and safe midsize SUV designed for family adventures and outdoor activities. Featuring advanced safety tech like EyeSight®, versatile three-row seating, robust towing capacity, and customizable interiors, it balances performance and comfort. Its modern design and multiple trims appeal to a broad audience, with pricing starting around $32,295. Whether for daily commuting or weekend getaways, the Subaru Ascent stands out as a reliable, feature-packed vehicle perfect for large families and adventure seekers alike.

An In-Depth Look at the 2021 Subaru Ascent
The 2021 Subaru Ascent stands out as a versatile midsize SUV specially crafted to meet the demands of families who enjoy outdoor adventures, long-distance travels, and everyday commuting. With an emphasis on spaciousness, comfort, and innovative safety features, the Ascent has become a popular choice among large families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Its blend of impressive performance capabilities, modern technology, and thoughtful design elements makes it a compelling vehicle in the competitive SUV market.
The vehicle’s generous interior provides seating for seven or eight passengers comfortably, thanks to its flexible three-row seating configuration. The interior space emphasizes versatility with various seat arrangements and cargo options, accommodating everything from grocery trips to camping gear. The SUV’s ground clearance of 8.7 inches, combined with Subaru’s renowned X-MODE system, ensures optimal performance on rough terrains, muddy trails, or snowy roads, making it an ideal vehicle for outdoor adventures.
Additionally, the Ascent boasts a robust towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, enabling drivers to tow boats, trailers, or other recreational equipment with ease. Its body structure incorporates high-strength steel components, providing excellent durability and crash protection, which translates into a smoother, more comfortable ride that minimizes bumps and jolts during travel.
Advanced Safety Features and Technologies
Safety is at the forefront of Subaru’s design philosophy, and the 2021 Ascent is no exception. One of its standout safety features is Subaru’s innovative EyeSight® Driver Assistance System, which employs cameras and sensors to monitor the road ahead actively. This system significantly reduces the risk of rear-end collisions by up to 85% by providing alerts and automatic braking capabilities in critical situations. EyeSight® also offers adaptive cruise control, making highway driving less stressful and safer.
Moreover, lane centering assist helps keep the vehicle properly aligned within its lane, providing additional peace of mind during long highway trips or congested city driving. The suite of safety features extends to blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and pre-collision braking, all designed to prevent accidents before they occur. Subaru’s commitment to comprehensive safety makes the Ascent a reliable choice for families seeking peace of mind on every journey.
Distinctive Design and Interior Customization
The 2021 Subaru Ascent exhibits a bold and sturdy exterior, characterized by a sleek silhouette and commanding presence on the road. Its wide grille, sharp headlamps, and clean lines contribute to a modern yet rugged aesthetic. The vehicle is available in a variety of vibrant and sophisticated colors, including Crystal Black Silica, Ice Silver Metallic, and Crimson Red Pearl, allowing buyers to personalize their SUV to match their style.
Inside, the cabin emphasizes spaciousness and versatility. Drivers and passengers can choose from multiple interior trims and seat materials, such as smooth leather or durable cloth options, available in shades like Slate Black, Warm Ivory, and Java Brown. The interior layout features an intuitive dashboard design, with a large touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, optional upgrades include premium audio systems, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and heated seats, all enhancing comfort and convenience.
Pricing Structures and Trim Levels
The base model of the 2021 Subaru Ascent starts at approximately $32,295, offering a balanced combination of features, safety, and performance. Its fuel efficiency is rated at around 27 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on highways, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and long trips. For consumers seeking more upscale features, Subaru offers several trim levels, including the Premium, Limited, and Touring.
The Premium trim is priced at roughly $35,000 and adds features like a panoramic sunroof, upgraded wheels, and additional driver assistance options. The Limited trim, available for about $39,595, introduces Leather upholstery, heated seats, and a premium infotainment system. The top-tier Touring trim, retailing at approximately $45,445, includes all luxury features, a hands-free power liftgate, ventilated seats, and advanced driver aids.
Customers also have the opportunity to customize their vehicle further through an array of optional packages, accessories, and technological upgrades, ensuring their Ascent perfectly aligns with their lifestyle needs and preferences.
In summary, the 2021 Subaru Ascent offers an impressive combination of safety, design, versatility, and value, making it an excellent choice for families and outdoor lovers looking for a reliable, feature-rich midsize SUV.