The 2025 Subaru Ascent 2.4L gets 22 MPG combined. This makes it a good choice for large families who want all-weather capability, seating for up to eight, and Subaru’s reputation for safety and reliability, even if fuel efficiency isn’t their only buying factor. This family hauler is built for adventure, not necessarily setting hybrid benchmarks, and its fuel economy reflects that mission with a balanced approach.

City and highway performance

The Ascent’s 20 MPG in city driving is a realistic figure for a vehicle of its size and curb weight, especially one with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Stop-and-go traffic, often combined with the extra load of passengers and gear, will naturally consume more fuel. However, the Ascent’s efficiency profile truly stands out on the open road. The 26 MPG highway rating shows the effectiveness of the 2.4L turbocharged flat-four engine and Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with its AV-S8 designation. This transmission, featuring an 8-speed manual mode function, keeps the engine operating in its most efficient RPM range during sustained highway cruising, reducing the inherent drag of an SUV and its all-wheel-drive system. This vehicle is designed for long hauls to national parks or ski resorts, and its highway efficiency supports that family-adventure lifestyle without constant fuel stops.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Subaru Ascent 2.4L at $2,000. This figure assumes an average of 15,000 miles driven per year and factors in national average fuel prices. For many Ascent owners, this calculation accurately reflects their yearly spending. Parents shuttling kids to school and activities, commuting to work, and embarking on weekend road trips can expect to budget around this amount for fuel. While $2,000 might seem significant, it aligns well with other large, non-hybrid three-row SUVs and represents a predictable operating cost for a vehicle designed to reliably serve family needs for years.

Real-world expectations

Owners of the 2025 Ascent will generally find the EPA ratings quite achievable, provided they drive sensibly. The 2.4L turbocharged engine offers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, but it requires discipline to get maximum efficiency. Aggressive acceleration and braking will reduce city MPG significantly. Highway driving, particularly when cruising at or just below the speed limit, often sees Ascent drivers exceeding the EPA’s 26 MPG. This vehicle is bought by families who often have larger commutes or who frequently travel for leisure, and the stable, predictable fuel consumption is a key factor in their satisfaction. The ASCENT MPG across all years shows consistent performance, offering peace of mind to repeat Subaru buyers.

How it compares

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is in a competitive space in the three-row SUV segment, and its fuel economy falls squarely within the expected range for its class. Consider the Honda Pilot, another popular family hauler with a 3.5L V6 engine. The 2024 Pilot with FWD achieves 22 MPG combined (19 city/27 highway), while the AWD version drops slightly to 21 MPG combined (19 city/25 highway). The Ascent’s standard AWD and 22 MPG combined rating hold up well against this direct competitor. Moving to the 2024 Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade, both equipped with 3.8L V6 engines, the AWD variants typically post 21 MPG combined (19 city/24 highway). The Ascent edges out both of these popular choices on highway efficiency. Even compared to the smaller but still family-oriented 2024 Mazda CX-90 2.5 Turbo S, which achieves 25 MPG combined (23 city/28 highway) with AWD, the Ascent’s larger footprint and greater cargo volume make its 22 MPG a strong argument for its specific audience. For those considering a non-hybrid, rugged, and spacious three-row SUV, the Ascent’s fuel economy is highly competitive and often superior to direct rivals featuring larger displacement V6 engines. Subaru’s approach to powertrain design, favoring a turbocharged flat-four, contributes to this efficiency profile, highlighting all Subaru fuel economy data as generally competitive within their respective segments.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining consistent speeds, especially on the highway, is critical for the Ascent. The CVT is engineered to find optimal ratios, but frequent throttle inputs forcing the transmission to adjust will quickly cancel its efficiency benefits. Use cruise control whenever possible on open roads to smooth out your acceleration and braking.

Keeping your tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure is a simple yet effective way to improve fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check pressures monthly, particularly before long trips or significant temperature changes.

Lighten your load. The Ascent offers significant cargo capacity, but carrying unnecessary weight, such as heavy items permanently stored in the trunk or roof rack accessories when not in use, will reduce efficiency. Every extra pound the engine has to move costs more fuel.

Anticipate traffic and drive smoothly. Aggressive driving, with rapid acceleration and hard braking, is a major fuel killer. Look ahead, allow ample following distance, and coast to a stop whenever safe. This not only saves fuel but also reduces wear and tear on your brakes and tires.

Regular maintenance is critical for keeping the Ascent’s 2.4L engine and CVT operating at peak efficiency. Adhere to the factory-recommended service schedule for oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plugs. A well-tuned engine performs better and uses less fuel.