The 2019 Subaru Ascent 2.4L 4-cyl gets 23 MPG combined, a figure worth considering given its intended buyer. Nobody expects Prius-like efficiency from a three-row SUV. The Ascent’s fuel economy is a compromise accepted by families who want safety, practicality, and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. These buyers know that hauling kids, dogs, soccer gear, and often towing a small camper means higher gas costs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Subaru Ascent gets 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the Ascent’s weight and the inefficiency of internal combustion during acceleration and deceleration matter. The highway number is more achievable, especially on long road trips where the engine can reach a more efficient speed. The Ascent uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Subaru calls “AV-S8,” designed to improve efficiency. CVTs can sometimes feel less engaging than traditional automatics, but their ability to keep the engine in its best rev range helps contribute to that 27 MPG highway figure.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,900 for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs can vary depending on your driving, the type of driving you do, and local fuel prices. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips in cold weather, and using higher-octane fuel when it’s not required will all hurt your real-world expenses. It’s a benchmark, useful for comparing against other vehicles, but not a custom projection for every driver.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a standard, but real-world MPG often differs. Ascent owner reports suggest reaching the EPA’s 27 MPG highway figure is realistic with careful driving. The 21 MPG city number can be harder to reach, especially in congested cities. Many Ascent owners report averages in the low- to mid-20s for combined driving. Weight, roof racks, and winter tires will also decrease fuel efficiency. Altitude can also matter, particularly for those in the mountains who may see slightly lower MPG figures. It’s important to understand these things to have realistic expectations.

How it compares

The 2019 Subaru Ascent’s fuel economy is competitive within the three-row SUV group. The Honda Pilot, for example, gets up to 27 MPG highway with its 3.5L V6 in front-wheel drive form, though its all-wheel drive versions are closer to the Ascent’s numbers. The Toyota Highlander with its 3.5L V6 is similar. The Ford Explorer, depending on the engine, can vary. The base Explorer’s fuel economy could be slightly better than all all Subaru fuel economy data, but the more powerful turbocharged options often get worse MPG. Consider that if you directly compare the ASCENT MPG across all years to other competitors, you must also compare against vehicles that offer standard AWD, a key feature for the Ascent. Its AWD system is often comparable to its competitors 2WD models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Ascent’s turbocharged 2.4L engine works best with smooth acceleration and consistent speeds. Avoid aggressive starts and hard braking, as these actions force the engine to work harder and use more fuel. Watch traffic flow and keep a steady pace to waste less fuel.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check the sticker on your driver’s side door for the recommended tire pressure for your Ascent. Even a few PSI below that can have a noticeable impact.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s load, requiring more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove items you don’t need, especially heavy items in the cargo area. This small change can make a difference, particularly during city driving.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly, and idling burns fuel unnecessarily. This is especially important during cold starts, where the engine consumes more fuel to warm up.

Use cruise control wisely. On long highway drives, cruise control can help you maintain a consistent speed and improve fuel efficiency. Be mindful of hills. On steep inclines, the cruise control system may downshift aggressively, increasing fuel consumption. You may want to adjust the throttle manually.