21 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but the Ascent Limited, Touring, and Onyx trims aren’t designed for hypermilers; they’re purpose-built machines engineered to haul families and gear over any terrain, in any weather. This fuel economy, while not stellar, is a trade-off for what these variants of the Ascent offer: standard all-wheel drive, reliable safety features, and a spacious interior capable of holding kids, dogs, and camping equipment with equal ease.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway show a key aspect of the Ascent’s fuel consumption. The city figure highlights the impact of stop-and-go traffic on this relatively heavy SUV. The Ascent’s 2.4L turbocharged engine needs to work harder when accelerating from a standstill. However, the highway number suggests that the Ascent is more efficient during steady-state cruising. The automatic (AV-S8) transmission helps the Ascent achieve this by keeping the engine in its optimal range at highway speeds, but even with this advanced transmission, aerodynamics and weight still affect fuel efficiency at higher velocities.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the Subaru Ascent Limited, Touring, and Onyx at $2,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel prices reported at the time of calculation. This provides a standardized metric for comparison, but remember that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the grade of fuel you choose to use. While the Ascent doesn’t require premium fuel, aggressive driving will increase your annual fuel bill above the EPA’s estimate.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Owners of the Ascent Limited, Touring, and Onyx should expect to see numbers that change based on driving conditions and style. Those who frequently drive on congested city streets or drive fast may find themselves closer to the 19 MPG city figure, or even a bit lower. Drivers who mainly use their Ascents on long highway trips, driven conservatively, might see numbers closer to, or even slightly above the 25 MPG highway estimate. Understanding these factors is important for managing expectations and budgeting accordingly.

How it compares

The Ascent’s fuel economy places it in a competitive position among other three-row SUVs with all-wheel drive, but it’s not class-leading. The Toyota Highlander, for instance, gets a respectable 24 MPG combined with its standard gasoline engine, a notable advantage. The Kia Telluride, a popular choice in the segment, achieves similar combined fuel economy to the Ascent, around 21 MPG. The Ford Explorer, depending on the engine, can range from slightly better to significantly worse. The EcoBoost models offer comparable MPG while the more powerful trims suffer. For owners prioritizing less gas above all else, the Highlander Hybrid’s higher MPG is an alternative, but there are trade-offs in towing capacity and initial purchase price. Knowing all Subaru fuel economy data is essential. Also, be sure to explore the ASCENT MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key. The Ascent’s turbocharged engine delivers ample power, but avoid pressing hard on the accelerator unless you need it. Smooth, gradual acceleration will minimize fuel consumption, particularly in city driving.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the pressure recommended on the doorjamb sticker. The Ascent’s TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is useful, but manual checks are more accurate.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive cargo adds weight and decreases fuel economy. Clean out your Ascent regularly and remove any items that you don’t need. This is especially relevant if you are using a roof-mounted cargo carrier, which drastically impacts the aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoid congested areas and routes with frequent stop-and-go traffic when possible. Using navigation apps to find the most efficient route can save you fuel and time.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel efficiency compared to constantly fluctuating speeds. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating the benefits.