The 2024 Subaru Ascent’s 22 MPG combined fuel economy won’t break any records. But this vehicle is a spacious, comfortable, and capable three-row SUV. It’s made for families who value safety, reliability, and all-weather driving more than saving at the pump. Many Ascent buyers find this trade-off acceptable.

City and highway performance

The Ascent gets an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect its powertrain: a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine focuses on accessible power rather than ultimate efficiency. It delivers plenty of low-end power for confident acceleration and easy highway merging. The automatic (AV-S8) transmission shifts smoothly and predictably, improving the Ascent’s driving experience. The 20 MPG city rating is comparable to some V6-powered competitors because of the engine’s relatively small displacement.

The 26 MPG highway rating is good enough for longer road trips when you drive responsibly. The Ascent’s standard all-wheel-drive system provides great traction in tough conditions, but it does increase fuel consumption somewhat.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Subaru Ascent at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may be different based on your driving, the roads you drive, and local fuel prices. Drivers who spend more time in city traffic will probably have higher annual fuel costs. Those who mainly drive on the highway may have slightly lower costs.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates offer a standard comparison, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Ascent owners often report numbers close to the EPA estimates, especially when they follow speed limits and avoid aggressive driving. Heavy loads, roof racks, and mountainous terrain can all hurt fuel economy. The Ascent performs consistently, so 22 MPG combined is possible if you drive reasonably. For more information, browse ASCENT MPG across all years.

How it compares

The Subaru Ascent’s fuel economy is about average in the three-row SUV class. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets a much better 36 MPG combined. This is a good choice if you want better fuel efficiency, but its initial price may be higher. The V6-powered Honda Pilot typically gets about 22 MPG combined, similar to the Ascent, depending on the trim. The Kia Telluride also gets around 21-23 MPG combined. The Ford Explorer, with its engine options, ranges from about 21 MPG to 27 MPG, depending on if it uses the four-cylinder EcoBoost, V6, or hybrid version.

When comparing all Subaru fuel economy data, the Ascent shows that larger size, more safety features, and greater passenger capacity reduces a Subaru’s fuel economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is important for the best fuel economy. Make sure your Ascent’s tires are properly inflated. Follow the schedule for oil changes and air filter replacements. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and uses less fuel. Reduce idling as much as possible, since it wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine to save fuel.

How you drive affects fuel consumption a lot. Avoid quick acceleration and hard braking since these waste fuel. Drive at a steady speed and look ahead to anticipate traffic to reduce unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Using cruise control on the highway can help maintain a consistent speed and improve fuel efficiency.

Remove extra weight from your Ascent. Carrying extra weight increases fuel consumption. Clear out the interior and cargo area to reduce weight. Also, remove roof racks or cargo carriers when you aren’t using them because they increase wind resistance and hurt fuel economy.

The Ascent’s all-wheel-drive system is useful for bad weather. But consider whether you actually need it in safe conditions. While the Ascent’s AWD system is always engaged, knowing how it works can affect how you drive. In normal conditions, avoid too much wheel spin. This can cause the system to send more power to the wheels, increasing fuel consumption.