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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.4L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 20 / 26 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,050 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 398 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $39,031–$46,894 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.7/10, the 2025 Subaru Ascent earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Technology at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $39,031–$46,894, 26 MPG, seating 8, the Subaru Ascent sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.0/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Bottom line: Think of the 2025 Subaru Ascent as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in technology are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2025 Subaru Ascent ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $39,031 starting price is about 8% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Subaru Ascent scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 7.7 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $39,031 | Read review → |
| 2025 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $39,031 | |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $37,895 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $36,758 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $35,621 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $34,484 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $33,347 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $32,210 | Read review → |
We rate the 2025 Subaru Ascent's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #564 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2025 Subaru Ascent starts at $39,031 and ranges up to $46,894 across trims (MSRP when new). At 26 MPG, expect roughly $2,019/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.