2025 Subaru Ascent — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2025 Subaru Ascent

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $39,031–$46,894
Fuel Economy 26 MPG
Seating 8 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,019/yr

Key Specifications — 2025 Subaru Ascent

Engine2.4L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S8)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG20 / 26 MPG
Combined MPG22 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,050
CO₂ Emissions398 g/mi
Seating Capacity8 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$39,031–$46,894

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2025 Subaru Ascent

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 →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

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 →

Which Ascent Year Should You Buy?

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.

YearScoreStarting 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 →

Pros & Cons — 2025 Subaru Ascent

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

Common Questions — 2025 Subaru Ascent

Is the 2025 Subaru Ascent reliable?

We rate the 2025 Subaru Ascent's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.

Is the 2025 Subaru Ascent worth buying?

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.

How much does the 2025 Subaru Ascent cost?

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.

Owner Essentials — Subaru Ascent

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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More Subaru Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.