The Subaru Ascent, advertised as the biggest Subaru ever, is a three-row midsize SUV that was introduced in 2019.
The Ascent made its mark as a practical ride for large families. Paired with adaptive cruise control capabilities, this vehicle is a good option to consider.
As the latest vehicle that Subaru has to offer, can we expect the Ascent to last as long as its predecessors?
Read on to find out more about the Subaru Ascent’s expected average lifespan…
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Here is the Short Answer to How Long Subaru Ascent Last:
The Subaru Ascent is a robust SUV that can last between 200,000 miles and 250,000 miles. This means with an average of 15,000 miles driven per year, you can expect the Ascent to last around 13 – 17 years. This is dependent on proper maintenance and good driving habits.
How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Subaru Ascent?
By our estimates, and in comparison with other vehicles manufactured by Subaru, the Subaru Ascent can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, with proper care and maintenance.
Not much data is provided with regard to the longevity of the Subaru Ascent. This is understandable since this is a newly released vehicle, having been in the market for just about 3 years.
According to driving tests conducted by caranddriver.com, in which they drove a Subaru Ascent for up to 40,000 miles, they claimed that there were no major issues, and that they only had to make unscheduled maintenance trips to the service center three times.
Based on Subaru’s track record, we expect the Subaru Ascent to comfortably make the 200,000 mile mark.
According to a study conducted by MotorBiscuit.com, 97% of Subaru vehicles that were sold in the past decade are still performing on the road today.
Some owners have even reported reaching 300,000 miles with their Subaru, especially the Outback and Forester models – we would expect the Ascent to perform much the same.
Hitting these types of numbers will require meticulous maintenance and should not necessarily be expected.
It must be noted, however, that our expected lifespan is only an approximation, as there are several factors that still need to be considered that may prolong or shorten lifespan, including how it is driven and how well it’s looked after.
How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Subaru Ascent?
Across three generations of Subaru Ascent models, and over 185,000 units sold in the US, there have relatively few complaints regarding rust.
A few Subaru Ascent owners have reported rust concerns in the undercarriage of their models.
By our estimates, you could expect your Subaru Ascent to have some degree of corrosion in four to five years, however this can vary based on factors such as:
- Exposure to road salt (road salt combined with moisture leads to corrosion)
- Humidity (amount of moisture in the air)
- Salt in the air (coastal regions are notorious for vehicle rusting)
- Where the vehicle is stored (parking in a garage reduces exposure to the elements)
- How often the vehicle is washed (dirt can trap moisture which can lead to corrosion)
Subaru offers a 5-year corrosion warranty for all its modern vehicles, including the Subaru Ascent.
However, this only applies if rust and corrosion are detected inside the panels or metal sheets, not just surface rust.
Here are a few tips to reduce the chances of rust and corrosion:
- Wash your vehicle regularly, including the undercarriage.
- Buy a high-quality car cover, especially if the car is typically parked outside.
- Apply rust proofing sprays or invest in a ceramic coating
How Long Do Subaru Ascent Last Compared to Similar Models?
Below, we compare how the Subaru Ascent fairs against its main competition.
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander
The Subaru Ascent is comparable to the Toyota Highlander in terms of lifespan, although typically we would expect to see the Toyota last slightly longer.
A well-kept Toyota Highlander can last 250,000 to 300,000 miles on average (or 17 – 20 years, based on 15,000 miles per year) vs. 200,000 – 250,000 miles or 13 – 17 years for the Ascent.
Below are additional comparisons:
| Make and Model | Reliability (J.D. Power) | Annual Maintenance Cost(RepairPal/CarEdge) |
| Subaru Ascent | 80/100 | $680 |
| Toyota Highlander | 85/100 | $489 |
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot can last 250,000 – 300,000 miles when properly maintained, this equates to 17 – 20 years of service vs. 200,000 – 250,000 miles or 13 – 17 years for the Ascent.
Below are additional comparisons:
| Make and Model | Reliability (J.D. Power) | Annual Maintenance Cost (RepairPal/CarEdge) |
| Subaru Ascent | 80/100 | $680 |
| Honda Pilot | 79/100 | $542 |
Subaru Ascent vs. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is on par with the Ascent with both vehicles expected to last 200,000 – 250,000 miles or approximately 13 – 17 years.
Below are additional comparisons:
| Make and Model | Reliability (J.D. Power) | Annual Maintenance Cost (RepairPal/CarEdge) |
| Subaru Ascent | 80/100 | $680 |
| Ford Explorer | 79/100 | $732 |
How Reliable is a Subaru Ascent?
From our research we can say the Subaru Ascent is a reliable vehicle, however there are more reliable options in the midsize crossover SUV segment.
According to RepairPal reliability ratings, the 2021 Subaru Ascent scored 3.5 out of 5.0, placing it 14th out of 32. This means that the Subaru Ascent is average or middle of the pack when it comes to reliability.
| Model Year | J.D. Power Reliability Rating |
| 2021 | 79/100 |
| 2020 | 79/100 |
| 2019 | 70/100 |
The Best and Worst Years for the Subaru Ascent
Based on data gathered from carcomplaints.com and nhtsa.gov, the best Ascent is the 2021 model year, while the worst is the 2019 model year.
The 2021 Ascent received 4.7 stars out of 5 based on 25 reviews on cars.com.
The top 3 problems of the 2019 Ascent according to CarComplaints were
- Open tailgate drains battery
- Windshield cracks easily
- Doesn’t start
Below is a breakdown of the total number of complaints and recalls per model year of the Subaru Ascent:
| Model Year | Complaints (carcomplaints.com) | Complaints(nhtsa.gov) | Recalls(nhtsa.gov) |
| 2019 Subaru Ascent | 29 | 226 | 5 |
| 2020 Subaru Ascent | 0 | 130 | 0 |
| 2021 Subaru Ascent | 0 | 10 | 0 |
Related: 5 Best & Worst Subaru Ascent Years (With Pictures)
What About Recalls for the Subaru Ascent?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Subaru Ascent has been recalled 5 times since its introduction in 2019.
According to ConsumerReports, 76,842 2019 Ascent models had to be recalled because of faulty transmissions.
Here are the total number of recall campaigns per year for the Subaru Ascent:
- 2019: 5
- 2020: 0
- 2021: 0
Subaru Ascent Model Year List
Below is a list of every model year Subaru Ascent:
First Generation
- 2019 Subaru Ascent
- 2020 Subaru Ascent
- 2021 Subaru Ascent
You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Mazda CX-9 Last?
Are Subaru Ascent Expensive to Maintain?
Based on data provided by CarEdge.com, compared to other SUV models, the Subaru Ascent is more affordable to maintain, costing about $680 per year or $57 per month (as opposed to the industry average of $720 per year for SUV models)
RepairPal estimates that the average annual repair cost across all Subaru models is $617 per year, but this comparison should not discourage you since the Subaru Ascent is by far the largest and heaviest vehicle that Subaru currently offers.
How Long do the Brakes of Subaru Ascent Last?
On average, the brakes of a Subaru Ascent will be good for use for up to 47,500 miles, or up to 3 years (based on 15,000 miles driven annually).
Based on this statistic, you would have to replace your brakes once every three years.
Heavy braking will significantly reduce the lifespan of the brakes.
How Long do the Tires of Subaru Ascent Last?
With normal use and regular inspection and maintenance, the stock tires of the Subaru Ascent can be used for up to 60,000 miles, or up to 4 years (based on 15,000 miles driven annually).
However, we would still recommend that you check the condition and air pressure of your tires regularly.
How Long Do the Transmissions of Subaru Ascent Last?
Under normal conditions, you can expect the transmission of your Subaru Ascent to last for 200,000 – 250,000 miles (or 13 – 17 years worth of driving, based on 15,000 miles driven per year)
Take note that the 2019 Subaru Ascent models had transmission problems, affecting roughly 76,000 units.
If you are experiencing any transmission-related issues with your Subaru Ascent, visit the Subaru website and search for the “vehicle recalls” page and enter your vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN).
How Long do the Spark Plugs of the Subaru Ascent Last?
We would expect the spark plugs on your Ascent to have a lifespan that ranges from 80,000 to 100,000 miles.
Driving at moderate speeds and with moderate acceleration will maximize their longevity.
What About Insurance Cost of the Subaru Ascent?
Based on SmartFinancial.com, a website that aggregates the best insurance offers from popular automotive insurance providers in the US, insuring your Subaru Ascent would cost you an average of $1,587 per year or $132 every month.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Subaru Ascent
- Observe regular rust-proofing intervals.
- Drive carefully to prolong the life of your tires, brake pads, and to get the best possible longevity.
- Keep up to date with factory scheduled maintenance.
- Keep fluids topped up and check fluid levels regularly
- Check your tire pressures at regular intervals
- Check engine oil every two weeks
- If possible, keep the vehicle stored in a garage, out of the elements
- Use good quality parts and fluids
- Invest in a ceramic coating to protect against contaminants and minor scratches
- Consider all rust-proofing options
- Wash the vehicle regularly particularly when encountering salt and snow
- Do not overload your vehicle.
- Do not exceed towing limits
Related: Subaru Ascent Alarm Going Off? (6 Causes & Solutions)
Resources
- https://www.torquenews.com/1084/investigation-subaru-ascent-transmission-problems-could-bring-new-lawsuit
- https://www.cars.com/research/subaru-ascent-2019/recalls/
- https://www.torquenews.com/1084/investigation-subaru-ascent-transmission-problems-could-bring-new-lawsuit
- https://www.subaru.com/vehicle-recalls.html
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/SUBARU/ASCENT#
- https://www.cars.com/research/subaru-ascent-2021/
- https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/subaru/ascent/touring-7-passenger
- https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2020/subaru/ascent/touring-7-passenger
- https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2019/subaru/ascent/2-4t-premium-7-passenger
