“This is a great option for a family of four. Having two small kids and living in a state that experiences all types of weather, safety is priority number 1.”
2021 Subaru Ascent: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2021 Subaru Ascent is an expanded standard EyeSight safety suite with lane centering and lane keep assist. This is a light update rather than a redesign, with no major powertrain, platform, or trim-lineup changes.
About the 2021 Subaru Ascent
1st generation Ascent (2019-2022), third model year before the 2023 refresh.
Subaru positions the Ascent as its biggest, most family-focused SUV: a three-row vehicle built for daily life, road trips, and bad-weather confidence. The core pitch is straightforward utility rather than flash — seating for up to eight, flexible cargo space, standard AWD, useful ground clearance, and strong safety technology. Versus many rivals, the Ascent’s clearest differentiator is that every trim gets Subaru’s AWD system and EyeSight driver-assistance hardware, not just the expensive versions.
The 2021 Ascent remains a three-row family SUV with standard AWD and seating for seven or eight, depending on trim. Premium adds an 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and a higher towing capacity, while Limited emphasizes leather and added comfort. Touring tops the range with navigation, premium audio, a panoramic moonroof, and ventilated front seats.
What changed, by category
Safety
Every trim gains Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with lane centering and lane keep assist. Second- and third-row seat belt reminders also become standard across the lineup.
Styling
Steering-responsive LED headlights with automatic high beams become standard across the lineup, newly extending this equipment to the Base and Premium trims. There is no broader exterior redesign.
2021 Subaru Ascent specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 27 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 86.5 cu-ft | 86.5 cu-ft | 86.5 cu-ft | 86 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Subaru Ascent?
The biggest change is the expanded standard EyeSight safety suite. Every 2021 Ascent has Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with lane centering and lane keep assist.
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent redesigned?
No, the 2021 Subaru Ascent is not redesigned. It receives a light safety and equipment update while keeping the same body structure, platform, engine, transmission, and standard AWD system.
What changed between the 2020 and 2021 Subaru Ascent?
The 2021 Ascent adds lane centering, lane keep assist, and second- and third-row seat belt reminders across the lineup. Steering-responsive LED headlights with automatic high beams also become standard on every trim.
Did the 2021 Subaru Ascent get a new engine?
No, the 2021 Ascent keeps the same 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, continuously variable automatic transmission, and standard AWD system used for 2020.
Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent worth considering over the 2020 model?
The 2021 model is the stronger choice if standard lane centering, lane keep assist, rear-seat belt reminders, and LED headlights across all trims matter to you. Otherwise, the two model years share the same basic design and powertrain.
2021 Subaru Ascent Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Subaru Ascent.
4.2
2021 Subaru Ascent
(304 reviews)
“My Subaru Ascent provides the perfect combination of luxury, sportiness, and safety for my family. I love it!”
“I feel safe in the vehicle. It's reliable and I know it can get me where I need to be. I can load it up and drive it wherever I want there is freedom in knowing that.”