Japanese automaker Subaru is known for producing capable SUV models. Subaru SUVs tend to be safe and reliable. The brand is recalling around 270,000 SUV models due to a possible fire risk.
The Subaru Ascent is on recall notice
The Subaru Ascent is Subaru’s biggest SUV offering. CNN claims that the automaker is recalling 271,694 SUVs due to the risk of fire. The Ascent’s cabin heating system appears to be the culprit. An electrical ground stud attached to the heating system could cause a vehicle fire.
Subaru urges 2019-2022 Subaru Ascent owners to park their SUVs outside rather than inside any structure that may be at risk of catching fire. It is not known how prevalent this issue could be, but it is best to err on the side of caution.
A recall of this magnitude certainly calls into question the reliability of the Ascent for many owners and consumers. So how reliable is the Subaru Ascent?
Is the Subaru Ascent reliable?
Recent model years Subaru Ascent appear to be reliable based on complaints posted on CarComplaints.com. The 2019 Subaru Ascent has the most complaints against it of any Ascent model year.
Some of the worst Ascent issues listed include a brittle windshield on the 2020 Ascent, a battery-draining open tailgate issue on the 2019 model, and a problem starting the 2019 Ascent. So if you’re looking for the most reliable Ascent, Used models seem worth avoiding. The 2022 Subaru Ascent only has two complaints against it at CarComplaints.com so far.
Most major automotive publications do not list reliability as an issue for the 2023 Subaru Ascent. That being said, the Ascent is far from the best in its vehicle segment.
Should I get a 2023 Subaru Ascent?
The 2023 Subaru Ascent starts at $33,895. It uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to make 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Ascent gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
The Subaru Ascent has 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive. It’s a three-row SUV, but many auto publications claim the third row is too small for most adults. The Ascent is supposed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, but it can’t compete with other midsize off-road SUVs.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a better buy for drivers who want a three-row SUV with off-road capability. If you can do without the third row, the smaller Subaru Outback Wilderness is an excellent midsize off-road SUV. It has a whopping 9.5 inches of ground clearance. The Outback Wilderness comes with a skid plate and different terrain settings for mud, snow, and sand.
It’s no secret that Subaru knows how to produce a great off-road SUV, but its three-row model still has a long way to go to become competitive. car and driver he lists the Ascent’s acceleration, engine noise, and comfortable third row as some of its downsides. Space in the three-row midsize SUV is competitive. Subaru will have to step up to compete with the best in its segment.