Makes›Subaru›Ascent›2020

2020 Subaru Ascent

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Subaru Ascent
Pictured: Subaru Ascent IMG 3632. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
Convenience 4dr SUV, Limited / Premier 4dr SUV, Touring 4dr SUV
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
Length
196.9 in
Curb weight
4,420–4,570 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2020 standard SUV (18.8 MPG).
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 Subaru Ascent is a standard SUV offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 197 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,420 lb (Convenience 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 22% better than the 2020 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 324 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2020

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Ascent — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Ascent →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Convenience 4dr SUV196.9 in71.7 in76 in113.8 in64.6 / 64.2 in4,420 lb54/46
Limited / Premier 4dr SUV196.9 in71.7 in76 in113.8 in64.6 / 64.2 in4,570 lb54/46
Touring 4dr SUV196.9 in71.7 in76 in113.8 in64.6 / 64.2 in4,522 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Ascent2.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AV-S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23+22%$2,900386
Ascent Limited/Touring2.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AV-S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+17%$3,050401
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.8 MPG2020 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2020 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2020 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2020 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2020 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2020 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Subaru Ascent (this car)23 MPG★★★★★5
2020 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2020 Ford Explorer28 MPG★★★★★35
2020 Toyota Highlander36 MPG★★★★★5
2020 Kia Telluride23 MPG★★★★★7
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe25 MPG★★★★★2
2020 Kia Sorento25 MPG★★★★★1

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jul 7, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V436000 · 541,237 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Risk
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash · Dec 8, 2022 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 22V907000 · 271,694 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
Risk
A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly · Dec 9, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V954000 · 1,305 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Ascent vehicles. Due to an incorrect tapered hole in the housing, the front tie rod ends may not fit properly. The improper fit can result in the tie rods and housings being deformed during assembly and service replacement if excessive torque is applied.
Risk
The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
Power Train › Driveline › Chain/Belt · Dec 9, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V955000 · 198,255 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Risk
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 29, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · 175,968 vehicles

Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Subaru Ascent is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

324Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
6Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
6,200 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System101
Power Train58
Unknown Or Other57
Visibility/Wiper49
Engine29
Service Brakes26
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Visibility › Windshield11
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/08: 324/09: 324/10: 124/11: 224/12: 125/01: 225/02: 125/03: 125/04: 125/05: 225/06: 225/07: 125/10: 125/11: 125/12: 126/01: 426/02: 326/03: 226/04: 226/05: 526/07: 226/08: 226/09: 226/10: 224/0824/1125/0225/0525/1026/0126/0426/08max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Subaru Ascent buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Electrical System — 101 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 58 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Visibility/Wiper — 49 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 6,200 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Ascent years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Ascent22–Not rated00
2026 Ascent22196.9 inNot rated13
2025 Ascent22196.9 in★★★★★115
2024 Ascent22196.9 in★★★★★151
2023 Ascent22196.9 in★★★★★445
2022 Ascent23196.9 in★★★★★256
2021 Ascent23196.9 in★★★★★2104
2019 Ascent23196.9 in★★★★★9443

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →