DecodedCars2023 Subaru Ascent
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- 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)
- 22 combined · 20 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 196.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,420–4,570 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2023 standard SUV (18.8 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 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 22 MPG combined (20 city / 26 highway), 17% better than the 2023 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Ascent — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Ascent →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience 4dr SUV | 196.9 in | 71.7 in | 76 in | 113.8 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,420 lb | 54/46 |
| Limited / Premier 4dr SUV | 196.9 in | 71.7 in | 76 in | 113.8 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,570 lb | 54/46 |
| Touring 4dr SUV | 196.9 in | 71.7 in | 76 in | 113.8 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,522 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascent | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +17% | $3,050 | 398 |
| Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 419 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17% |
Similar 2023 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Ascent (this car) | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
| 2023 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2023 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Kia Sorento | 37 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (4)
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.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Sep 21, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V647000 · 4,311 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
- Risk
- Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Jun 1, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V392000 · 5 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
- Risk
- Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.
Tires · Apr 7, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V258000 · 4,409 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
- Risk
- A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
Not every 2023 Subaru Ascent is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Subaru Ascent buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 10 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Visibility/Wiper — 6 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Tires — 5 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Subaru Ascent. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Ascent years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Ascent | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Ascent | 22 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2025 Ascent | 22 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 15 |
| 2024 Ascent | 22 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 51 |
| 2022 Ascent | 23 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 56 |
| 2021 Ascent | 23 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 104 |
| 2020 Ascent | 23 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 324 |
| 2019 Ascent | 23 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 443 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →