2020 Subaru Ascent
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is a midsize SUV, rated at 23 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.

- Combined MPG
- 23
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $37,000
- Recalls
- 4
Watch: Ascent reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Subaru |
|---|---|
| Model | Ascent |
| Model year | 2020 |
| Vehicle class | Midsize SUV |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 2.4 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 21 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 23 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 386 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2700 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Ascent | 23 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Ascent Limited/Touring | 22 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 21 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 27 MPG |
| Combined | 23 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 10% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $33,300
- Total interest
- $5,793
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
≈ $1,748/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (4)
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)21V955000 · 2021-12-09
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.
Remedy: 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.
- STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY21V954000 · 2021-12-09
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.
Remedy: 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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V587000 · 2021-07-29
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.
Remedy: 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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH22V907000 · 2022-12-08
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.
Remedy: 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.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is EPA-rated at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway).
Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent reliable?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
The 2020 Subaru Ascent earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2020 Subaru Ascent costs roughly $1,748 per year to fuel, or about $8,739 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is classified as a midsize suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC