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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.

2020 Subaru Ascent
© OWS Photography · CC BY 4.0
Combined MPG
23
NHTSA safety
Starting price
$37,000
Recalls
4

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Full specifications

Identity

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
MakeSubaru
ModelAscent
Model year2020
Vehicle classMidsize SUV

Engine & drivetrain

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Displacement2.4 L
Cylinders4
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S8)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City MPG21
Highway MPG27
Combined MPG23
CO₂ tailpipe386 g/mi
EPA annual fuel cost$2700

Available configurations

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Ascent23 MPG combined
Ascent Limited/Touring22 MPG combined

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City21 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined23 MPG

Efficiency vs class average

Ascent23 MPG
Class average25.6 MPG

About 10% below the class average.

Est. monthly payment
$652/mo
Amount financed
$33,300
Total interest
$5,793
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5-year fuel cost
$8,739

$1,748/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal

Combined MPG23
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Extended warranty & insurance

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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.

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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