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2025 Car Mileage with the Best Gas MileageNew vs Used: Subaru Ascent
With its considerable infotainment improvements, is the new model a better value than a lightly used 2020 Subaru Ascent? Let’s take a look.
New vs Used: Subaru’s Family SUV
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Upon arrival in 2019, the Ascent became Subaru’s largest offering with seating for seven or eight passengers wrapped around the Japanese automaker’s famed Symmetrical AWD system and a strong turbocharged boxer-four. Part of a crowded three-row SUV field, the Ascent trades on Subaru’s reputation for adventuring with nearly nine inches of ground clearance to go along with standard AWD and, for 2023, more aggressive rough road drive settings.
The Ascent benefits from Subaru’s extremely loyal fanbase, something we look at here, but today this large Subie will be competing against itself. We’ll be comparing a used 2020 against a new 2023 Subaru Ascent – which boasts freshened front and rear fascias plus big tech upgrades – to determine which model offers the best value.
Specs
Subaru keeps things simple from a spec perspective by fitting all 2023 Ascents with a turbocharged 2.4L horizontally-opposed four-cylinder rated for 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. A longtime purveyor of turbos, which are distinct from superchargers as we discuss here, Subaru prefers the “boxer four” nomenclature to describe this engine. It pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission to spin all four wheels and can be controlled via shift paddles for those interested in more say in their shifting.
This powertrain is identical on the 2020 Subaru Ascent with the same output ratings and transmission. One notable difference is a slight drop in fuel economy for the 2023 Ascent. A used 2020 model is rated for 21 mpg in city driving and 27 on the highway. Both of those figures drop by one mpg on the new Ascent. Nonetheless, both versions offer a 500-mile highway driving range thanks to the 19.3-gallon gas tank. Subaru also notes that Ascents with the 20-inch wheel package will see fuel economy drop by another mpg across the board.
Driving and Performance
With 260 horses pulling about 4,500 pounds, you can expect enough pep to move a new or used Ascent with ease, if not serious speed as the 0-60 run takes just under seven seconds. However, this family hauler is designed to do just that – haul the crew around.
And in that regard, the four-corner independent suspension will deliver ample ride comfort that combines with Subaru’s lauded AWD running gear to ensure drivers can safely conquer most conditions. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, you’ll also enjoy the ability to comfortably traverse a wide variety of unpaved paths on the way to the lake, mountains, and the like.
Those who like to tow small toys for weekend adventures will find a 5,000-pound trailering capacity across the Ascent lineup, new or used. Trailer sway and hill descent control are standard features that lend a hand when it comes to this pursuit. Subaru has been fitting their “X-Mode” programming to all Ascents since day one as a way for owners to access maximum traction and control in severe road conditions at the press of a button.
Something you won’t find on the 2020 Ascent is “Dual-Function X-Mode”, as this upgrade has been added to the Onyx trim and above on the 2023 Ascent. It allows drivers to choose from Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings for even more highly-tuned AWD settings in specific conditions.
Comfort and Interior
Whether you go for a new or used Subaru Ascent, the cabin offers eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench or room for seven when fitted with captain’s chairs, which are available on Premium models and above. Legroom for rear passengers – 39 inches in the second row and 32 for the third – remains the same between the 2020 and 2023 Ascent model years.
Interestingly, the cargo space is lower on the new model by a considerable margin. For 2020, the Ascent is rated for 86 cubic feet of cargo with the second and third row folded, 47 with the third row folded, and 18 with all seats upright. The 2023 Ascent matches that latter figure but is rated for 76 and 43 cubic feet in the other two areas.
Upholstery ranges from cloth on base models to Nappa leather on top-spec Ascents, new or used. Likewise, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a panoramic moonroof, and rear sunshades can be found across the new and used spectrum.
Given the family-oriented design of the Ascent, it’s worth noting that 2023 models offer a new Cabin Connect feature that amplifies the voice of front-row occupants (read: parents) to those in the way back (read: kids). And if it’s style you’re after, the new Onyx models have a snappy gray StarTex upholstered cabin with green stitching throughout.
Trims and Features
For 2020, the Ascent is offered in Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring trims. Standard features include triple-zone automatic climate control and a 6.5-inch touchscreen to control the Subaru Starlink infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The company’s EyeSight suite of advanced driver assisted technology includes forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning on base models, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking are available further up the trim ladder.
A 2020 Ascent Premium comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Limited adds a power liftgate and 20-inch wheels, while the Touring boasts an 8-inch infotainment display, 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, and 180° front-facing camera. New for the 2023 Ascent are the Onyx and Onyx Limited trims that add a dose of black-finished trim and gray-green cabin flair.
Another major improvement for the new Subaru Ascent is the standard 11.6-inch touchscreen display with wireless smartphone mirroring. This, along with standard steering-responsive LED headlights makes a compelling argument for going new over used here. As well, a rear-seat reminder is newly standard and automatic emergency steering is added to Premium models and above. Higher-spec models further bolster the EyeSight suite with a driver attention monitor and exterior surround-view monitor. Check out our 2020 and 2023 Ascent reviews for more detail on what each trim offers.
New vs Used Subaru Ascent: The Verdit
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In this new vs. used Subaru Ascent comparison, the evaluation is made easy by the fact that the 2020 and 2023 models are of the same generation with identical powertrains. However, the drop in cabin space combined with a dramatic upgrade on the Subaru Starlink infotainment systems for new models complicates that equation. As with any vehicle purchase, the conversation will likely include a budget.
A 2023 Subaru Ascent ranges in price from about $38,000 for a Premium model to $43,000 for the Limited and $49,000 for the top-spec Touring. Looking over the listings at CarsForSale.com, a 2020 Subaru Ascent with less than 40,000 miles runs from $25,000-$30,000 for a Premium to $29,000-$35,000 for a Limited, and $30,000-$40,000 for the Touring.
These are significant discounts in favor of shopping used, which if you decide to pursue, take our Used Car Checklist with you. However, given the infotainment improvements, the deeper roster of EyeSight systems, and the wider array of amenities, the new 2023 Subaru Ascent is the winner here.
