Hey car enthusiasts! Ever wondered if the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring is the right fit for your family and your wallet? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the value proposition of this popular three-row SUV. We'll be taking a comprehensive look at what makes the Ascent Touring tick, including its performance, features, safety, and, of course, the all-important price tag. Is it a good deal, or are you better off looking elsewhere? Let's find out! This article will help you decide if the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring is worth the investment. It's a comprehensive review that delves into every aspect of the vehicle, from its performance and features to its safety ratings and overall value proposition. We'll break down the pros and cons, compare it with competitors, and ultimately help you determine if this SUV is the right choice for your needs. We'll also cover depreciation, reliability and maintenance costs and provide insights to make an informed decision.

Performance and Driving Experience

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how does the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring perform on the road? Under the hood, you'll find a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, which is a Subaru staple. This engine is paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), a combination that provides a decent amount of power and surprisingly smooth acceleration. While it might not be a sports car, the Ascent Touring offers enough grunt to handle daily driving tasks, including merging onto highways and navigating city streets. The Ascent Touring boasts Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system as standard equipment. This feature provides excellent traction and stability, making it a great choice for various weather conditions, including snow and rain. The all-wheel-drive system actively distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, improving handling and control. The Ascent Touring offers a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The suspension is tuned for comfort, making it a pleasant vehicle for long road trips. The steering is light and responsive, making the SUV easy to maneuver in tight spaces, such as parking lots. The turbocharger also makes it a lot of fun, and the CVT, while not everyone's favorite, performs well enough for the task at hand. The 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring delivers a balanced driving experience. Its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system provide ample power and excellent traction, while its comfortable ride and responsive steering make it a pleasure to drive. The vehicle's handling is predictable, making it a safe choice for families. Furthermore, the CVT's smooth operation adds to the overall driving comfort. The Ascent's performance is further enhanced by its safety features. The vehicle is equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These features help to prevent accidents and improve the overall driving experience. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a family vacation, the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring is up to the task.

Engine and Transmission

The heart of the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring is a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine. This engine produces a respectable amount of power, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The turbocharger ensures that the Ascent has enough power for everyday driving tasks. The engine is paired with a CVT. This transmission is designed for efficiency and smooth operation. The CVT helps the Ascent achieve good fuel economy. This design helps maintain smooth acceleration. Some drivers may not be fans of the CVT, but it is well-suited to the Ascent's character. The combination of the engine and transmission ensures that the Ascent delivers a balanced performance, with enough power for city driving, highway cruising, and even off-road adventures.

Handling and Ride Quality

One of the Ascent Touring's strengths is its handling and ride quality. Subaru has engineered the Ascent to deliver a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth experience for passengers. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver the Ascent in various driving conditions. The Ascent's all-wheel-drive system plays a significant role in its handling. This system distributes power to all four wheels, ensuring excellent traction and stability. This feature enhances the vehicle's cornering ability, making it feel planted on the road. The Ascent also features a suite of driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, further enhancing safety and comfort. These systems help make long drives more manageable and reduce driver fatigue. The combination of a well-tuned suspension, responsive steering, and advanced safety features makes the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring a pleasure to drive.

Interior and Features

Step inside the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring, and you'll be greeted by a spacious and well-appointed interior. The Touring trim is the top-of-the-line, so you can expect a premium feel. Leather-trimmed seats are standard, providing both comfort and a touch of luxury. The front seats are heated, and the driver's seat includes power adjustments for optimal comfort. The second-row seats are also heated, which is a great feature for passengers. The Ascent Touring offers three rows of seating, with plenty of space for up to seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The third row is surprisingly roomy, making it suitable for adults on shorter trips. Infotainment is handled by a large touchscreen display, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system is easy to use and provides access to navigation, music, and other apps. The Touring trim also includes a premium Harman Kardon sound system, which delivers excellent audio quality. Other notable features include a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These features add to the overall convenience and safety of the vehicle. Materials quality is high, and the cabin is well-insulated from road noise. The overall interior design is clean and modern, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for both the driver and passengers. The interior's spaciousness and features make the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring an ideal choice for families. It provides ample room for passengers and cargo, while also offering a range of amenities to enhance the driving experience.

Seating and Space

The 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring is designed with space and versatility in mind. It offers three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven or eight passengers, depending on the chosen configuration. The second row can be configured as a bench seat or captain's chairs, with captain's chairs offering enhanced comfort for second-row passengers. The third row provides a surprising amount of legroom, making it suitable for adults on shorter journeys. Even with all three rows in use, the Ascent provides a decent amount of cargo space. With the third row folded down, the cargo capacity expands significantly, making it easy to accommodate luggage, sports equipment, or other bulky items. The Ascent Touring's spacious interior makes it a versatile choice for families or anyone needing a vehicle with ample passenger and cargo space. The thoughtful design ensures that passengers of all sizes can travel comfortably, while the flexible cargo options cater to various lifestyle needs. The thoughtful design ensures that passengers of all sizes can travel comfortably.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring is equipped with an array of technology and infotainment features designed to enhance the driving experience. The centerpiece is a large touchscreen display, which serves as the hub for various vehicle functions. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity. The system also offers navigation, music streaming, and other apps. The Touring trim comes standard with a premium Harman Kardon sound system, delivering high-quality audio throughout the cabin. Other tech features include a digital instrument cluster, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and multiple USB ports for charging devices. The Ascent also features a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These systems enhance safety and convenience. The technology package in the Ascent is user-friendly and keeps you and your family connected. The technology package enhances the overall driving experience. The technology in the Ascent keeps you connected, entertained, and safe on the road.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2021 Ascent Touring is packed with advanced safety features. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology is standard on all Ascent models. This suite includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. These features help to prevent accidents and protect occupants. The Ascent has also earned excellent safety ratings from both the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The IIHS awarded the Ascent its top rating of Top Safety Pick+, while the NHTSA gave the Ascent a five-star overall safety rating. These ratings reflect the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The Ascent's robust construction and advanced safety features make it a safe choice for families. Subaru's commitment to safety is evident in the Ascent's design and engineering. The inclusion of advanced driver-assistance systems and the excellent crash test ratings make the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring a safe and reliable vehicle for transporting passengers. The Ascent's safety features offer peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are protected on the road. The safety features make the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring a top choice for families.

Driver-Assistance Systems

The 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems designed to enhance safety and convenience. Subaru's EyeSight system is standard and includes features like adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front. The lane departure warning and lane keep assist systems help to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, preventing unintentional lane departures. The pre-collision braking system can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an impending collision. Other driver-assistance features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. These features add an extra layer of protection, helping to prevent accidents and improve driver awareness. The driver-assistance systems in the Ascent Touring are designed to work together to create a safer driving environment. These systems offer peace of mind, knowing that the vehicle is equipped with the latest safety technology. The driver-assistance systems offer peace of mind on the road.

Crash Test Ratings

The 2021 Subaru Ascent has achieved impressive crash test ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the Ascent its top rating of Top Safety Pick+. This rating reflects the vehicle's excellent performance in various crash tests, including front, side, and rear impact tests. The NHTSA gave the Ascent a five-star overall safety rating, the highest possible score. This rating indicates the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The Ascent's robust construction and advanced safety features, contribute to these outstanding crash test ratings. These ratings provide further evidence of the Ascent's commitment to safety. These ratings are a testament to Subaru's dedication to passenger protection. These ratings are a testament to the vehicle's safety features.

Value for Money

Now, let's address the big question: Is the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring a good value? The MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) for the Touring trim was in the upper echelon of the Ascent's lineup, but for the features you get, it presented a compelling offer. Considering the standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, long list of features, and strong safety ratings, the Ascent Touring offers a lot for its price. You're getting a well-equipped three-row SUV that's suitable for families, with the added benefit of Subaru's renowned reliability and resale value. Compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander, the Ascent often provided a competitive price. While the Ascent might not have been the cheapest option, it offered a comprehensive package that made it a worthwhile investment. Depreciation is a factor to consider with any car purchase. However, Subaru vehicles generally hold their value well, which is an added bonus. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring offered excellent value for money, combining practicality, safety, and a premium feel at a competitive price point. The Ascent Touring offered an excellent value proposition, particularly when considering its long list of features and standard all-wheel-drive system. The Ascent is a practical, safe, and well-equipped vehicle, making it a sound investment for families.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was available in several trim levels, including the base, Premium, Limited, and Touring. The Touring trim, which we are focusing on, was the top-of-the-line. The MSRP for the Touring trim was higher than other trims, reflecting its extensive list of features. When considering the price, it's essential to compare it to competitors in the three-row SUV segment. The Ascent often provided a competitive price point. The value proposition of the Ascent Touring included its standard all-wheel-drive, spacious interior, premium features, and strong safety ratings. The Ascent offers a range of features for its price, making it a compelling option. The price is justified by its features.

Reliability and Maintenance

Subaru has a reputation for reliability, and the Ascent Touring generally lives up to this reputation. Owners tend to report a positive experience with the vehicle's long-term durability. While no car is perfect, the Ascent typically requires only routine maintenance and service. The cost of maintenance is generally in line with other vehicles in its class. Subaru's are known for their strong resale value, which translates to the potential of a good return on your investment when it's time to sell or trade in. Considering the reliability, maintenance costs, and resale value, the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring represents a sound investment. The Ascent's reliability and low maintenance costs add to the overall value proposition. The reliability of the Ascent provides peace of mind for owners.

Conclusion

So, is the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring worth the price? Absolutely, yes! The Ascent Touring offers a compelling package, combining a spacious interior, a long list of features, strong safety ratings, and Subaru's proven reliability. While the price tag is higher than some competitors, the value you receive makes it a worthwhile investment, especially if you need a reliable and well-equipped three-row SUV. If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle family life, weekend adventures, and everything in between, the 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring is definitely worth considering. It's a solid choice that will provide you with years of service, comfort, and safety. The 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring is a great value. The Ascent is an investment that you will not regret.