Subaru has made the 2021 Ascent more
expensive as the mid-size SUV is now offered with more standard features. Priced
at US$ 33,345, including the destination and delivery charge, the base model adds
a US$ 300 premium over the 2020MY as it now adds advanced adaptive cruise control
with lane centering and lane keep assist to the standard EyeSight Driver Assist
Technology.
All trim levels get LED headlamps with
high beam assist, as well as steering responsive LED lights. The seatbelt
reminder for the second and third rows is also new. Elsewhere, the 2021 Ascent
still packs the tri-zone climate control, reversing camera, four USB ports, as
well as 6.5-inch infotainment system with smartphone integration, SiriusXM
radio and Bluetooth.
Available from US$ 34,795, the Premium trim
features all of the above and adds blind spot detection with lane change assist
and rear cross-traffic alert, rear privacy glass, body-colored side mirror caps,
windshield wiper de-icer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever,
and eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. This model also gets the 8-inch
infotainment system with Wi-Fi capability, second-row independent climate
control, and heated front seats.
The Limited grade carries an MSRP of US$ 39,595 and adds plenty of extra kit. That includes keyless entry & go,
reverse automatic braking, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s
seat, 4-way power front passenger seat, retractable sunshades on the second
row, two more USB ports, second-row heating, heated steering wheel, and the
choice of second-row bench seating or individual captain’s chairs. On the
outside, it features lower door cladding with chrome accents, LED fog lamps,
side mirror casings with integrated turn signals, 20-inch wheels in dark gray,
and a power tailgate.
The range-topping Ascent Touring starts at US$ 45,445 and is distinguished by a high gloss black grille, chrome door handles
and satin chrome power-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals. A
unique woodgrain-pattern has been added inside, alongside Java Brown perforated
leather trim, three-mode ventilated driver and front passenger seats, plus a
few other gizmos.
The 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine remains
untouched and still pumps out 260 HP and 376 Nm of torque. It is
matched to a CVT with an 8-speed manual mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle
shifters. All models get the Symmetrical AWD system with hill descent control
and return 21/27 mpg (11.2 / 8.7 l per 100 km) in city/highway, or 20/26 mpg
(11.8 / 9.1 l per 100 km) when riding on 20-inch wheels.
