Is the 2023 Subaru Ascent a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B7.5/10
The Subaru Ascent 2023 is a strong contender for families who prioritize safety and all-wheel drive traction, but be cautious of known transmission issues.
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Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Comfortable interior
- Good safety features
Cons
- Average fuel economy
- Turbo lag
- Limited third-row space
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
20 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,300/yr
Expected lifespan
200,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- CVT transmission issues
- engine oil consumption
- electrical system gremlins
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (3)
The 2023 Subaru Ascent has 3 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft (campaign 23V647000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Tires — Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.…
- Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Arm — Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and …
- Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft — Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the dr…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.