The 2025 Subaru Ascent raises the bar higher not only in terms of safety but also in fuel efficiency among its three-row SUV peers. With its 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and IIHS Top Safety Pick, this SUV proves that fuel savings and road safety go hand in hand.
The Ascent may be the SUV of your dreams if you’re looking for an AWD vehicle that doesn’t drain your wallet at the gas station. Look at how versatile the Subaru Ascent for sale at Rimrock Subaru in Billings, MT, is in action.
Also Read: What Makes the 2025 Subaru Ascent a Top Choice for Safety?
2025 Subaru Ascent MPG Ratings by Trim
For its capability and size, the 2025 Subaru Ascent impresses everyone with its MPG ratings. With a turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, you’re assured that your fuel costs are always in check.
Here’s a sneak peek of how each of the Subaru Ascent trim levels fares in the fuel economy department.
With the high Subaru Ascent MPG (Miles Per Gallon) scores, we can say that it is a fuel-efficient vehicle regardless of the trim. Even its real-world performance tests show remarkable results.
But how did this SUV achieve such high EPA-estimated MPG scores?
Fuel-Saving Features That Make The 2025 Subaru Ascent Different
This year's Subaru Ascent incorporates many of the fuel-saving features that efficiency-conscious buyers deem as must-haves. However, this SUV doesn’t rely on a smaller engine to get better mileage scores.
Engine Technology
The 2025 Ascent houses Subaru’s signature BOXER engine. With its horizontally-moving pistons, less energy is needed to maintain stability when accelerating and turning. This also results in less vibration and more efficient power transfer during the drive.
Plus, with a turbocharged engine setup, you’ll only need more fuel when extra power (up to 260 horsepower) is needed. Such is the case if you’re towing a trailer or merging. But under normal driving conditions, the turbocharger won’t be activated, making the SUV use less fuel.
Plus, its advanced fuel management systems allow the engine to adapt to your driving style, the load, and road conditions without you thinking about it.
Transmission Type
The 2025 Subaru Ascent features a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system. Compared to the traditional automatics featuring fixed gear ratios, CVT allows for continuous adjustment of the RPM. This makes acceleration more seamless across the different driving conditions.
Across all trims, you’ll get a Lineartronic® CVT with Adaptive Control, a feature that constantly studies your driving patterns so the engine adjusts accordingly. Tied with it is the Auto Vehicle Hold feature, which lowers idle fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic as the system applies the brake for you.
Plus, the paddle shifters on the steering wheel help the 2025 Ascent give drivers better control when going downhill or in highway cruising. By simulating 8-speed manual mode, you can shift to a lower gear while manually maintaining speed or choose higher gears to keep RPM low even without using the brakes or gas.
Whatever driving condition, the Subaru Ascent has got your back with the constant micro-adjustments it makes, without you even feeling it.
Aerodynamic Design
With some physics applications, the 2025 Subaru Ascent minimizes or eliminates the effects of wind resistance. Typically, the higher the speed, the higher the wind resistance. This isn’t an issue when you’re driving within town, as the engine does the work in pushing the vehicle forward
Hence, Subaru designed the 2025 Ascent in a way that it can slice through the air more efficiently.
- Smooth grille and bumper shape so the air flows around the Ascent instead of fighting it
- Sculpted sides result in better air gliding from front to back
- Sloped roofline tapering toward the rear area to avoid the “vacuum” effect behind the SUV
- Front and rear spoilers direct the airflow above and around the Ascent to reduce drag while increasing stability
- Flat underbody panels smooth the airflow under the SUV
- Wheel well design minimizes the air catching and swirling around the tires
- Active grille shutters (on some trims only) automatically close at high speeds to reduce wind resistance when extra engine cooling is not needed
Standard All Wheel Drive System
A standard All Wheel Drive (AWD) system is another feature on the 2025 Subaru Ascent that makes it fuel-efficient. AWD means that the SUV’s system sends power to all four wheels of the Ascent for better traction and stability when driving off-road or in extreme weather conditions like rain and snow.
Initially, you’ll think this results in more fuel as the engine will have to power more parts compared to FWD vehicles. But Subaru approached this smartly in the Ascent.
On normal driving conditions, the Ascent’s system initially sends power to the front wheels on everyday driving, making it behave more like a FWD. But when the system senses sudden changes in traction, slippery conditions, or uneven terrain, it engages the rear wheels for more control and stability—even without pushing a button!
It’s like your silent co-pilot that knows when to step in or sit back. It not only makes sure you’re safe in any terrain you’re driving on, but also saves you fuel in the long run.
Smart Driving Technologies
Subaru designed the Ascent in a way that it doesn’t need manual input to optimize its fuel consumption. This certainly increases the Subaru Ascent reliability no matter where you’re driving.
Though they’re officially classified as safety features, the following technologies make this particular SUV a fuel-efficient vehicle:
- Eyesight® Driver Assistance Technology helps maintain optimal distances and steady speeds, reducing the need for sudden acceleration and braking that result in more fuel consumption
- Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) sends the right amount of power to the wheels needing it while applying brakes, resulting in less wheel spin on your Ascent.
- Brake Assist and Brake Override Systems for more efficient braking in emergencies, while reducing the throttle if you accidentally press both the gas and brake
Individually, these driver-assist features don’t do much to improve how your Ascent drives. But when put together, they help you save more gas without having to change your driving habits.
Tire Selection
Tires also affect the overall Subaru Ascent gas mileage. Since tires are in constant contact with the road, they create rolling resistance. This refers to the energy the engine needs to overcome the friction between the road and the tires.
While choosing low rolling resistance (LRR) tires helps improve fuel efficiency, these features in the 2025 Subaru Ascent support their function:
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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to alert you whenever tire pressure drops. Properly inflated tires result in lower rolling resistance, thereby improving MPG.
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All-Season Tires slightly increase resistance on uneven terrain and slick roads, especially when paired with the traction control systems and AWD of the Ascent.
Fuel Economy That Goes The Extra Mile
The 2025 Subaru Ascent does not fail to deliver in being a fuel-conscious SUV, apart from being family-friendly. With its symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), turbocharged engine, and advanced safety systems, this vehicle offers a drive that’s both powerful and practical.
Ready to drive smarter? Visit the team at Rimrock Subaru today and test drive the Subaru Ascent for sale. Or you can explore the latest new and certified pre-owned inventory to find the Ascent trim that suits your needs.
