Subaru Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD
21 MPG The 2026 Subaru Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 714 gallons, $2286 a year in fuel, or $0.152 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2022–2026 run it averages 21.2 MPG, falling by 1 MPG over 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.152 | $1524 | $2286 | $3048 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.190 | $1905 | $2857 | $3810 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.238 | $2381 | $3571 | $4762 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2950 | 421 | 1 |
| 2025 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2950 | 419 | 1 |
| 2024 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2950 | 419 | 1 |
| 2023 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2950 | 419 | 1 |
| 2022 | 22 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2850 | 401 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 105 standard sport utility vehicle 4wd models tracked here, the Subaru Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD ranks 17 on current figures, against a class average of 19.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Ford Explorer AWD (21.5), Jeep Grand Cherokee L 4WD (21.5), Audi Q7 (22), BMW X7 xDrive40i (22), Subaru Ascent (22).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 421 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Subaru Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD get?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 19 city and 25 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 21.2 MPG, ranging from 21 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Subaru Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD cost in fuel per year?
At 21 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 714 gallons — roughly $2286 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.152 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2950.
Has the Subaru Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 22 MPG in 2022 to 21 in 2026. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Subaru Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 17 of 105 in the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 19.7 MPG. That is 1.3 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.