Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Ascent trails their 26.3 mpg average by 4.3 mpg, about $285 a year.
Every Subaru Ascent engine, compared
The Subaru Ascent was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 20.4 / 26.5 | 2019–2026 | $1,707 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Highlander gets 29.8 mpg, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 22.6 mpg and the Lexus GX 17 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2026 Ascent.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | +$285 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,775 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Subaru Ascent gives up 7 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 19 in the city, $544 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (37%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Ascent changed over the years
The Ascent peaked in 2022 at 23 mpg (21 city, 27 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2026 at 22 — 1 mpg apart, or $75 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 22.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2025 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2024 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2023 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2022 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2021 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2020 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2019 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 8 EPA ratings of the Subaru Ascent — 1 engine across 2019–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,775. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Subaru Ascent get?
22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2019 the Ascent has averaged 22.5 mpg.
Is the 2026 Ascent more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 22 against 22 mpg combined.
Which Ascent year has the best gas mileage?
The 2022, at 23 mpg combined (21 city, 27 highway).
Does the Ascent get better gas mileage than the Toyota Highlander?
No: 22 mpg for the 2026 Ascent against 29.8 for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, about $456 a year more to run.
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