Cars / Subaru Ascent
Subaru Ascent depreciation in USA
A Subaru Ascent loses about 13.1% of its value per year in USA. Buy one new for $36,500 and after 3 years it's worth roughly $23,980 (66% retained); after 5 years, about $18,122 (50%). Driving more than ~12,000 miles/year pushes resale lower.
By USA standards the Subaru Ascent depreciates at a moderate, mainstream rate, which is exactly what tips a buy-vs-rent decision one way or the other over a few years of ownership.
So should you buy it or rent it? At default assumptions the break-even long-term rental rate is about $764/month: rent below that and renting wins; above it, buying wins. Your price, financing, and mileage move this number, so run yours:
Buying wins · over 3 years
$0
cheaper than renting, all costs in.
Break-even rent: $764/month. Below that, rent; above it, buy.
If you buy: $27,516 total
| Down payment / cash price | $36,500 |
| Sales tax | $2,555 |
| Insurance | $4,643 |
| Registration | $750 |
| Maintenance | $1,470 |
| Opportunity cost of capital | $4,380 |
| Resale value (credit) | −$22,781 |
Expected resale, net of selling costs: $22,781 (range $19,644 to $25,957)
If you rent: $37,080 total
| Rental payments | $37,080 |
Fuel and tolls are excluded on both sides; you pay them either way.
Subaru Ascent depreciation in USA, by the numbers
| Estimated new price | $36,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual depreciation rate | 13.1% per year |
| Estimated value after 1 year | $31,730 (87% retained) |
| Estimated value after 2 years | $27,584 (76% retained) |
| Estimated value after 3 years | $23,980 (66% retained) |
| Estimated value after 5 years | $18,122 (50% retained) |
| Typical resale range at 3 years | $20,678 to $27,323 |
| Break-even rent (default assumptions) | $764/month |
| Data behind this curve | calibrated estimate · 97 data points · R² 0.90 |
Figures assume a new purchase at typical mileage. The calculator above lets you set your actual price, age, odometer, financing, and holding period.
Frequently asked
How much does a Subaru Ascent depreciate per year in USA?
Roughly 13.1% per year, based on our calibrated market model. Higher-than-average mileage accelerates the loss.
What will a Subaru Ascent be worth after 3 years?
Around 66% of what you paid, about $23,980 on a $36,500 car at typical mileage (with a realistic range either side; we show a 10-90% band, not a single false-precision number).
Should I buy or rent a Subaru Ascent in USA?
It hinges on the monthly rental rate you can get. At default assumptions (3 years, cash, 12,000 miles/year, 7% sales tax), the break-even is about $764/month: if you can rent below that, renting wins; above it, buying wins. Use the calculator to plug in your actual numbers.
Curve fit: calibrated estimate · n = 97 · R² = 0.90 · updated 2026-07-12 · methodology