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Subaru Ascent - Mud Flaps/Splash Guards - Is it a must-have ?

6156 Views 17 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  ArlouPD
I own a 2021 Subaru Ascent. Only recently did I realize most SUVs have the mud flaps/splash guard as an option. I live in Chicago where I do get a decent amount of rain and snow. The OEM splash guard seemed expensive at around $160+.

1. Are mud flaps a must-have in the long term ?
2. Has anyone tried 2021 Subaru Ascent | Mud Flaps - Laser Measured Splash Guards for Trucks and SUV's | WeatherTech ? This looked better than the Rally Armor model.
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I think it's worth it and for piece of mind. I have the Weathertech ones - I like them a lot and was able to install all 4 in less than 30mins.
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For me...no. I haven't bought that kind of thing for decades. But others do find them useful.
I own a 2021 Subaru Ascent. Only recently did I realize most SUVs have the mud flaps/splash guard as an option. I live in Chicago where I do get a decent amount of rain and snow. The OEM splash guard seemed expensive at around $160+.

1. Are mud flaps a must-have in the long term ?
2. Has anyone tried 2021 Subaru Ascent | Mud Flaps - Laser Measured Splash Guards for Trucks and SUV's | WeatherTech ? This looked better than the Rally Armor model.
I use the weathertech myself. easy install. whether you use flaps or not, regardless of brand, you will find that a lot of snow, ice builds up in the wheel well. I'm certain there is a science to it. I have never had a vehicle with such buildup (cars or trucks). The flaps will minimize the splash on the side of the vehicle and reduce the need to clean as often.
I am sold. Thanks, everyone for your valuable thoughts. I think I will buy Weathertech mud flaps before winter.
The Weathertech ones look nice. We have the OEM ones (spats, as Subaru calls them!) and they're okay. I wouldn't describe their coverage as "good"...they're mostly for looks. If ours didn't already have them, then I'd probably try the Weathertech ones.
We don't have any mudflaps on ours. It's been through three Michigan winters, and I don't see any need. Yeah, I have to kick the sludge out of the wheelwells regularly all winter...just like any car. Nice feature on the Ascent is that the doors cover the doorsill and keep it clean, so you don't sludge up your pants getting in/out.
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The OEM flaps is more for aesthetics,helps somewhat with splashes but that's it.
I got the rockblox ones, mainly for offroading here in AZ (no worry of snow and very little rain).

These are the "long" versions.

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I own a 2021 Subaru Ascent. Only recently did I realize most SUVs have the mud flaps/splash guard as an option. I live in Chicago where I do get a decent amount of rain and snow. The OEM splash guard seemed expensive at around $160+.

1. Are mud flaps a must-have in the long term ?
2. Has anyone tried 2021 Subaru Ascent | Mud Flaps - Laser Measured Splash Guards for Trucks and SUV's | WeatherTech ? This looked better than the Rally Armor model.
I have the rally armor on both on mine. Love them. Great in slush and snow and mud as they don't stick so self cleaning.
we are going with the RallyArmor ones... i've always loved them and they are pretty much bulletproof
I own a 2021 Subaru Ascent. Only recently did I realize most SUVs have the mud flaps/splash guard as an option. I live in Chicago where I do get a decent amount of rain and snow. The OEM splash guard seemed expensive at around $160+.

1. Are mud flaps a must-have in the long term ?
2. Has anyone tried 2021 Subaru Ascent | Mud Flaps - Laser Measured Splash Guards for Trucks and SUV's | WeatherTech ? This looked better than the Rally Armor model.
Had the Subaru flaps on my 2019 Ascent Limited and have the Weathertechs on my 2020 Ascent Limited and much prefer the WeatherTechs. They are longer, wider and easier to install. They also deflect debris better because if the size.
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I have the rally armor on both on mine. Love them. Great in slush and snow and mud as they don't stick so self cleaning.
Oh my. Those are really blue. Makes me want chrome ones, you know so I can polish them up.
Another vote for WeatherTech. Installed them today and really like how they are shaped to integrate into the body. They look 100% OEM. Wheel Tire Car Vehicle Sky
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Another vote for WeatherTech. Installed them today and really like how they are shaped to integrate into the body. They look 100% OEM. View attachment 13881
Is that dirt splash pattern on your rear fascia from after the WeatherTech flaps were installed? It looks like there's a pretty large void/clean area behind it...good coverage!
Had the Subaru flaps on my 2019 Ascent Limited and have the Weathertechs on my 2020 Ascent Limited and much prefer the WeatherTechs. They are longer, wider and easier to install. They also deflect debris better because if the size.
I did a 500 mile roadtrip over the weekend and I got a 20.5 mpg mileage for the trip with the Weathertech mudflaps on. 20.5 mpg sounds less from what Subaru advertises. Could the mudflaps reduce the mileage from the advertised highway mileage of 26 to 20.5 ? Have you experienced any reduction in mileage at all?
I have the Weathertech flaps and just finished the first half of a 2,200 mile road trip. On the way out to the east coast,(1,100 miles) my overall mileage was 25mpg and that included the Appalachian mountains and a significant headwind for several hours. Before the mountains and wind, I was running at 27mpg. The Ascent was loaded with four people, luggage, and gifts as well as a roof box. I’d say the Weathertech flaps had no effect on fuel economy.
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I own a 2021 Subaru Ascent. Only recently did I realize most SUVs have the mud flaps/splash guard as an option. I live in Chicago where I do get a decent amount of rain and snow. The OEM splash guard seemed expensive at around $160+.

1. Are mud flaps a must-have in the long term ?
2. Has anyone tried 2021 Subaru Ascent | Mud Flaps - Laser Measured Splash Guards for Trucks and SUV's | WeatherTech ? This looked better than the Rally Armor model.
I have the Weathertech flaps and just finished the first half of a 2,200 mile road trip. On the way out to the east coast,(1,100 miles) my overall mileage was 25mpg and that included the Appalachian mountains and a significant headwind for several hours. Before the mountains and wind, I was running at 27mpg. The Ascent was loaded with four people, luggage, and gifts as well as a roof box. I’d say the Weathertech flaps had no effect on fuel economy.
You could buy it online for mud guard and install it by yourself.
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I own a 2021 Subaru Ascent. Only recently did I realize most SUVs have the mud flaps/splash guard as an option. I live in Chicago where I do get a decent amount of rain and snow. The OEM splash guard seemed expensive at around $160+.

1. Are mud flaps a must-have in the long term ?
2. Has anyone tried 2021 Subaru Ascent | Mud Flaps - Laser Measured Splash Guards for Trucks and SUV's | WeatherTech ? This looked better than the Rally Armor model.
I just bought mudguard online and installed it with myself.
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