The three-row Subaru Ascent completed the adventure brand's SUV lineup in 2019. It has been updated regularly during its four-year lifespan, becoming more efficient and technology-forward as the years went on.
The Subaru Ascent is on the receiving end a gentle refresh for the 2023 model year, with a new front fascia incorporating a more prominent grille; redesigned LED headlights and a more aggressive front bumper cover. The new bumper features air ducts to improve aerodynamics and efficiency. In back, the Ascent has updated taillights.
The 2023 Ascent is available in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, all featuring a 260-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With Subaru's continuously variable transmission (CVT), it can tow up to 5,000 pounds with standard Trailer Stability Assist. Paddle shifters allow drivers to shift through stepped gear ratios.
The CVT has never been better. When these types of transmissions first came out they were loud and always prioritized efficiency, gearing down to keep the engine at low rpms and igniting the fury of drivers who were annoyed by the lack of zippiness off the line.
Now, automakers have found a balance, especially Nissan and Subaru, where the CVT can be efficient, but also aggressive if you give the car enough throttle.
The Ascent feels quick from a standstill, though expressway passes take a few extra seconds. But, it was never annoyingly or dangerously slow and the Ascent is a big boy.
Both the engine and transmission do get a little louder than a standard automatic transmission but the 25 miles per gallon highway rating is hard to beat in a three-row SUV. The standard mechanical brakes were also flawless with a good initial bite and smooth progression after that.
The SUV is sprung softly on purpose and features 8.7 inches of ground clearance for going off road. The company's all-wheel drive system is excellent in dirt and with the new X-Mode driving mode it becomes even easier. That mode eases up the traction control and sends more power to all four wheels to make riding on, climbing over and descending dirt mounds much safer.
Hill Descent Control keeps the vehicle at a chosen low speed when going down steep hills, using the brakes individually to keep the SUV straight.
The cabin of the Ascent Onyx Edition tester came with a standard panoramic power moonroof with a power sunshade. A new option package added the 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with navigation. It also has a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with an adjustable seat cushion that makes it way more comfortable than flat-bottomed seats for long drives. This model has a manmade material on the seats, making them easy to clean.
Additionally, the Ascent comes standard with tri-zone climate control, power locks, windows and mirrors as well as USB-a and USB-c ports for all types of smartphone. It has a total of 19 cupholders in its three rows. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and worked without fail.
The cabin is laid out cleanly and the integration of the screen is well-positioned, keepijg the dashboard clear. Big air vents flank that screen along with a few hard climate control buttons, though most of the controls for heating and cooling are digital.
The second-row captain's chairs slide and fold easily, but it takes a little more muscle than a child has. If those kids want to (or have to) sit in the third row with child seats it's also painless, unless they need help buckling.
There's plenty of space for cargo with that third row folded down, though with it up there's just 17 cubic feet of space. However, it does have underfloor storage that can swallow a few small bags.
New for this year, the standard rear vison camera includes a washer to ensure a clear view while backing up. The Ascent also has a ton of optional driver assist technologies like the Surround View Monitor and DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System.
That system watched the driver's eyes to make sure they were on the road. It seemed a little too sensitive in our time with the vehicle. Sometimes even reading a street sign was enough to make it beep. On the other hand, distractions are many on the road today and its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
The seven- or eight-passenger 2023 Ascent starts at $34,395 before destination and handling. The most expensive Touring model has a base price of $48,696. It will split sales with other mildly rugged, midsize three-row SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L ($42,035), the Honda Pilot ($37,090) and Kia Telluride ($35,990). Both the Telluride and Grand Cherokee are more powerful, and have more interior space. The Pilot is slightly more efficient than the Ascent.
Both Subaru and Jeep are legendary for their four-wheel drive prowess. If there's dirt roads involved we'd suggest one of those two. If there are deep ruts, big rocks and fast-flowing water on the docket, you might to go all the way and get Jeep Wrangler. However, the Subaru Ascent can handle anything short of that.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jake Lingeman is the Managing Editor for the Autos team at Newsweek. He has previously worked for Autoweek, The Detroit ... Read more
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