The three-row Subaru Ascent completed the adventure brand’s SUV lineup in 2019. It has been updated throughout its four-year lifespan and has become more effective and technologically complex over the years.
The Subaru Ascent gets a slight update for the 2023 style year, with a new front trim that incorporates a more prominent grille; Redesigned LED headlights and a more competitive front bumper cover. The new bumper features air ducts for improved aerodynamics and efficiency. In the rear, 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 those types of transmissions first appeared, they were noisy and prioritized efficiency, downshifting to keep the engine at low revs, and drawing fury from drivers upset by the lack of speed when exiting the line.
Today, automakers have figured out a balance, Nissan and Subaru, where the CVT can be efficient, but also competitive, if enough acceleration is given to the car.
The ascent is fast when stationary, even if the road junctions take a few seconds longer. But it’s never been boring 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 deliberately suspended and has a ground clearance of 8. 7 inches for off-road overtaking. The company’s all-wheel-drive formula is perfect for the terrain and with the new X-Mode riding mode, it becomes even less difficult. This mode makes traction less difficult and sends more force to all 4 wheels to make driving, going up and down mounds of dirt 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 cab of the Ascent Onyx Edition test model is supplied with a popular Force panoramic sunroof with Force sunshade. A new optional package adds the 11. 6-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation. It also has a 12-way Force driver’s seat with an adjustable seat cushion that makes it much more comfortable than flat-bottomed seats for long trips. This style has artificial curtains on the seats, making them easy to clean.
In addition, the Ascent comes with 3-zone climate control, forced locks, windows and mirrors, as well as USB-a and USB-c ports for all types of smartphones. It has a total of 19 cup holders in 3 rows. Apple Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto work and work flawlessly.
The cabin is elegantly designed and the display integration is well placed, keeping the dashboard uncluttered. Large air vents flank this display, as well as some climate control buttons, most of the heating and cooling controls are digital.
The second-row captain’s seats slide and fold easily, but it takes a little more strength than a child. If those young people want (or want) to sit in the third row with child seats, that’s easy too, unless they need help buckling up. .
There’s plenty of room for shipments with the third row folded, but when it’s raised, there’s only 17 cubic feet of area. However, there is an underground garage area that can fit a few small bags.
New this year, the popular rearview camera includes a washing machine for a clear view when reversing. The Ascent also has a bunch of optional driver-assist technologies, such as the Surround View monitor and the 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 boost sales with other slightly rugged three-row midsize SUVs such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee L ($42,035), Honda Pilot ($37,090) and Kia Telluride ($35,990). Both the Telluride and Grand Cherokee are sturdier and have more interior space. The Pilot is more effective than the Ascent.
Subaru and Jeep are legendary for their four-wheel drive prowess. If there are dirt roads involved, we recommend one of those two. If there are deep ruts, giant rocks, and water temporarily running over the backrest, you can go all the way and get a Jeep Wrangler. However, the Subaru Ascent can take care of anything below that.
Jake Lingeman is the editor-in-chief of the Autos team at Newsweek. In the past he worked for Autoweek, The Detroit News, Bring a Trailer and CarBuzz, covering all spaces of the automotive industry. Jake is an alumnus of Wayne State University.