2023 Subaru Ascent Evaluation: For many who’ve outgrown an Outback

Automobile

By linda Last updated Aug 26, 2022

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Table of Contents

Professionals: Normal all-wheel drive; above-average floor clearance; helpful roof rails; easy controls; nice visibility

Cons: Plain inside; disconnected driving expertise; helicopter guardian security tech

Even with noteworthy updates this 12 months, the 2023 Subaru Ascent doesn’t actually stand above and past the crowded discipline of three-row household crossovers. Oh, it comes customary with all-wheel drive and extra floor clearance than most, however it’s hardly the rugged mountain goat of household crossovers. There are additionally those who make a bolder assertion exterior, which can be extra luxurious inside and which can be higher to drive. Some are much more spacious or versatile. Frankly, it’s laborious to not level most consumers in the direction of a Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade or Toyota Highlander Hybrid as an alternative.

The factor is, although, the Ascent actually isn’t for the overall three-row crossover-buying inhabitants. It’s for Subaru’s fiercely loyal clients, and particularly the good many who outgrow their Foresters and Outbacks. Admittedly, that’s an terrible lot of individuals today given Subaru’s always growing recognition. And with the Ascent, they’ll get a great deal of additional house, however with the identical 8.7 inches of floor clearance, beefy roof rails, user-friendly controls and no-nonsense cabin design. The Ascent even drives like an Outback, which isn’t at all times factor, however at the least it’ll be acquainted. On the similar time, even in case you’d be a beginner to the Subaru model, there’s no motive you couldn’t turn out to be simply as enamored with those self same traits, particularly you probably have a knack for taking outdoorsy adventures.

Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy

What it’s like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features

What’s new for 2023?

The Ascent will get notable revisions for 2023. Up to date styling makes an attempt to create a extra squared-off, rugged look with an even bigger grille and extra aggressively formed headlights. Principally, it appears to be like much less like a big Outback now. Inside, nonetheless, it really appears to be like extra like an Outback because of the brand new vertically oriented touchscreen borrowed from Subaru’s crossover wagon. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are actually customary as nicely. The EyeSight driver help know-how suite was upgraded with upgraded sensors and software program to apparently function extra easily and in a wider vary of situations. This features a digicam higher in a position to detect pedestrians and cyclists. These Ascents with blind-spot warning additionally achieve computerized emergency steering help. Lastly, a brand new Cabin Join operate picks up the driving force’s voice and transmits it over the rear audio system for the youngsters within the again to correctly hear things like “don’t make me cease this automobile!”

What are the Outback inside and in-car know-how like?

From the driving force’s seat, the Ascent’s packaging shows Subaru’s pragmatic philosophy to automobile design. All of the gauges are simple to see and browse at a look, knobs and buttons are simple to find — each these of the software-based touchscreen infotainment system and the bodily ones on the steering wheel and heart stack. There aren’t as many intelligent cubbies as in a Hyundai Palisade or Toyota Highlander, however there are a grand complete of 19 cupholders unfold all through the cabin. Anticipate frequent bogs stops.

By way of design, we are able to’t say the inside is that enticing, particularly when in comparison with the Palisade, Highlander, Telluride, CX-9, Pathfinder … So yeah, nearly every little thing. The jumbo portrait-style tech interface added for 2023 hardly improves issues, however at the least it’s all consistent with Subaru’s no-nonsense vibe. Even that touchscreen’s graphics are on the smart facet, with large, simply recognized and pressed digital buttons. It’s not fancy, however it works nicely – which might in all probability be an unofficial Subaru slogan. Supplies high quality is agreeably common, and though it doesn’t fairly obtain the premium vibe of all these rivals, the pops of colour and dash-covering pleather are appreciated touches.

All of that stated, must you be ascending to the Ascent from one thing else within the Subaru lineup, you’re going to really feel completely at house. That is very true now that the Ascent shares the Outback’s tech interface – there’s no likelihood you’ll really feel shortchanged by Subaru’s greatest and priciest mannequin not getting access to the latest-and-greatest options.

How large is the Ascent?

For these already within the Subaru household, the Ascent represents a transparent step up from the model’s different crossovers. It’s 5.5 inches longer than an Outback, 3 inches wider and 5.2 inches taller. It is a whopping 14.7 inches longer than a Forester, 4.5 inches narrower and three.5 inches shorter. It additionally has an additional row of seats. In comparison with different three-row crossovers, nonetheless, its dimensions are common other than being taller than most. That is partly due to its class-leading 8.7 inches of floor clearance, but additionally simply due to its tall, boxy greenhouse.

A 6-foot passenger can have loads of room within the second row, which is adjustable for legroom and seatback angle. On higher trim ranges, consumers can select between a pair of captain’s chairs or a three-passenger bench. We have discovered that they are principally equal by way of consolation. Third-row passengers are handled higher within the Ascent than in lots of rivals (Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9 and Ford Explorer specifically). If the middle-seat occupants are prepared to slip their seats ahead a bit, there’s enough legroom for a 6-footer in the way in which again to take a seat comfortably for a good bit of time. For teenagers, this implies much more consolation and house.

As for cargo, the Ascent affords 17.6 cubic ft of cargo house behind the third row, which is mid-pack for this phase. It’s greater than the Mazda CX-9 (14.4 cubic ft), Toyota Highlander (16.0) and outgoing Honda Pilot (16.5), however lower than the Hyundai Palisade (18.0), Ford Explorer (18.2), VW Atlas (20.6) and Kia Telluride (21.0). Max cargo quantity is among the many class leaders at 86.5 cubic ft, which is nearly definitely the results of being fairly boxy – at all times factor in terms of cargo. For something that does not match inside, the Ascent has large, extra-functional roof rails for no matter racks, carriers and different equipment you might need. And imagine us, Subaru house owners are likely to have them.

What are the Ascent gasoline financial system and efficiency specs?

The Ascent’s sole powertrain providing is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, organized in Subaru’s signature boxer (horizontally opposed reasonably than a V or inline) configuration. Energy is shipped to all 4 wheels by way of a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, we have discovered this engine can really feel simply as fast in relaxed around-town driving as its rivals, however know that their larger outputs do end in faster 0-60-mph instances and extra sturdy acceleration when totally loaded.

That stated, house owners residing at greater elevations (as many Subaru house owners do) will admire the lasting energy from the turbocharger, which retains the Ascent from feeling breathless at heights the place naturally aspirated engines begin to lose energy. In different phrases, 4 cylinders should not essentially lesser than six, and it even manages the identical 5,000-pound towing capability of most rivals.

EPA gasoline financial system estimates weren’t accessible on the time of this writing, however as there have been no powertrain adjustments indicated for 2023, it appears unlikely they are going to change a lot from the next 2022 estimates. The ’22 Ascent returned 21 mpg metropolis, 27 mpg freeway and 23 mpg mixed, whereas the Restricted, Touring and Onyx Version returned 20/26/22.

What is the Ascent prefer to drive?

The consumers of three-row crossovers are much less more likely to prioritize driving dynamics, however in case you ought to, the Ascent will in all probability find yourself towards the underside of your checklist. The steering is exact and correct, however it’s additionally fairly mild in effort and does not actually have interaction the driving force. The suspension is comfortable to make sure a snug experience over harsh pavement, and though surefooted and safe, these used to a responsive-handling automobile can be underwhelmed. These used to a Subaru Outback, nonetheless, will really feel proper at house.

There are not any sport modes to fiddle with within the Ascent, simply an ordinary baseline setting, however the single setup feels nicely thought out and sorted. There’s loads of punch from Subie’s turbo-four. There have been just a few instances we caught the engine flat-footed on our drive and needed to wait a second for the turbo to spin up, however we ended our drive pondering its output is adequate. We have been in a position to tow an Airstream trailer simply shy of the Ascent’s most of 5,000 kilos, and we discovered that it had no downside getting the load in control and again down once more. The CVT mimics the texture of a standard computerized transmission, for probably the most half. It really works nicely, and does not get in the way in which of driving expertise.