2023 Subaru Ascent – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs
The Subaru Ascent is a Practical 7-Seater with a Cush Ride
Scroll all the way to the bottom and you’ll eventually find Subaru’s biggest hauler. The Ascent is a full-size crossover and like many others, can be fit either 7 or 8 passengers depending on the second row seats configuration. Above all, it’s a Subaru, which means a more smoother and torquey boxer engine and its in-house symmetric all-wheel drive system.
New for 2023 models is a new front grille design, and better standard features. Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay available on its vertically oriented 11.6″ infotainment touchscreen will also be standard.
Base price comes at an attractable $35,120 while our highest Touring trim tops off at $49,420.
| Base | $35,120 |
| Premium | $37,720 |
| Limited | $42,820 |
| Touring | $49,920 |
Powertrain
The full-size Subaru Ascent is fitted with a 260 horsepower turbocharged 2.4L four cylinder engine running on a Continuous-Variable transmission. All models also come equipped with all-wheel drive for added stability and traction for harsh climate conditions. The Ascent is also built for outdoors, which earns a respectable 5,000 lbs of towing capacity.
Unique to the Ascent is Subaru’s in-house developed powertrain that takes advantage of its boxer engine layout and symmetric all-wheel drive for reduced ride harshness and improved traction, and overall ride quality.
Fuel economy rates on par with its competitors along the Honda Pilot and Toyota 4runer with an estimated of 23 mpg for both mixed city and highway driving during our road test. That said, long hauls aren’t exactly the best and there aren’t any hybrid or EV models available for the Ascent either.
Interior and Tech Features
The Ascent offers plenty of comfort and storage amenities that is rightfully expected from a full-size cross-over SUV. While it’s not the latest in terms of fashion trends such as a dated gear shift handle design, and older shades of wooden trims used, the Ascent still felt a hint of luxury overall.
Front passengers have a high and upright seating position giving great overall visibility while 2nd row seats (configured as captain seats) give the best comfort in the entire car with excellent legroom and space. Left are the third row seats that are a bit tight for full-size adults, but will have plenty of room for growth for kids and teeenagers.
Plenty of cargo space exists in the back with more to grow with its 60/40 folding rear seats if the 3rd row passengers aren’t needed.
The media system features a large and feature-rich 11.6″ touchscreen that’s compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Again, the aesthetics aren’t quite there in terms of the user interface and graphics, but the oversized buttons and menus makes its overall usability easy and intuitive.
Test Drive and Final Thoughts
Rode comfort and a quiet cabin were immediately noticeable when driving the Ascent out the lot. Both the heightened suspensions and upright seating position also gives both front passengers excellent overall road visibility. On regular city roads, the Ascent continued smooth power operation working nicely with its CVT transmission and while only capable of producing 260 horsepower, the 2.4L turbocharged engine produced plenty of torque to meet road demands on quick lane changes, or highway merging.
Unlike other competitors on the road, the Ascent scores advantages with its boxer style engine and symmetric all-wheel drive system that gets better overall weight balance and smoother operation. As a matter of fact, it’s just a step short from delivering an equivalent ride quality felt in the luxury class, without the price tag of course. Our Touring tester model comes priced in at $49,920, which offers plenty of practicality, cargo amenities and a surprisingly comfortable ride.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2023 Subaru Ascent
- Model : Limited
- Vehicle Type : 7-Passenger Full-Size Crossover
- Seating Capacity :2+2+3
- Engine : 2.4L 4-cylinder Boxer
- Transmission : CVT
- Price as tested: $49,920
Pros
- Excellent practicality
- Smooth ride and quiet cabin
- Excellent practicality and cargo space
Cons
- Lack of interior aesthetics
- No hybrid engine options available