By: Joshua Lee
January 1, 2024
If you need more space than the Outback, Subaru has been making their three-row midsize SUV, the Ascent, since 2019. The Subaru Ascent allows the brand to compete with other three-row SUVs. For 2023, Subaru has given it a mid-cycle refresh, hoping to attract customers who are looking for a reliable family car.
Subaru Canada has given us their 2023 Subaru Ascent Premier for the week. Powering this SUV is Subaru’s turbocharged 2.4L boxer four-cylinder engine, which produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Ascent is fitted with standard all-wheel drive with dual-function X-MODE. Handling the Ascent is pretty easy, with a softer steering feel, and the suspension soaks up bumps well. While it’s comfortable to drive, it’s not particularly exciting. The CVT can be a little loud when accelerating and feels a little slow as the Ascent is a heavier vehicle. You can try using the paddle shifters to make it more responsive, but a bump in power might help in the long run.
Our Premier trim features an updated facelift with C-shaped LED headlights, a larger grille, and some chrome trim pieces for that elevated touch. Compared to its pre-facelift model, the new look adds some attitude to its tall and calm stature. The Cosmic Blue pearl finish looks great with the two-tone 20-inch wheels. There is minimal body cladding, which helps the Ascent look less bulky, and we like the raised profile roof rails for added versatility.
Stepping inside, our Ascent gets an 11.6-inch tablet-style touch screen infotainment system with navigation. Just like our Outback review, the touchscreen cleans up the interior a lot, but the system is not our favourite as it’s slow and the climate control buttons are wedged at the very bottom. The driving position is great, and the seats are supportive as well. The Premier trim gets brown Nappa leather that contrasts well with the exterior colour and can only seat seven. The front seats are heated and ventilated, while the second-row captain’s chairs only offer the former. Other features for the Premier trim include a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a digital rearview mirror, woodgrain trim accents, silver accent stitching, a heated steering wheel, and a 120V outlet in the rear console.
A large panoramic sunroof lets in a lot of natural light. Second-row passengers will be comfortable with sunshades for the doors and their own climate control settings. The third row isn’t too big, but it is easy getting back there as the second-row seats slide and tilt forward, or you can pass through the middle. Cargo capacity starts at 458L with the third row up and expands up to 2061L with both rows folded.
Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance systems are improved with a new wide-angle mono camera that works with two stereo cameras to monitor the road ahead. This new hardware will spot pedestrians and cyclists, which will alert and brake if needed. A 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep and centering assist, and automatic high beams are some of the standard safety features on the Ascent. On the Premier trim, Subaru’s DriverFocus is a camera-based system angled towards the driver that will monitor fatigue or whether the driver is distracted.
According to Subaru, the Ascent’s fuel economy ratings are 12.3L/100KM city, 9.4L/100KM highway, for a combined 10.8L/100KM. We’ve achieved 11.0L/100KM during our week.
Seven trims are available for the Ascent, starting at $40,995 with the Convenience, $45,495 with the Touring (with or without Captain’s Chairs), $47,295 with the Onyx, $50,895 with the Limited (with or without Captain’s Chairs), and $53,995 with the Premier trim.
The Subaru Ascent is very easy to live with and has all the creature comforts you would need in a family friendly SUV. Performance can be better, but its safety technology and affordable price tag will make up for that lack of power.
