2023 Subaru Ascent is the biggest Subaru sold today. The three-row Subaru SUV comes with all-wheel drive and seating accommodation enough for up to eight passengers. Under the hood lies a torquey turbocharged 260-hp flat-flour engine mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Ascent’s cushy ride, massive infotainment touchscreen, and a long list of safety features as standard are admirable.
But its significant road noise and a congested third row keep the Ascent from, well, ascending to the top rank of the mid-size three-row SUV segment. The cosmetic makeover might be minor, but a plethora of changes are hiding under the body. The 2023 Ascent will be equipped with the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The Ascent will also receive the brand’s Wide-Angle Mono Camera across the lineup. Subaru regulates the camera to the Touring XT trim on the 2023 lineup.
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What’s New?
The car’s various visual tweaks exceptionally change the crossover’s styling. The 2023 Ascent sports a new, more prominent grille flanked by a pair of redesigned headlights that are more sinister than the outgoing units. The brand also tweaked the bumper’s look, pairing the redesigned fog light surrounds with a lower grille opening. Improving aerodynamic flow, new air ducts are added, and the rear receives new C-shaped taillights. The brand will also offer automatic emergency steering, along with blind-spot detection. Also, lane change assists and a rear cross-traffic alert system too.
Engine & Performance
The 2023 Subaru Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that burns out 260 HP and is paired with the continuous variable transmission which makes unnecessary noise while accelerating. If you are an enthusiast then it also has paddle shifters. It sucks the bumps flawlessly and provides a firm and quiet ride. It’s a perfect family car for long trips in all weather and misses out on some fun driving elements.
It has a 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Meanwhile, the Subaru has a comfortable ride; wearing 20-inch wheels it does a good job of isolating from bumpy roads and absorbs harsh impacts. Its light and accurate steering responds quickly to maneuvers and feels relaxed at higher speeds. The brake pedal is also firm and progressive, with no play or touchy feedback.
Fuel Economy
| 2023 Subaru Ascent Mileage | City | Higway |
| Base/Premium | 21 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Limited/Touring | 20 mpg | 26 mpg |
The Ascent is expected to deliver 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. And the top-tier Limited and Touring models will lose 1 mpg in both categories. Still, the Ascent has above-average EPA estimates. However, rivals such as Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot prove to be even more efficient.
Dimensions & Airbags
| 2023 Subaru Ascent Dimensions | |
| Length | 196.8 in |
| Width | 76.0 in |
| Height | 71.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in |
| Cargo volume | 18 cu ft |
| Airbags | 7 Airbags |
Safety tech isn’t the only tech upgrade the 2023 Ascent will receive. The crossover will also feature an 11.6-inch infotainment screen as standard across the lineup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included. Subaru updated the Onyx Edition, to include more standard features and a new option package that includes navigation, Cabin Connect, a 12-way driver’s seat, second-row sunshades, heated outboard rear seats, and more.
Pricing
| 2023 Subaru Ascent Pricing | Price (USD) |
| Base | $35,120 |
| Premium | $37,720 |
| Limited | $42,480 |
| Touring | $49,420 |
The various optional packages include features such as panoramic sunroof, in-built navigation, power tailgate, passive entry, heated steering wheel, push-button start, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integrity, subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, leather upholstery, and power adjustable driver’s seat. Ascent scored a 5-star safety rating according to NHTSA. It offered lane departure warning with lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Specifications & Top-Speed
| 2023 Subaru Ascent Specifications | Specs |
| Engine | turbocharged flat-4 |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Horsepower | 260 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.9 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 19.4 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 15.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
