2023 Subaru Ascent

The 2023 Ascent has four different trim levels. The base, the Premium, the most popular the Limited, and the top variant is the Touring. The base trim consists of 18-inch alloys whereas on the Onyx Edition you get 20-inch alloys dipped in black shade, a panoramic sunroof, and fully black interior and exterior accents. All the models will carry a newly introduced 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and AWD system.

Along with the features offered on the base trim of the Subaru Ascent, the company also offers some additional accessories for the interior and exterior.

Interior options

• Auto-dimming mirrors with compass and Homelink
• Footwell illumination kit
• All-weather floor liners
• Cargo net
• Tray net
• Windshield sunshade
• Wireless charging pad
• 3rd-row sunshades
• Cargo separator

Exterior options

• Exterior HL with auto-dimming mirrors
• Splash guard
• Rear bumper cover
• Alloy wheels lock
• Aero crossbar set
• Body side moldings
• Trailer hitch
• Door edge guards

We Recommend

CARHP recommends the Limited trim of the Ascent. It is equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels which the base and the Premium trims do not offer. Driver seat memory function along with the full leather interior gives it a more premium approach than the basic trims. Standard AWD along with the 11.6-inch updated touchscreen. Turn indicators with the front row power-adjustable seats convey a smoother ride experience.

Release Date

The 2023 generation of the Ascent has been released and is available in your nearest showroom.

With a 2.4L Turbocharged I4 engine and a standard all-wheel-drive system, the 8-seater models of the Ascent achieve a mileage of – 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. With a fuel capacity of 19.3 gallons across all the trim levels, it secures a range of – 405.3 miles when driving in the city, 521.1 miles while running on the highway, and 443.9 miles combined.

The Touring trim and the Onyx edition offer mileage of - 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. This results in a range of – 386 miles when driving it in the city, 501.8 miles when running on highways, and 424.6 miles combined.

The 2023 Explorer is the most fuel-efficient car, but it carries the lowest fuel capacity with it. The Ascent carries a bigger fuel tank and it delivers competitive mileage figures. Thanks to the highest fuel capacity and good fuel economy, the Grand Cherokee delivers the highest range in the comparison.

TheInterior of the base trims of the Ascent feel good and are made up of high-quality plush materials. The appraising leather-wrapped cabin on the Limited and Touring variants, enriches the ride quality and delivers a smooth driving experience to the driver. The front and second-row seats are easy to get in and out of, and it provides a good amount of space for the passengers. The 8-seater version is suitable for the kids to sit on the third row. To enhance support on a long drive, the 7-seater configuration on the Ascent offers a captain seat format. The car carries a total passenger volume of 153.8 cu.-ft. Ahead of its rivals which provide a 5-seater or 7-seat format, It provides a seating capacity for 8 passengers as standard.

Basic trims bring adjustable front row seats, meanwhile, the Limited and the Touring hold heated rear seats with memory function on the driver's side. The steering looks a little dated. The piano black trim across the infotainment screen merges pretty well in the dashboard. The small carbon-fiber finish on the door panels and the dashboard look premium. Little storage compartments across the cabin make the Subaru more thoughtful about stowing things. The gauges and buttons on the center console are easily understandable but feel old-fashioned. On the base and the Premium, you don't get a sunroof, but the top 2 trims bring a well-wide panoramic sunroof. The interior lets in road and engine noise. Automatic climate control requires manual adjustments. It takes time to spread the air throughout the interior.

In the front row, all the vehicles provide almost the same amount of room for the passengers. The second-row seats on the Explorer and the Ascent have competitive room in them. The 5-seater Grand Cherokee offers the least amount of cargo capacity behind its first and second rows. The Explorer offers the highest amount of cargo space in every aspect. The Mazda CX-9 has comparatively lower cargo space and room than the Subaru’s.

Highlights of the interior features include–

• Manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Power rear windows and fixed third-row windows
• Front cup holder
• Total of 19 cup holders
• Starlink subscription-based internet access
• Valet Function
• Power fuel flap locking type
• Cruise controls with steering wheel controls
• Dual zone front automatic air conditioning
• Driver footrest
• Illuminated locking glove box
• SofTex interior trim on base trims
• The leather interior on the premium trim
• Day night rearview mirror
• Front and rear map lights
• Cargo space light
• Trip computer
• Front and rear center armrests
• Two 12V charging socket
• Air filtration

How intuitive is the 2023 Subaru Ascent’s Infotainment system?

The Subaru has changed its 6 and 8-inch infotainment screens of old generations. On standard, all models are now equipped with a vertically mounted 11.6-inch touchscreen that offers a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The icons are large and come with more punchy colors. The Subaru has improved its touch response and visibility. The navigation system is still a blessing for the Limited and Touring trims only. The 6-speaker sound system sounds well, but the 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio feels more polished and offers a pleasant balance of low, mid, and high. Most of the features are easily operated through the screen only.

These features enrich the user experience while using the infotainment system in the Ascent —

• Multi-touch gestures
• HD Radio
• Voice-activated controls
• 3.5 mm headphone jack
• Bluetooth audio streaming
• Hands-free messaging service
• Radio data system
• Window grid antenna
• SiriusXM travel link with a 4-month free trial
• Speed compensated volume control

The 2023 Ascent is the largest vehicle, the Subaru produces. This year it has come up with a more appealing and refreshed exterior than its previous generations. The new front facia incorporates a more prominent grille, redesigned LED headlights, and a more aggressive front bumper cover. The new front bumper cover features lower edge air ducts to improve aerodynamic flow under the vehicle. At the back of the vehicle, updated c-shaped taillights further exemplify the SUV’s new look. The front panel of the new Ascent resembles the newest Outback the Subaru has released. The iconic badge of the Subaru is mounted in a strip that goes and merges the updated headlights. The 18-inch alloys are average with the size, however, the 20-inch rims on the Limited and Touring, give the car proper completeness. Except for the painted black wheel specifically for the Onyx Edition, all the other models carry an aluminum brush finish with probably dark grey paint. Front parking sensors are mounted over the bumper.

The 2023 Ford Explorer has the longest wheelbase. Despite being a 5-seater SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a larger wheelbase than the rest of the two vehicles. The Mazda CX-9 is the largest car in the segment, but it has the shortest SUV in the segment. The Subaru Ascent has the highest curb weight. All the vehicles deliver more than eight inches of ground clearance.

Highlights of the exterior features–

• 18-inch wheels with tires of 245/60R18 105H AS
• Steel spare wheel
• Clearcoat paint
• Black colored cladding
• Variable intermittent wipers 
• Light tinted glass
• Liftgate rear cargo access
• Roof rails
• Tailgate rear door locks with power door lock
• Auto on-off projector headlamps
• Daytime running lights with auto-leveling
• Chrome side window trims on high trims
• Body-colored front and rear bumper
• Approach lights

Subaru Ascent (2022) has an overall safety rating of 5 stars, where it scored 4 stars in the rollover crash test. The safety features on the new Ascent claim to be improved, but in some cases, they do not work with proper accuracy. The EyeSight system comes standard with all the trim levels.

It also offers these safety features—

• Standard forward collision warning 
• Standard Automatic braking
• Standard adaptive cruise control
• Standard lane departure warning and lane keeping assist
• Side impact beams 
• Electronic stability control
• Automatic vehicle hold
• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-row airbags
• Airbag occupancy sensors
• Rear child safety locks
• Driver knee airbag
• Backup camera

2023 Subaru Ascent vs. 2023 Mazda CX-9

With an extra $1000, the Mazda offers a longer body. The Ascent gives a better fuel economy. The CX-9 offers more torque, while the new Subaru produces more power. The Mazda offers more ground clearance, while the Ascent delivers a comparatively better acceleration. It also comes up with a more roomy interior and cargo carrying capacity. The front portion of the new Mazda CX-9 looks more refined with those iconic LED headlights. The external appearance of the Ascent feels aggressive and bold and it gives it a rugged look.

2023 Subaru Ascent vs. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep is more expensive than the Subaru, but it offers a more powerful V6 engine with it. With less money, the Ascent brings a seating capacity for 8-passengers, while the Grand Cherokee accommodates only 5 people in it. The Grand Cherokee has a larger wheelbase, but it has a lower top speed. The Ascent is heavier. The Grand Cherokee has more fuel capacity. The Grand Cherokee looks refreshed from the outside, while the interior of the Ascent is more polished. 

2023 Subaru Ascent vs 2023 Ford Explorer

With a small hike in price, the new Ford Explorer is a better choice than the Subaru Ascent. It offers the most power in the segment. The Ascent manages more mileage figures. The Explorer has a longer wheelbase and body, it also carries a more roomy cabin for the passengers. On standard, the Ascent offers a seating capacity of 8 passengers. The new Explorer possesses a more rugged and off-roading-oriented exterior. The interior trim of the Ascent has many standard features that are lacking in the Explorer.

Compared to its various key rivals, with a less price, it is a good-to-go option for shoppers. It offers 260hp which is sufficient enough to roar the car. Along with that, it delivers one of the best mileage figures among its competition. This year with a more appealing and redesigned exterior, the Ascent has come up with improved standard features like lane-keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation and has bought a new 360-degree camera.