2023 Subaru Ascent Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The three-row Subaru Ascent is fresh off a redesign for the 2023 model year, and it gets functional changes as well.

The 2023 Subaru Ascent is a functional and versatile three-row midsize SUV. It comes equipped with a long list of driver assistance features, as well as standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

What’s New for the 2023 Subaru Ascent

For 2023, the Ascent receives a number of updates, including fresh styling, updated infotainment, and a new Onyx Edition.

Design

Building off the same platform as before, the new Subaru Ascent features more aggressive front-end styling. Base and Premium trims receive 18-inch alloy wheels. All other trims feature 20-inch alloy wheels. The Onyx Edition features a black interior and dark exterior accents. The Limited trim adds fog lights.

Powertrain

There is one powertrain setup across all versions of the Ascent: a 2.4-liter horizontally opposing four-cylinder engine. It makes 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through a continuously variable transmission to Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD. In the Base and Premium trims, fuel economy is listed at 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. Due to their larger wheels, the Limited, Onyx, and Touring trims return 19 mpg city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

Interior

The Ascent provides seating for up to eight passengers or seven with available second-row captain's chairs. It offers up to 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second row in use, it provides 43.5 cubic feet. There are 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. All but the Base trim come equipped with a power lift gate.

Standard equipment on the Ascent includes remote keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, and manually adjustable front seats. Moving up to the Premium trim adds heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and stain-resistant upholstery. The Limited trim provides a power-adjustable front passenger’s seat leather upholstery and heated second-row seats. The range-topping Touring trim adds a wall-style power outlet, ventilated front seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery.

Technology

The 2023 Ascent comes equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The screen has a tablet-like layout and there is a bit of a learning curve. It comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ascent also comes with four USB ports, with two up front and two in the second row. Available tech content includes wireless device charging, a pair of third-row USB ports, a Harman Kardon premium stereo, and Subaru’s Cabin Connect in-vehicle intercom system.

Safety

Standard driver-assistance features include forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The Premium trim adds reverse automatic emergency braking. Other available features include a 360-degree parking camera system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Pricing

At the time of this writing, the 2023 Subaru Ascent has a base MSRP of $33,895. The Premium trim starts at $36,495. The Onyx Edition starts at $42,195, the Limited starts at $41,595, and the Onyx Limited starts at $46,295. The range-topping Touring trim starts at $48,195. The Subaru Ascent is backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.