Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
Pros
High-quality interior materials
Generous ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive
Excellent outward visibility
Strong towing capacity
Cons
Accelerator pedal is too touchy
Invasive engine and tire noise
Not much second-row shoulder room, and third row is tight
What's new
Revised front and rear styling
Some advanced driver aids have been enhanced
Updated standard tech includes a larger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Part of the first Ascent generation introduced for 2019
Overview
The 2023 Subaru Ascent, a three-row midsize SUV, is Subaru's largest model. Like the smaller Forester and Outback, the Ascent comes with standard all-wheel drive and enough ground clearance to help you maneuver in inclement weather or off road. It's not as capable in the dirt as off-road-focused SUVs such as the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but the Ascent is certainly one of your better midsize choices for getting up to eight passengers out into nature.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Subaru Ascent 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Subaru launched the Ascent for the 2019 model year. For 2023, it receives a variety of updates.
Changes include updated front and rear styling, with new lighting, bumpers and grille. The Ascent also comes standard this year with a bigger center touchscreen display. This is the 11.6-inch unit Subaru has been putting in its latest models, and it finally makes its debut here. Other changes include an improved forward collision mitigation system, a newly available top-down parking camera system, and a new Onyx Edition Limited trim.
There is no shortage of rivals in this class. Some of Edmunds' favorites include the corporate siblings Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, as well as the Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas. Ford's Explorer in the outdoorsy Timberland trim is another midsize three-row SUV worth a look. If you don't need a third row, check out the Honda Passport or Subaru's midsize Outback. There are certainly lots of models to pick from, but the Ascent's 2023 updates should make it a bit more competitive.
Which Ascent does Edmunds recommend?
We think most people will be best served by the Premium trim. For not much more than the base model it adds several amenities, including heated seats, upgraded interior materials, blind-spot warning and a higher towing capacity.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Subaru Ascent models
The 2023 Subaru Ascent is available in six trim levels: base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Limited, Limited and Touring. All Ascents use a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft of torque) paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup. Feature highlights include:
Base
Starts you off with:
18-inch wheels
LED headlights
Seating for eight
Three-zone climate control
11.6-inch infotainment screen
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
Six-speaker sound system
Four USB ports
2,000-pound towing capacity
Standard driver aids include:
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Subaru and the car in front)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Premium
Adds some appealing upgrades, including:
5,000-pound maximum towing capacity
Optional seven-passenger seating configuration
Upgraded interior materials
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Standard on the Premium's seven-passenger configuration and optional for the eight-passenger are:
Power rear liftgate
Proximity keyless entry and push-button start
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Onyx Edition
Based on the seven-passenger Premium trim, it adds:
20-inch black finish alloy wheels
Upgraded all-wheel-drive system
Power rear liftgate
Panoramic sunroof
Black grille and exterior trim
Proximity keyless entry and push-button start
Water-repellent simulated leather upholstery
Heated steering wheel
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Onyx Edition Limited
This new-for-2023 trim builds on the Onyx Edition with:
Driver's seat memory and additional adjustments
Power-adjustable front-passenger seat
Heated second-row seats
Upgraded instrument display
Integrated navigation system
14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Intercom system (known as Cabin Connect, it broadcasts the driver's voice through the rear speakers)
360-degree surround-view system (uses cameras in all four directions to compose a single image of the car’s surroundings)
Driver attention monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Limited
The Limited combines many, but not all, features from the seven-passenger Premium and Onyx Edition Limited trims and adds:
20-inch dark gray alloy wheels
Leather upholstery
Simulated leather dash panel
Second-row retractable sunshades
An optional package for the Limited adds:
Dual-panel panoramic sunroof with sunshade
Folding mirrors with integrated turn signals
Cargo cover
Integrated navigation system
14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Intercom system (known as Cabin Connect, it broadcasts the driver's voice through the rear speakers)
360-degree surround-view system (uses cameras in all four directions to compose a single image of the car’s surroundings)
Driver attention monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Touring
Comes with all the Limited’s standard features and options and adds:
Ambient interior lighting
120-volt power outlet
Ventilated front seats
Upgraded leather upholstery
Digital auto-dimming rearview mirror with real-time camera image
Save as much as $7,781 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $7,781 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Touring trim.
*MSRP is subject to change and varies based on availability, trim level, option packages, and retailer-installed accessories. MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, registration, and other fees. Retailer sets actual price. See your retailer for details. 2025 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Touring shown has an MSRP of $49,995.
My review will focus mostly on how my impressions differ from the the "expert" review at Edmund. First in terms of size, the Ascent is shorter than most 3-row but it utilizes the space well. It has just the right size for a family of four but I have carried two full size adults, one is >6ft tall, in the third row across town with no complaints. A car that is bigger than the Ascent … will be more difficult to park and drive in tight corner. On paper, Ascent's second row passenger room may be smaller than that in the Highlander — is that why Edmund thinks the second row is small in the Ascent? In reality, the Ascent's second row is roomy and spacious, even for people over 6ft, and the seats are very comfortable. In terms of ride comfort, the Ascent's ride is almost luxury car like, comfortable and quiet. Most reviews I read are consistent with that. The gas peddle on a turbo-charged car can be "touchy" but you should be able to quickly learn to adapt. By reading driving experience from people owning earlier and the 23 models, the throttle responses seem to have improved with the latest model. Once you get used to it, together with a tight turning circle and assist from the AWD system, you would find it fun to drive with lots of power passing on the highway with a full load. While most SUVs offer AWD as an option for at least $2,000, AWD is standard on the Ascent, and Subaru has the best AWD for a main stream car. I am tired of hearing about the Telluride. The reviews should take into consideration the markups they are charging, plus the added cost of the AWD, before comparing it to the Ascent.
We have had our Ascent for 13 months and have driven over 15k miles of mountain, city and highway miles on it. It has been flawless with everything we have asked it to do. Living at 8,500 feet in the Colorado Rockies, it has handled winter snow storms without issue. We have also vacationed through Yellowstone, Seattle and Portland (3,700 miles total). No issues passing on high speed … 2 lanes, sometimes pushing significantly over the 70 mph speed limit. Very comfortable on a long trip. Only issue has been a bad battery, which Subaru paid for a new Interstate AGM battery.
Negatives... Limited passenger seat only adjusts 4 way. Brakes could be a little better in the mountains. Android Auto is a bit quirky but works fine.
What a great vehicle - it's missing a couple refinements but is amazing and wonderful considering it is the replacement for our 2016 Acura MDX Advanced SH-AWD that we never truly loved because of the Transmission being so jerky - in fact that same transmission being used on the Honda Pilot and 2023 Nissan Pathfinder eliminated them from our list to look at.
I always found the Forester … and Outback overpriced for such a bumpy ride and cheap interior. Obviously, I am willing to pay for quality, and the Subaru Ascent Touring caught me off guard! We went to test drive the forester and drove less than 1/4 mile before turning around since it was just junky. I had never heard of the Ascent, but the salesman said, "Drive this" and gave us keys to a used 2021 touring to try. The java puke interior looked horrible, but the ride and comfort were amazing! We looked and found a 2022 Silver with Black interior to buy and have been happy so far!
The interior was the biggest shock in a good way compared to other Subaru models. The leather interior is firm but plush, providing comfort and the feel of durability. The accent trims of wood grain and two-tone leather really make it pop. The LEG ROOM in the front and second rows are enough for my 6'1" 270-lb frame to feel comfortable - I found the Ascent to be more comfortable than other options we looked at. The VW Atlas, Telluride, and Sorento were high on our list - but the Telluride was more expensive for less, and the second row was smaller. The Atlas was HUGE but the leg room in the front is limited in width from the console. The Sorento is just a smaller vehicle. The MDX, Pathfinder, CX9 and Highlander were all cramped inside for being so big. The seats are very comfortable, and the front driver and passenger get heated and ventilated seats - and they work well! Hot is HOT! Cold is enough to feel the cooling but not freeze your rump. The heated steering wheel was just put to the test during a skiing trip - my cold hands were loving gripping the smooth, warm leather after being frozen.
The Infotainment system in the Ascent is simple and functional Android Auto is awesome! Something we hated on the MDX, Pathfinder, CX9 and Highlander was the location of the controls, and the painful steps you needed to take to change the temp, radio station, or enter an address. The Ascent is simple - while not the biggest screen, or flashy features, it is very functional which is the most important thing since you can actually use the system easily while driving! There is a small info display screen for showing temperature, directions, or radio stations above the dash while the main screen is being used for navigation. The cup holders could be larger, but what the lack in size is made up in quantity, rivaling a minivan with 19.
The engine is a boxer 4 cylinder, turbocharged and universally used for Subarus. It's low center of gravity make the GIANT SUV feel smaller than it actually is when making turns - the body roll is very dampened. The SUV is supposedly slower than our MDX was off the line - but it doesn't feel sluggish, and the ride is FAR smoother. The CVT and suspension is probably to thank for that. I found I am never going below the speed limit or worrying that I won't be able to merge onto the highway. The standard AWD make turning the long vehicle a breeze, the turning radius is pretty good for the length of the vehicle.
Safety - the stereo camera system does an amazing job with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and mitigation braking. The rear doors have a giant latching lug that makes it feel like a tank.
What I don't love are some of the luxury features that would make this rival any other vehicle. The keyless remotes are not personalized - meaning the car doesn't distinguish between Driver 1 or 2 based on the keys, even though the car has memory seats and driver profiles. You have to press 1 or 2 when you get in the car, and the profile is selected based on whose phone pairs first. If my wife gets the kid in the car while I'm fixing my cup of coffee, I have to go load my profile and hit 2 on the memory seats when I get in to drive. The touring also has power folding mirrors - but the button for them makes them fold in when pressed - not when the car is turned off - it's something so simple to build into the car - when activated, fold mirrors in when car turned off, unfold when car turned on - but that is not the case. The rear gate light is does not turn on when you open the trunk - so you have to flip a switch or unlock the car with the remote to get the interior lights to come on - annoying since the trunk is so big.
For having all the luxury feel, they just missed some basic things to make this perfect. For instance - I get that wireless android and apple auto came in 2023 and would have been nice with a wireless charging pad, but the USB plugs for the connection are right in front of the gear shift. Just little things that aren't a big deal, but really would have made this feel luxurious and sporty at the same time.
The car lacks parking sensors for some reason, so pulling into a spot or garage requires you to activate the extra front camera that only comes on the touring model so you can see what's directly in front of your bumper, I really wish it just activated when you hit your garage door opener, or the stereo cameras noticed you were parking. The rear sensors aren't such an issue since the backup camera is activated when you are reversing. On the touring model you can flip the rearview mirror and activate an additional rear camera mounted high that replaces your mirror view if the back window is obstructed - it's weird to use while but definitely helpful for specific situations.
The 3-year 36,000 warranty on a complex engine is a painful point - compared to others being 40,000-50,000 miles (KIA's 100,000 warranty is VERY limited). We traveled to buy our Ascent in another state for $5,000 off MSRP and opted to use those savings for the 100,000-mile extended bumper to bumper warranty - still costing us less than a Kia Sorento. I wish Subaru (and Honda for that fact) just warrantied their vehicles as such since they tout their reliability. Not necessarily a Subaru thing alone, but don't brag about reliability without backing it up.
Overall, this is a great vehicle - my family owned a 1988 Subaru Legacy Station wagon that got 188,000+ miles on before the head gasket blew. I imagine this will be with us for at least the same amount of time, but most likely longer.
Handles great very nimble in traffic.
Touring model interior is totally comfortable and well designed.
Technology easy to us.
As a loyal GM owner through the years, The Subaru Ascent does not disappoint with ride comfort pickup. Dealership was fantastic!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Subaru Ascent, so we've included reviews for other years of the Ascent since its last redesign.
Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent vs. Subaru Ascent | Midsize Family SUV Comparison Test
NOTE: This video is about the 2021 Subaru Ascent, but since the 2023 Subaru Ascent is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
What do the 2021 Kia Telluride, 2021 Subaru Ascent and 2021 Subaru Ascent all have in common? Third row? Check. Plenty of cargo space? Check. Technology features for everyone in the family? Check. So what sets each of these midsize SUVs apart from one another and which one is the right choice for you? In this midsize SUV comparison test video, Ryan ZumMallen answers that… very question. We also detail what's new and what we like and don't like about each vehicle.
The Kia Telluride excels at just about everything you'd want in a three-row crossover SUV. It's comfortable, spacious and well appointed, and it offers more cargo space than the Ascent. The Subaru does have higher EPA-estimated fuel economy and standard all-wheel drive, though we still think the Telluride is the better pick overall. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Kia Telluride.
We expect an all-new Honda Pilot to debut in 2023. It will likely build on the strengths of its predecessors — namely comfort, utility and drivability — while gaining improved technology features and possibly more interior room. You'll want to check our Pilot page to learn more.
The Grand Cherokee L is the three-row version of Jeep's recently redesigned midsize SUV. Like the Ascent, the Grand Cherokee L offers more off-road prowess than most of the competition, though the Jeep lacks Subaru's standard all-wheel drive. It's also not as fuel-efficient as the Ascent, but it does offer a comfortable, well-appointed cabin, strong towing capability, and many standard and optional features.
*MSRP is subject to change and varies based on availability, trim level, option packages, and retailer-installed accessories. MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, registration, and other fees. Retailer sets actual price. See your retailer for details. 2025 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Touring shown has an MSRP of $49,995.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Ascent safety features:
Reverse Automatic Braking
Automatically applies the vehicle's brakes if an obstacle is detected while you're in reverse.
EyeSight Assist Monitor
Provides a head-up display of the EyeSight system's status and warnings on the windshield.
Blind-Spot Monitoring
Scans vehicle blind spots and alerts you of vehicles on either side via mirror-mounted indicators.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
17%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
The Subaru Ascent is a midsize three-row SUV that competes with vehicles like the Honda Pilot, the Kia Telluride and the Volkswagen Atlas. We like the Ascent for a number of reasons, including its user-friendly infotainment system, high-quality interior materials, and the standard all-wheel-drive system. Unfortunately, the Ascent hasn't been as refined as some of its rivals lately. That's where the 2023 refresh comes in.
Styling changes are immediately apparent via the Ascent's bolder front fascia. The look reads more aggressive, with a prominent grille, redesigned LED headlights, and front bumper cover with air vents. Updated Konoji (C-shaped) taillights identify the refresh from the rear. Arguably more noticeable is the standard 11.6-inch tablet-style screen inside the cabin. The infotainment upgrade transforms the center stack and looks strikingly modern. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto add to the Ascent's upgraded tech vibe.
The Ascent's tech doesn't stop with smartphone integration — the latest version of Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology also comes standard. Additionally, a new wide-angle mono camera is paired with the EyeSight system to recognize pedestrians and bicycles when the vehicle enters an intersection. EyeSight alerts the driver and can apply the brakes on the driver's behalf to avoid a collision when necessary.
Overall, various package offerings have been expanded across the lineup to include more creature comforts for 2023. Subaru has even added an available Cabin Connect feature, similar to those found in competing three-row vehicles and minivans, which uses a microphone to pick up the driver or front passenger's voice and sends it to the rear speakers for better communication with the third-row passengers. Also available is a new surround-view camera featuring a 360-degree overhead view.
Edmunds says
Cosmetic changes are nice, but Subaru has added much more to the 2023 Ascent. The EyeSight safety suite additions and updated infotainment should increase its appeal as a modern family hauler and make it more competitive in the stiff three-row SUV market.
FAQ
Is the Subaru Ascent a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Ascent both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Ascent gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 53 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Ascent ranges from 17.6 to 17.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru Ascent. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Subaru Ascent?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Subaru Ascent:
Revised front and rear styling
Some advanced driver aids have been enhanced
Updated standard tech includes a larger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Part of the first Ascent generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Subaru Ascent is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Ascent. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Ascent's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Subaru Ascent a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Subaru Ascent is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Ascent gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 53 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Ascent is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Subaru Ascent?
The least-expensive 2023 Subaru Ascent is the 2023 Subaru Ascent 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $33,895.
Other versions include:
4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $33,895
Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $36,495
Onyx Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $41,295
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $41,595
Onyx Edition Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $46,295
Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $48,195
If you're interested in the Subaru Ascent, the next question is, which Ascent model is right for you? Ascent variants include 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT), Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT), Onyx Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT), and Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT). For a full list of Ascent models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more