Used 2023 Subaru Ascent Consumer Reviews
Better than the competition for me
I actually disagree with Edmunds here. I actually ordered a telluride largely based on reviews like this. But every time I drove the Kia I was a little disappointed. I agree that the Kia is more stylish and roomy. Surely, the Kia is more faux-lux, but I also like the Subaru practicality. Because the Kia is such a "hot" car compared to the Ascent, I was able to get a 1 year old used subi for about $5k less than an similar Kia. For me (6' - 215lbs) the, Subaru is more comfortable (yrmv). The biggest difference for me is the drivetrain. I much prefer the low end torque from the turbo and the 50/50ish AWD. Don't like the CVT, but I got used to it pretty fast. I'd take the turbo and CVT over the better AT and V6. I really don't like driving FWD and all the others always felt like driving a FWD... Kia, pilot, etc. Lastly on the size, yes the Kia is roomier which would be nice for road trips. But, living in a dense city, the narrower width of the subi is much preferred compared to larger rivals (my garage is 16' wide - yes you can fit 2 cars - but you have to be confident parking within inches of walls). If I lived in a suburb/exurb and never went into a city, I'd probably like the larger suv. I just never see this mentioned in reviews (because reviewers rarely ever drive in real urban location like NY, SF, Boston, etc.)
So far so good for 5500 Miles
Test drove and compared with other brands in its class and I think this is the best deal you can get for a great three row SUV. It's smooth, nimble in merging into lanes and great handling at tight corners. The 3rd row is useful in my opinion, it fits two adults (5'-3") with no issue (would not recommend using 3rd row for long travel due to lack of leg support, but most of the 3 row SUVs have this same issue). The extra leg support at the driver seat is very helpful. The multi-zone climate control is a plus if you have kids and especially people sitting at the 3rd row. I highly recommend the limited trim as I think this is the best deal for the money. The vehicle I test drove was a touring trim, but the 360 degree camera doesn't work most of the time and even when it's working the footage is blurry espcially at displaying the surrounding conditions. The touring trim also bundles with the navigation system which I don't need because Apply Car Play is standard.
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- Touring 4dr SUVMSRP: $36,7997 mi away
- Touring 4dr SUVMSRP: $35,7367 mi away
- Touring 4dr SUVMSRP: $39,99115 mi away
Problem Free
Bought a 2022 Ascent 10 months and now 11,000 miles ago and it has been problem free other than a squeak in the dashboard. It has a heavy built feel for a Japanese SUV. I chose it over alternatives because of safety rating. Driver assist package is intuitive and effective.
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Handles the Hills & Highway
Purchased my Ascent in April and already have 12K on it…love driving the Ascent!! We live in the southern Appalachians and the Ascent handles the steep mountain roads with ease and rides smoothly and comfortably on the highway…very pleased.
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Beautiful Vehicle
This is absolutely a beautiful vehicle and so comfortable to drive and be a passenger in. My only complaint is that it does not get the MPG it claims to get which is 19-27mpg. We have only made it to 18mpg. Subaru needs to do better at this and give consumers the right information.
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