Used 2023 Subaru Ascent SUV Consumer Reviews
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The best deal and a great car if you need AWD
Houston, 08/02/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
102 of 103 people found this review helpful
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.
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Great family car!
TJ , 02/09/2024
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
37 of 38 people found this review helpful
We love our Subaru ascent. we previously owned a 2020 Subaru ascent premium. We moved up into a 2023 limited version. Both cars are terrific family vehicles. We love the fact that it has a great safety rating, the all wheel drive system is wonderful, especially in the hills of West Virginia and during the winter time. It has the third row, which creates lots of extra space for the family. It has great ground clearance, the engine sits lower in the chassis, so the car has a great low center of gravity with less top roll. So the car handles very well on all sorts of terrain. We love some of the driving features such as the headlights will rotate left and right with the steering wheel a little bit, which gives you great vision at night. The ability to see the car from the top using the camera is a wonderful thing especially when trying to park in tight spaces. The eyesight is a great feature and helping keep you out of a crash situation. With our limited version, we have leather heated seats which are really nice, and I never thought I would enjoy it, but we love the heated steering wheel. We also have premium speakers which the audio sounds really great. There’s many other features about the car that we love, but the overall fact that the car handles great, is very safe, has plenty of space inside, and can go anywhere you need with the all wheel drive system makes it a great car for us.
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2023 Subaru Ascent for sale near you
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A+++ Ascent
Gravel lake, 07/11/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
19 of 20 people found this review helpful
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!
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So far so good for 5500 Miles
Dan Y. , 01/31/2024
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
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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Love this vehicle
Kay, 10/16/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
This SUV is amazing. Turning radius is awesome! I love the bucket seats in the back! I am in sales and spend most of my day in the car - I picked the Ascent because it is so comfortable! Lots of storage space too. It has all the safety features anyone would need or want. Overall it is just a great fit for me. I am 6’3” and I easily fit and feel comfortable in this vehicle. I highly recommend it to everyone!
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Very impressed
Elwood, 05/05/2024
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I purchased a used Limited that had only 2600 miles. I test drove pathfinder, Highlander and Pilot and compared interior and exterior dimensions. I found the Subaru had the best combination as it did not feel as bulky as pathfinder or Pilot but the leg and headroom in 2nd and 3rd row were almost identical. I initially had a concern about the turbo 4 and CVT but after 500 miles it is so smooth that I am shocked how much I like it. In regard to gas mileage I have a light foot but so far in town and rural roads I am getting around 21 mpg which during break in period seems quite good. Also the ride quality is great. My first Subaru and test drive of the Ascent was an afterthought but really glad I gave it a try.
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Handles the Hills & Highway
LeftyLou, 08/11/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
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
Chrislee, 10/24/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
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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My Subaru SUV
Deb , 07/20/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
The Ascent has a smooth ride. It has a good turning radius which is much better then most other SUV's. It is roamy inside in the front and 2nd row seats. That is a big deal when all the males in your family are over 6ft tall. The only downside is the trunk space isn't great when the 3rd seat is up. When you are used to a Suburban it is a big difference. When the 3rd row is down it has lots of space.
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Great deal. Good value.
Good Decision, 04/29/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
I looked at a number of midsize SUVs before settling on the Ascent. At first, I was concerned about the CVT transmission, but after conducting a ton of research, I found that this isn't as much of a concern as I'd originally thought. Plus, I found the competition (e.g., Telluride, Pilot, Jeep GC, Highlander) to be priced at about 4k to 10k more than what I was willing to pay. I personally think the Onyx edition (not the limited version) is the best deal for what you get in comparison to the other trim levels.
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Jojomojoooo
Jojomojooo, 01/14/2024
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is a great vehicle for the price. Comfortable, safe, refined, and plenty of power. Not an off-road vehicle, but that’s fine. It handles well on rougher ‘urban’ terrain and snow… all wheel drive is awesome!
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Great safety features and ample seating for 8
Daniel Egeler , 08/02/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Excellent safety features when choosing the optional technology package. Very practical, safe, and roomy. Several thousand less than similarly equipped competitors
Poor MPG
Mel D, 05/01/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
25 of 33 people found this review helpful
My biggest complaint with our 2023 ascent onyx edition is the "said" mpg. We were told that we would have an average of 20 -26 mpg. We have had the vehicle for over 4 months. We have taken several trips (setting the cruise and being very mindful of acceleration to try and reach those numbers. The highest that we have reached is 18.7 mpg and that was last week after and 8 hr road trip. 😔 The vehicle itself is nice and has nice features but the reason that we went with this vehicle was because it supposedly had the better mpg in its category. They were wrong.
FA24 Turbo Paradise
niverville, 09/09/2024
2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I buy cars based on the Engine, my wife buys them based on comfort and practicality. This car delivers on both. Got to Love that this Ascent, ours is Onyx Edition has the Engine from the WRX remapped for more Torque code named FA24 BRZ has the high compression naturally aspirated version. All I can say is Subaru really Delivers with this 2.4 Liter Turbo. Not much to be desired for more power. Just buy this SUV and enjoy its sleeper status. Nobody will suspect how fast your new Ascent really is : ) This subaru ascent is our 5th subaru in the last 12 years and we are in love can wait to see the next gen subaru ascent. Kids Love this car too. Honestly not sure what trim id recommend buy i think if your lucky enough to be able to own an Ascent any of the trims will do as what makes this SUV special is the 0-60 and quarter mile times. Its like an affordable Explorer ST with ever so slightly less performance with the trade off of much better fuel economy. If you need more acceleration than Ascent can deliver Id choose the SRT 8 or 5.7 RT Durango. Also be aware Cobb Tuning offers CPU upgrade for this Ascent to turn up the Boost then your in Explorer ST territory for around 15000$ Less or more. Forgot to mention handling is Descent and the Brakes perform well. Not going to lie 20 inch tires are expensive to buy if your tires wear out which they will fast if your enjoying the TURBO : ) Just don't expect incredible fuel efficiency and a fast car. If you drive this car slow it's good on gas if theirs no passengers. But we're definitely looking to purchase another subaru ascent in the near future 2025 ascent should be release in October or November 2024 let's hope but I can vouch for the 2023 Ascent Onyx for which we traded in our 2018 Subaru outback 2.5 touring
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2023 Subaru Ascent touring loaded bad vibes
Stupid Stinger, 06/07/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
34 of 50 people found this review helpful
Well I made the mistake of giving up my 2022 outback wilderness with 17700 miles for a 2023 Ascent. I loved my wilderness as it was super reliable. Problem from the get go, my salesman is a great guy was headed this way to deliver to my home Monday, . got within 30 miles of my home all the dash lights came on and RAB,Eyesite , and all other lights came on, he turned around took it back. the service dept did diagnostics and, reset found no problems. Waited till Wednesday (today) my salesman gets it to me, we sign papers swap vehicles. he shows us all the bells n whistles and leaves. one hour later my wife cranks this suv and dont back out 20 ft of our driveway, all lights on again , no eyesite, rab, vdc brakes. I go check it out crank and walk around the Ascent . I smell ammonia very strong. this vehicle has bad issues. dealer coming to get it and bring me free rental. WOW how i miss my Black on Black outback Wilderness terribly. How stupid could I be. But all the reviews are great but mine. Im crying now.
Upgrade
Raymond Zaraya, 12/03/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Replaced my 2019 with a Limited. It's a great vehicle as it's our traveling vehicle. We use our hybrid locally. Smooth comfortable ride. Our 2019 Premium got up to 31 mph on a trip so will see with this one. Wife loves all the heated controls. So far it has impressed us.
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Great experience!
ron, 06/13/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The Ascent comfortably meets our vehicle needs and exceeds our expectations.
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Great new ride
Lynn m Bishop, 01/13/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Love the color, way it rides and all the safety features it has. Plenty of room, and plenty of luxury features!!
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Love my new 2023 SUBARU Ascent.
VJ, 02/06/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've been enjoying my car from day1. It's a big SUV, has great technology and very comfortable. For 2023 they added great technology , I'm loving it.
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Perfect for the price
I Dee, 02/06/2023
2023 Subaru Ascent Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
Subaru feel and quality.
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