2023 Subaru Ascent
What’s new
- Revised front and rear styling
- Some advanced driver aids have been enhanced
- Standard 11.6-inch touchscreen display
- Part of the first Ascent generation introduced for 2019
Pros & Cons
- High-quality interior materials
- Generous ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive
- Accelerator pedal is too touchy
- Invasive engine and tire noise
- Not much second-row shoulder room, and third row is tight
2023 Subaru Ascent Trim Pricing
2023 Subaru Ascent Review
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.
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 more features for the Onyx Edition trim level.
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 that's 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?
Subaru Ascent models
[Editor's note: The following information is partially based on last year's Ascent as Subaru hasn't released finalized specs. We'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Subaru Ascent is available in five trim levels: base, Premium, Onyx Edition, 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: