To stay competitive in the auto market today, you must offer something no one provides. As obvious as it sounds, very few brands are walking the talk, and Subaru is one brand that delivers on this premise. Subaru has carved a niche for itself in the SUV segment by offering its range of boxer engines coupled with its legendary all-wheel drive systems.
The 2023 Subaru Ascent doesn't fall short of that glory, as it can fit eight passengers and has an all-wheel drive system. Despite being the flagship model in Subaru's lineup, the Ascent has always lived in the shadow of the Forester and the Outback. Aside from that, Its significant road noise, coupled with a lack luster third-row seat, were among several issues preventing the Ascent from winning the hearts of detractors. These setbacks are what kept the Ascent from ascending to the level of other mid-size three-row SUVs, until now.
Problems That Plagued The Subaru Ascent
Issues faced by the 2023 Subaru Ascent can be traced back to its 2019 predecessor. As a common thing that comes with delving into a new product line, Subaru botched up their initial Ascent SUV line as they received heavy criticism from consumers and various industry experts. As a result, the subsequent models (2020, 2021, and 2022) strayed from Subaru's long-standing reputation for reliability. According to Car complaints, the 2019 Ascent had three primary issues, an open tailgate that drains battery life, a windshield prone to cracks, and the SUV failing to start. Consumer Reports also noted that the three-row SUV required two separate service campaigns to address suspension and climate system problems. However, all of these issues were specific to the 2019 model year.
The 2019 and 2020 Ascent models also faced two separate recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Recalls included a faulty drive chain that broke which caused the power loss and a fuel pump failure which causes the engine to stall altogether. This issue affected 160,941 Ascent 2019 models. However, Subaru has since replaced the defective fuel pumps in the recalled 2019 Ascent models. Despite these challenges, Subaru worked tirelessly to improve the Ascent's image. The 2023 model aims to rectify these problems and restore the company's reputation for manufacturing dependable SUVs.
What Bragging Rights Does The 2023 Subaru Ascent Have?
Although the 2019 Ascent dealt a significant blow to the brand, Subaru tried to correct these issues in its 2021 and 2022 models. They refreshed the 2023 Ascent with a new grille design, more cladding above the fog lights, improved lighting, and better standard equipment to make a statement in the three-row mid-size SUV lineup. The new 11.6-inch touchscreen is vertically oriented, replacing the 6.5-inch and optional 8.0-inch infotainment displays, and there's now a 360-degree camera and Cabin Connect internal speaker system.
The infotainment system may lack customization settings, but it has all the features you want, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.The Onyx Edition also looks sharp with green interior stitching, a panoramic sunroof, and extra drive modes with hill-descent control and active torque veectoring.
The 2023 model is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four boxer engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277-pound-feet of torque, through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Despite being a large vehicle, the Ascent recorded an impressive 27 mpg on CarAndDriver's 75-mile highway fuel-economy test. The publication also noted that this is marginally better than competitors like the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-9 from the same class. The EPA estimates between 21 and 22 mpg combined.
What's more, the Ascent's trademark all-wheel-drive system makes it the perfect family SUV for camping and road trips, and with a staggering 5,000-pound towing capacity (except base trim), you can haul anything you need for your adventure. More so, the Ascent gets the highest crash scores from the IIHS, earning it the Top Safety Pick+ award as Subaru's EyeSight Safety Suite is now standard.
Exceptional Value For Money
So, why is the 2023 Subaru Ascent an underrated three-row mid-size SUV if it checks all these boxes? If you are looking for a standout three-row mid-size SUV that offers great value for money, the Subaru Ascent 2023 should be on your list. The Subaru Ascent excels in everything from practicality to safety features. Its well-designed cabin has spacious first two rows, making it an ideal family choice. Additionally, the three-row mid-size SUV has a long list of standard driver-assistance features, giving it a safety edge over its competitors.
Available across four trims, the Ascent's base price of $33,895 is lower than many of its rivals, like the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot. Premium options, such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker sound system, are available at a reasonable upcharge. Combine that with all the updates that the 2023 model brings to the table and making it a great value for those who want luxury features without the hefty price tag.
The Ascent's off-road abilities with X-Mode, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and impressive 8.7-inch ground clearance set it apart from the competition. Perhpas, a Wilderness trim would be the the ultimate addition to the Ascent lineup. With its reasonable base price, extensive features, and premium options, it's serves up as a great option in the three-row SUV class.