Subaru debuts refreshed 2023 Ascent 3-row SUV
On models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, EyeSight includes Automatic Emergency Steering. The new feature works in conjunction with the Pre-Collision Braking System to help steer the vehicle to avoid a collision when travelling at speeds less than 50 mph.
New Cabin Connect improves communication from the driver or front passenger to the third-row occupants. When activated, the feature picks up the driver or front passenger's voice by the overhead console microphone and then transmits through the rear speakers. Cabin Connect is available on trim levels equipped with Harman Kardon® QuantumLogic™ surround sound speaker system.
For better all-around situational awareness while parking, an available Surround View Monitor offers a 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle. The new system uses images from four vehicle cameras and combines them to create a single image that allows the area around the entire vehicle to be observed from a bird's-eye view.
On all 2023 Ascent models, a newly standard tablet-style 11.6-inch Full HD center information display offers direct touch controls for multimedia, climate control, X-MODE, and vehicle configuration settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard. Every Ascent also features Steering Responsive LED headlights with High Beam Assist for improved nighttime visibility. Additionally, a Seat Belt Reminder for each seat helps ensure all passengers are buckled up.
Onyx Edition Adds More Luxury and Capability
The Ascent Onyx Edition is equipped with exclusive black-finish exterior elements, badging, and 20-inch black-finish aluminum alloy wheels. The seats are wrapped in Subaru StarTex® water-repellant material with new contrasting green stitching.
The Onyx Edition gains a standard panoramic power moonroof, which features a tilt/slide glass panel over the front seats, a fixed glass panel over the middle row, and a power sunshade. This impressive glass roof remains standard for the Touring and optional for the Limited trims.
Enhancing all-weather and trail capability, the 2023 Ascent Onyx Edition, Limited and Touring gain standard dual-function X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control. X-MODE functions include SNOW/DIRT and DEEP SNOW/MUD settings to optimize all-wheel drive performance for difficult weather or road conditions.
A newly available comprehensive option package for Onyx Edition includes the SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system with Harman Kardon® QuantumLogic™ surround sound speaker system featuring new Cabin Connect. Additional features added to the package are a 12-way power driver's seat with 4-way power lumbar and two-position memory; adjustable driver's seat cushion extension; 4-way power front passenger seat; second row sunshades and outboard heated seat positions. A high-grade instrument combination meter with color LCD and dual illuminated front center-console cupholders are also included with this option package.
Driver assist technologies included in the option package are new Surround View Monitor and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System.
Smart and Strong Foundation
Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Ascent delivers an unparalleled driving experience with a spacious interior offering comfortable and flexible seating options. The U.S.-built Ascent is the most versatile Subaru ever with 8-person seating or available captain's chairs in the second row for 7-person seating. Two rows of 60/40 split flat-folding seats offer up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space when folded.
All Ascent trim levels come standard with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control for exceptional all-weather and trail-driving capability. Active Torque Vectoring is also standard on all trim levels. The 3-row SUV's 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is greater than many SUVs, delivers capability while maintaining a comfortably low step-in height for passenger entry.
Powered by a 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine, the Ascent comes standard with Subaru's high-torque Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) featuring an 8-speed manual mode function and steering wheel paddle shifters to give the driver added control. This powertrain allows up to 5,000-lb.towing capacity with standard Trailer Stability Assist.
Five Trim Levels for the Family-focused SUV
The 2023 Ascent provides an extensive roster of standard amenities including tri-zone front and rear automatic climate control; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; automatic power door locks; power windows and side mirrors; multi-function display; security system with engine immobilizer; rear vision camera; USB-A and USB-C input/charge ports in the front and rear sections of the center console; raised roof rails; and 19 cupholders. New for this year, the standard rear vison camera includes a washer to ensure a clear view while backing up.
The Premium trim adds Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; rear window privacy glass; 8-way power driver seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever handle; second-row independent automatic climate control; body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and the All-Weather Package with heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats, and windshield wiper de-icer.
The Premium trim's in-vehicle technology has available Wi-Fi and STARLINK Connected Services (subscriptions necessary). An option package for Premium includes Keyless Access with Push-Button Start; Power Rear Gate; Auto-Dimming Mirror with HomeLink®; and Reverse Automatic Braking. The Premium trim offers a choice between second-row bench seating or captain's chairs at no additional charge.
The Onyx Edition builds upon the 7-seat Premium trim and adds standard convenience features including Power Moonroof; Reverse Automatic Braking; Power Rear Gate, and Keyless Access with Push-Button Start. The Onyx Edition stands out among the other trim levels with exclusive exterior and interior accents and unique 20-inch black-finish aluminum alloy wheels.
The well-equipped Limited includes all Premium features and adds Reverse Automatic Braking; DriverFocus; Keyless Access with Push-Button Start; and Power Rear Gate with automatic lock button for gate and doors.
The Limited interior features leather-trimmed upholstery; 12-way power driver seat with lumbar support and seat bottom cushion extension; 4-way power front passenger seat; and second-row retractable sunshades. A new USB-A charge port has been added to the third row. Limited models also include heated second-row seating and a heated steering wheel (360 degree). Also, customers have the choice between second-row bench seating or captain chairs at no additional charge. The exterior of the Limited is distinguished by LED fog lights; lower door cladding with chrome accents; and new 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels in dark gray with machine finish.
The top-of-the-line Ascent Touring is equipped with all the features of the Limited and adds an exclusive high gloss black grille; chrome door handles; and satin chrome power-folding exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. The unique interior includes woodgrain-pattern matte finish accent trim and either Slate Black or Java Brown perforated leather-trimmed upholstery. Three-mode ventilated driver and front passenger seats are also standard on Touring.
The Touring comes standard with the SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system; Harman Kardon QuantumLogic surround sound system with new Cabin Connect; Power Moonroof; and Rain-Sensing Wipers. Standard Surround View Monitor System, Smart Rear-View Mirror, and 180-degree front-view camera greatly enhance all-around visibility.