Subaru is updating its three-row Ascent SUV for the 2023 model year. The people hauler features a front and rear redesign, more standard features for streaming music and a new option that makes it easy for front-seat passengers to talk to the third-row occupants.
The Ascent debuted in 2019 as a replacement for the company's short-lived Tribeca SUV that was discontinued in 2014. The Ascent continues to ride on the Subaru Global Architecture, which underpins almost everything the company makes except for the BRZ coupe and the Solterra electric SUV.
Unchanged for 2023 is the powertrain, with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder engine making 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. That's connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters and the company's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
The Ascent also continues with 8.7-inches of ground clearance, available X-Mode for trail driving and active torque vectoring. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Now on to what's new.
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A New Design
The 2023 Subaru Ascent gets a new front fascia with a more aggressive grille. The LED headlights are also redesigned to look more modern, and the bumper cover is new too, with lower-edge air ducts to improve flow under the vehicle, according to Subaru.
The rear gets new lights too. These are C-shaped, like a few of its concepts, and bring the rear in line with the new front end. Chrome exhaust tips poke out from the corners.
The New Onyx Edition
The Ascent Onyx comes with black exterior trim and badges and 20-inch wheels, setting it apart from the other four trims. It comes standard with a panoramic power moonroof and power sunshade along with the upgraded Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen multimedia navigation.
It also includes X-Mode with hill descent control. That feature adjusts the traction control, throttle and torque vectoring to cut through snow, dirt and mud. It only works at speeds up to 25 miles per hour.
Cabin Connect
Cabin Connect is a new feature for Subaru that lets drivers and front passengers talk to the people in the third row. It picks up the driver's voice from the front microphone and broadcasts it through the rear speakers.
The option is available on all Ascents with a Harman Kardon QuantumLogic surround sound speaker system. That upgraded audio system is standard on the Touring model and optional on the Limited trim.
Upgraded EyeSight Safety
The latest version of EyeSight driver assist technology has a wider field of view and operates more smoothly, says Subaru. The system comes with updated control software and is helped through the addition of an electric brake booster.
The new Wide-Angle Mono Camera works together with the dual-camera EyeSight system, which can spot pedestrians and bicycles sooner when the vehicle enters an intersection at low speed, according to Subaru. The system has an alarm and can apply the brakes to avoid collisions when necessary. On models with blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, EyeSight can avoid a collision when traveling at less than 50 mph.
Bigger Screens, More Tech
The 2023 Ascent now comes standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, upgraded from last year's base 8-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard as is a new Valet Mode, which deactivates the alarm when valeting.
The Starlink multimedia system comes with the latest version of TomTom navigation and three years of satellite radio. But the navigation system is supplemented by what3words (W3W). What3words is a new navigation system that breaks the planet into 3x3 meter squares, with a three-word notation. The system will get drivers closer to a destination, especially when that destination is located where there aren't many addresses.
The 2023 Subaru Ascent goes on sale this fall. Pricing hasn't been announced but the 2022 Ascent started at $33,970 including destination.
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