2023 Subaru Ascent in Rhode Island
Overview
Of all the models in Subaru’s intrepid stable, the adventure-primed Ascent is the most robust. This three-row SUV offers plenty of practicality and fun since it’s laden with desirable equipment and comes standard with all-wheel drive, just as drivers have come to expect from Subaru. It also has a long list of standard safety features, including state-of-the-art driver-assist technologies.
For 2023, the Ascent receives a slate of attention-getting updates. In addition to a new exterior appearance, its infotainment system has been updated with a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). The EyeSight suite of advanced safety technologies has been upgraded as well with an improved camera plus standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The ’23 Ascent qualifies for a new surround-view camera, too, in addition to an in-car PA system called Cabin Connect. To top it off, the Onyx Edition gains green interior contrast stitching, a panoramic sunroof, and the X-Mode driving system, which provides hill descent control and dual-function drive modes for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud.
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Trims, Powertrain, and Performance
The ’23 Ascent is a midsized all-wheel drive SUV that’s offered in six trim levels: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, and Touring. The Base, Premium, and Limited come standard with a middle-row bench that enables an eight-passenger seating capacity; the Premium and Limited are eligible for second-row captain’s chairs instead (these are standard in the other three trims), reducing seating to seven. All trims receive a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 260 hp and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The maximum towing capacity for the Base is 2,000 lb., but the rest can tow up to 5,000 lb. According to the EPA, the Base and Premium return an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the Onyx Edition and above grades achieve 19 city/25 highway.
Base
The Ascent packs in a lot of value, as even the Base gets tri-zone automatic climate control and steering-responsive LED headlights. Its other standard merits are keyless entry, raised roof rails, and an underfloor storage compartment in the cargo area. It’s ready for a full load of passengers with seating for eight and more than enough cupholders for everyone (19!), as well as places to plug in: there are front-row USB-A and USB-C data ports and second-row USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
The updated EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite is included as well. It equips the Ascent Base with advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. Automatic high beams are standard, too. The basic version of Subaru Starlink Multimedia Plus uses an 11.6-inch touchscreen to control the sounds system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming.
Premium
The Premium is upgraded with the likes of heated front seats (the driver’s is power-adjustable), stain-resistant upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, exterior mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators, a windshield wiper de-icer, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and separate climate controls for the middle row. Blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert is added to the EyeSight suite.
Onyx Edition
Besides the green contrast stitching on its StarTex upholstery and the panoramic sunroof that have been added to its standard equipment list this model year, the Onyx Edition gets a power liftgate, a heated steering wheel, push-button ignition, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. It’s distinguished on the exterior with black accents and LED fog lights. Proximity access adds to this trim’s convenience factor, while the addition of reverse automatic braking increases the safety quotient.
Limited
The Limited does not get the sunroof, but it becomes more comfortable for occupants with leather seats with full power-adjustability in the front row, leather upholstery, position memory for the driver’s seat (and side mirrors), and heated second-row outboard seats. The third row gets its own USB-A charging ports, and DriverFocus distraction mitigation joins the safety suite.
Onyx Edition Limited
The Onyx Edition Limited starts with the same features as the regular Onyx Edition but adds the power front passenger’s seat, heated second-row outboard seats, position memory settings, and two third-row USB ports. It also has the Cabin Connect in-car PA system and a surround-view monitor. The Starlink infotainment system gains voice recognition and integrated navigation as well as improved sound with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Touring
At the top of the hierarchy, the Touring trim has Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, power-folding exterior mirrors, a digital rearview mirror, and a 120V power outlet. Like the other trims, it’s eligible for wireless phone charging.
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