The 3-row Subaru is getting a facelift.
Subaru fans are a loyal bunch. The Japanese brand made its modern reputation on dependable cars with sure-footed all-wheel drive (AWD) and agile balance thanks to their unusually low-mounted boxer engines. But most Subie lovers are at home in a 2-row vehicle like the Outback or Forester.
There’s just one option for those who need to carry a larger crew. The Ascent is well-liked for the same reason other Subaru cars are. Its standard AWD and solid list of safety tech keep a lot of Subaru lovers in the fold when their families expand.
For 2023, Subaru won’t mess with that formula. They’ll just touch it up a bit.
Subaru hasn’t announced pricing for the 2023 Ascent. The 2022 model starts at $32,795 plus a $1,175 destination fee.
New Face, New Infotainment Tech
The 2023 Ascent gets a more assertive look, though designers confined most of their changes to the front end. A larger grille is split by a horizontal chrome bar and flanked by reshaped headlights. The front bumper now incorporates a pair of chrome-lined air intakes. C-shaped tail lights renew the look of the rear.
Inside, new technology is everywhere. Last year’s Ascent used a 6.5-inch touchscreen as standard equipment and let buyers move up to an 8-inch model for an added fee. This year, every buyer gets a larger, portrait-mounted 11.6-inch model. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto join the standard equipment list as well.
EyeSight Upgrades
Subaru’s latest EyeSight suite of active safety features includes automatic emergency steering to help guide you around obstacles at speeds up to 50 mph. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology now consists of a wide-angle camera that is optional on many other Subaru cars but standard on the 2023 Ascent. A 360-degree camera is optional here.
The 2023 Ascent comes in the same five flavors as the 2022 model — Base, Premium, Onyx, Limited, and Touring. The Onyx model is going a bit more upscale, now with standard navigation, 12-way adjustable driver’s seat, heated outboard rear seats, and an intercom system that lets the driver talk to third-row passengers.
