- The 2024 Ascent is a 3-row midsize SUV
- Pricing starts at $34,395| Price it your way
- On sale now | See Ascent models on sale near you
The 2024 Subaru Ascent is the brand’s largest SUV, a 3-row model that competes against the likes of the Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mazda CX-90, and Honda Pilot.
With seating for up to eight people, the Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) across every trim. A subtle refresh for the 2023 model year helped modernize the exterior with new headlights and a larger grille. This midcycle reboot also improved the infotainment system and upgraded advanced driver aids like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
After this makeover, the Subaru Ascent is basically unchanged for 2024. The sole powertrain comprises a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). We found this engine to provide sufficient performance during our testing, even if many direct rivals have more power.
Eight trim levels are available, so finding the ideal 2024 Subaru Ascent for you might take a little homework. With this in mind, let’s take a look inside the 2024 Subaru Ascent.
Passenger Room and Comfort
During our time with Subaru’s largest SUV, we found it a roomy and relaxed driving companion. It doesn’t feel large from the driver’s seat. Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats are standard, as is a second-row bench seat. Second-row captain’s chairs can be substituted, improving comfort and access to the third row.
Captain’s chairs are available starting with the Premium trim, one level up from the base Ascent. We believe this upgrade is worth the added expenditure when you consider that the Premium also has a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and safety items like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist. Water-repellent upholstery and genuine leather trim are standard in higher trims like the Onyx Edition and Touring trims.
If there’s a minor gripe with the Ascent, it’s this: There’s not much stretch-out space in the third row. With 31.7 inches of legroom, the Ascent’s rear seating is best suited for kids.
Features and Tech
That stated, the 2024 Subaru Ascent doesn’t skimp on onboard technology, even if you prefer to stick with more affordable lower trims. An 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, along with four USB ports, satellite radio, and a 6-speaker stereo. We also appreciate the infotainment system’s user-friendly nature and its menus’ clarity.
Another point in the Ascent’s favor? Subaru continues to use physical controls for frequently used functions like audio volume and climate control settings. All too often, modern vehicles bury controls like these deep within touchscreen menus that distract from daily driving. The Ascent Limited is highlighted by a 360-degree surround-view monitor and a particularly rich-sounding 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.
Recent camera and software improvements have also boosted the capability of standard driver aids like the Ascent’s automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. This and other safety items are bundled into what Subaru calls its EyeSight suite of driver-assist technologies. The Ascent has routinely scored top marks in safety/crash tests conducted by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Materials and Design
Airy and accommodating are perhaps the best ways to describe the interior environment of the Ascent. We’ve already mentioned adult-friendly space in the first two rows, especially when second-row captain’s chairs are ordered. While there are some budget-looking trim pieces here and there, particularly in lower trims, the overall feeling of the Ascent cabin is robust and built to last.
The cloth seating and second-row bench seat in the base Ascent are perfectly acceptable. Yet we know many SUV shoppers will enjoy stepping up to higher trims with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
The cargo room in the 2024 Subaru Ascent is about mid-pack for a midsize SUV. With every seat occupied, you’ll find 17.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row. This expands to 43.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.
A power liftgate is available on the Ascent Premium. It’s part of the Convenience package, which includes keyless entry with push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and reverse automatic braking.
Build and price your version of the 2024 Subaru Ascent to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see Ascent models for sale near you.
