For the latest Subaru Ascent pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/subaru/ascent/

In a competitive world of Mid-size 3-row SUV’s, Subaru wanted to make sure its loyal fanbase had a family friendly option. It’s called the Ascent.


Introduced in 2018, the Ascent is Subaru’s largest vehicle. It can accommodate 7 or 8 passengers, and is very much a family oriented ride. With standard 3-zone climate control, 4 USB ports, and this conversation mirror, you can keep an eye on your cool crew in the back.

The wide opening rear doors and flat step allow easy 3rd row access.


As far as 3rd seat space, let’s see how the ascent stacks up…

Well, there will be no stacking for taller adults like myself. I’m 6’4” and I have no headroom. Also, the 2nd row seat is forward a decent amount and I dig into the back portion.

HOWEVER this would work out perfect for a much smaller child. They can be back here and enjoy their ride while they think of Cocomelon. Kids go crazy over that show.

The 2nd row is a much better option for adults.

Behind the 3rd row, there’s a workable 17.8 Cubic feet of space.

For even more space, there’s an underfloor storage area for some more nooking. But if you’re like me and you won’t need the 3rd row, folding the seats will yield 47.5 Cu-Ft. And with 2nd and 3rd row seats down, you’ll have up to 86.5 cu-ft of hauling space, which is bigger than both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

Now, you might think that in a family friendly SUV that simplicity will reign supreme… but this 2 step process to lower the 2nd row would be cooler with just one simple motion.

Speaking of simplicity, step up front to the intuitive and simple to work infotainment system. Base models include a 6.5 inch screen with android auto and apple carplay, while upper trims get the 8 inch screen with available navigation.

This system is very easy to use and that’s a good thing when you’re on the move. But it would have been cool to have included that larger 11.6 inch screen found in the smaller Subaru Outback.


Screen size complaints aside, the seats are comfortable and offered in regular or stain resistant cloth, leather, or this starTex water resistant material included in the new Onyx Edition for the 2022 model year.


I personally would prefer the Onyx edition.

There’s a 2.4L turbo boxer engine (260 hp/277 lb-ft) powering all trim levels with more than adequate power to merge on the freeway, or drag race to daycare.

I was actually surprised by the performance of the Ascent. With a small turbo 4, you would think propelling a heavy vehicle like this would be an issue, but it isn’t. Getting up to speed is no problem. The only problem I have… is the CVT.


That CVT paired with a turbo equals less than thrilling acceleration off the line. And even at a modest pace, the Ascent often accelerates with surging inconsistent feel. If you’d like to approximate that traditional gear feeling, there are paddles to select CVT ratios yourself.


For normal driving, the Ascent works well. The ride is smooth, visibility is good thanks to the tall windows, steering and brake feel are compliant and confident, and it feels like you’re driving a smaller vehicle. I’ll also note that the cabin is nice and quiet.


All Ascents come with Subaru’s symmetrical AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. There’s also an off-road oriented X-Mode with a hill descent feature.

We know a lot of buyers who drive in the city won’t be utilizing the AWD capability, but it’s good to know X-mode helps you descend in an Ascent.

But thankfully, Subaru has made their eyesight suite of active safety features standard on all trims. So even the base trim offers lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Base price for the Ascent starts at just over $32 grand ($32,295) not including destination.

If you’d like heated front seats, second row climate controls, and a power rear gate, spring for the premium trim at just over $34 and a half thousand dollars ($34,795). The new onyx edition includes the aesthetic features mentioned earlier plus a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, and push button start for a little under $38 grand ($37,995) noting that this trim is only available with the 2nd row captain’s chairs.


Moving into more of a luxury territory, the Limited trim starting at over $39 and a half thousand ($39,595) includes more USB ports, 2nd row sunshades, heated 2nd row seats, leather seats with driver’s seat lumbar support, fog lights, and 20-inch wheels.

However, for the loyal Subaru enthusiasts who have outgrown their Crosstreks or Outbacks, the Ascent gives them a 3-row solution. And with presumably high resale values, standard AWD and safety tech, it’s hard not to consider being part of the Subaru family
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00:00 Year Make Model
0:40 Exterior
1:07 Interior
2:50 Engine
4:38 Driving Impressions
6:50 Competitors