Subaru debuts refreshed 2023 Ascent 3-row SUV



(June 15, 2022) Subaru of America has announced the 2023 Ascent 3-row family SUV with updated styling as well as new safety and in-vehicle technologies.  Also new for 2023, the Onyx Edition trim level receives new exterior and interior accents and a comprehensive option package.  The Ascent is available in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trim levels and arrives in Subaru retailers this fall.

For 2023 model year, Ascent receives a bolder look thanks to a new front
fascia incorporating a more prominent grille; redesigned LED headlights; and a more aggressive front bumper cover. The new front bumper cover features new lower-edge air ducts to improve aerodynamic flow under the vehicle. At the back of the vehicle, updated Konoji (C-shaped) taillights further exemplify the SUV’s fresh new look for 2023.
 

It comes standard with the latest version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The enhanced system operates more smoothly and under a greater range of conditions. These improvements are thanks to a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. Also standard across the model line is a Wide-Angle Mono Camera that works together with the dual-camera EyeSight system. The additional camera further expands the field of view to recognize pedestrians and bicycles sooner when the vehicle enters an intersection at low speed. EyeSight gives an alert to the driver, and, when necessary, applies brakes to avoid collisions with crossing bicycles and pedestrians.
 
On models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, EyeSight includes Automatic Emergency St
eering. The new feature works in conjunction with the Pre-Collision Braking System to help steer the vehicle to avoid a collision when traveling at speeds less than 50 mph.
 
New Cabin Connect improves communication from the driver or front passenger to the third-row occupants. When activated, the feature picks up the driver or front passenger’s voice by the overhead console microphone and then transmits through the rear speakers. Cabin Connect is available on trim levels equipped with Harman Kardon QuantumLogic surround sound speaker system.
 
For better all-around situational awareness while parking, an available Surround View Monitor offers a 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle. The new system uses images from four vehicle cameras and combines them to create a single image that allows the area around the entire vehicle to be observed from a bird’s-eye view.
 
On all 2023 Ascent models, a newly standard tablet-style 11.6-inch Full HD center information display offers direct touch controls for multimedia, climate control, X-MODE, and vehicle configuration settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard. Every Ascent also features Steering Responsive LED headlights with High Beam Assist for improved nighttime visibility. Additionally, a Seat Belt Reminder for each seat helps ensure all passengers are buckled up.
 
The Ascent Onyx Edition is equipped with exclusive black-finish exterior elements, badging, and 20-inch black-finish aluminum alloy wheels. The seats are wrapped in Subaru StarTex® water-repellant material with new contrasting green stitching.

The Onyx Edition gains a standard panoramic power moonroof, which features a tilt/slide glass panel over the front seats, a fixed glass panel over the middle row, and a power sunshade. This impressive glass roof remains standard for the Touring and optional for the Limited trims.

The U.S.-built Ascent is the most versatile Subaru ever with 8-person seating or available captain’s chairs in the second row for 7-person seating. Two rows of 60/40 split flat-folding seats offer up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space when folded.

All Ascent trim levels come standard with Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control for exceptional all-weather and trail-driving capability. Active Torque Vectoring is also standard on all trim levels. The 3-row SUV’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is greater than many SUVs, delivers capability while maintaining a comfortably low step-in height for passenger entry.

Powered by a 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine, the Ascent comes standard with Subaru’s high-torque Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) featuring an 8-speed manual mode function and steering wheel paddle shifters to give the driver added control. This powertrain allows up to 5,000-pound towing capacity with standard Trailer Stability Assist.