2023 Subaru Ascent Follows Legacy, Outback With Round of Updates
Subaru has made a number of changes to its largest SUV. The 2023 Ascent will arrive in dealerships this fall with refreshed styling and more technologies the whole family will enjoy.
Let’s start with the front fascia, where the revised grille and headlights are joined by a stylish new bar flowing from the Subaru logo. A new front bumper cover features lower-edge air ducts to improve aerodynamic flow under the vehicle. Overall, the Ascent looks a bit more aggressive, which is a good thing when you look at some of the competitors such as the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, both of which sport fresh looks for 2023, as well.
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Enhanced Safety
The taillights have an updated C-shaped design, while the latest version of EyeSight is included. Similar to the 2023 Subaru Legacy and Outback, a wide-angle mono camera works together with the dual-camera EyeSight system, expanding the field of view to recognize pedestrians and bicycles sooner when the vehicle enters an intersection at low speed.
Meanwhile, an additional feature called Automatic Emergency Steering works in conjunction with the Pre-Collision Braking System to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 80 km/h. And for better all-around situational awareness while parking, an available Surround View Monitor offers a 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle.
More Tech
The interior of the 2023 Subaru Ascent has not been overlooked, thankfully. All trim levels now come standard with a tablet-style, 11.6-inch Full HD centre touchscreen (previously 6.5 or 8 inches). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration no longer requires a USB cable, which is also good news.
Still following the lead of the Legacy and Outback, navigation-equipped Ascents incorporate what3words (W3W), an innovative location technology that provides a simple way to communicate precise geographical addresses anywhere in the world using just three words.
Families will appreciate the new Cabin Connect feature. When activated, an overhead console microphone picks up the driver or front passenger’s voice and then transmits through the rear speakers for easier communication with third-row occupants.
In Onyx trim (the one with several black accents on the exterior), contrasting green stitching and a standard panoramic power moonroof are new additions. And just like the Limited and Premier, this model gains standard dual-function X-MODE (with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings) to optimize all-wheel drive performance for difficult weather or road conditions.
Same Engine
Ascent customers should not expect any changes under the hood, however. The turbocharged 2.4-litre BOXER engine returns with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a Lineartronic CVT featuring an eight-speed manual mode, not to mention Subaru’s symmetrical AWD with active torque vectoring.
As mentioned up top, the 2023 Subaru Ascent will arrive in Canadian dealerships this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.