2023 Subaru Ascent

Competing in the crowded midsize SUV market segment, the Subaru Ascent is one of the more-appealing choices among its peers. It's very car-like to drive but still has reasonable off-road capabilities, and Subaru's reputation for reliability and safety means that the Ascent is particularly enticing to family-oriented buyers. Only one powertrain is offered in the Ascent, but it's one of the best in Subaru's current arsenal. The 2.4-liter turbocharged flat four-cylinder engine sends 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through a CVT, as is Subaru's custom, but that healthy torque output at least mitigates some of the CVT's downsides.

This market segment is awash with compelling alternatives, with notable competitors to the Subaru Ascent including the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, along with the Volkswagen Atlas and Honda Pilot. That's an impressive list of challengers, and the Subaru's appeal in the face of such alternatives is indicative of the completeness of the package on offer with the Ascent.

The Base Subaru Ascent has an MSRP of $33,895, rising to $36,495 for the eight-seater Premium trim. The seven-seater Premium costs $37,995, but includes the Convenience Package as standard to justify its higher price.

In Onyx Edition trim, the Subaru Ascent carries an MSRP of $41,295, while the Onyx Edition Limited costs $46,295 on account of its extra luxury features. Both seven- and eight-seater Ascent Limited trims have the same MSRP of $41,595, and the range-topping Ascent Touring has an MSRP of $48,195.

These prices exclude dealership markups and destination charges. The latter amounts to $1,225 for all Subaru Ascent models.

The Subaru Ascent's handling is exactly as you'd expect from any SUV with a bias towards ride comfort, with plenty of body roll and comparatively low grip levels. It's not a very engaging driving experience, with numb albeit accurate steering and safe understeer as the grip limits are approached. However, that is par for the course in this segment, and, as we've said in our previous Subaru Ascent review, the remarkably comfortable ride more than compensates for the decidedly unsporting driving dynamics.

Performance is quite brisk, however. The 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine may not be the quietest or smoothest power unit out there, but it does perform surprisingly well despite the Ascent's hefty curb weight. 260 hp isn't earth-shattering, especially not for such a comparatively large engine, but the 277 lb-ft of torque comes on early and stays for a while. The result is a 0-60 mph dash in around 6.7 seconds, along with enough reserve torque to overtake with ease. It's not the fastest thing out there, but the Ascent's balance of performance and ease of driving is as close to ideal as you're likely to find in its segment.

Given the requirements of a family-oriented, go-almost-anywhere SUV, the 2023 Subaru Ascent is very accomplished, and is one of the best-balanced options in its class. It is very capable in poor road conditions, has excellent safety credentials and adequate performance, a very good ride quality, and lots of comfort and convenience features as standard. Apart from its somewhat soggy driving dynamics and cramped third-row seating, the Ascent is quite difficult to fault, and the 2023 updates should be enough to maintain buyers' interest in a very good all-rounder. Competitors such as the Volkswagen Atlas, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride all have more-potent engines, either as standard or available as options, and they're all a bit more exciting to drive as well. However, the Subaru Ascent is still very close to as good as it gets in this segment.

The sensible money will go to a Premium-trim Ascent and either seven- or eight seats, because it offers everything you need and nothing that you don't - just be sure to add the Convenience Package if you opt fo the eight-seater. Luxury-minded buyers will likely spend a bit more on a Limited or Touring, but the Premium really does tick most of the same boxes at a much lower price than these high-end trims. An Onyx Edition Premium will do just fine for that rough-and-ready off-road look, with its blacked-out exterior and StarTex upholstery, though.