2023 Subaru Ascent Touring First Test: Maximum Subie, But the Best 3-Row?

As the largest and best-equipped vehicle Subaru has ever made, the 2023 Ascent is the automaker's de facto flagship. Updated for this model year, the three-row SUV's styling is undeniably consistent with the rest of Subaru's offerings. It also comes equipped with the brand's latest infotainment and safety technology. We hopped behind the wheel of a range-topping 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring model to see if it rises to the top of the midsize, three-row SUV class.

Subaru equips every 2023 Ascent with a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that sends 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque to a standard all-wheel-drive system by way of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The drivetrain feels relaxed and understressed, and it helps the Ascent waft away from the line without needing much throttle input. This three-row Subaru accelerates as quickly as we'd expect for its class, reaching 60 mph in a respectable but not thrilling 7.1 seconds. We accomplished our best time using Subaru's steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to control its eight imitated gear ratios programmed into the CVT. Although the Ascent doesn't perform like a sports car, this feature should help entertain driving enthusiasts that ditched their WRX in order to buy something a little more practical.

Most folks driving this SUV daily won't use the manually selectable ratios and will still find the Ascent to be smooth, quiet, and predictable. For these shoppers, EPA figures matter more than our track data. The Ascent's 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway is on par with other all-wheel-drive rivals, beating the Kia Telluride, matching the Honda Pilot, and falling short of the Toyota Highlander. Total range comes out to 405 miles, plenty for longer stints on cross-country road trips.

The Ascent's brake pedal works with a firm action, but our track testing showed that Subaru's tire choice is a letdown. Stopping distances were reasonable for the segment, but we didn't feel the rubber bite under hard braking. The tires don't have sports-car lateral grip, either, but the Ascent can be pretty fun to drive if kept well within its modest handling limits. Steering is light and accurate, allowing for low-effort maneuvers in parking lots or on city streets. Suspension tuning is fairly soft, so there's some body roll in the corners, but the Ascent comfortably absorbs most road imperfections. Take it easy while you drive the 2023 Subaru Ascent, and enjoy a relaxing and laid-back ride.

Other three-row SUVs boast more futuristic cabins, yet the 2023 Subaru Ascent's interior looks upscale, especially when equipped with the Touring model's Slate Nappa leather seats and trim. Our test car came dressed up with fake wood accents, which look more convincing than expected thanks to their open-pore-look finish. We also dig the floormats, which have a cool, speckled pattern that looked premium and outdoorsy at the same time.

Thoughtful touches like trays that run along the length of the dash provide extra storage space for passengers. We especially like the little shelf to the left of the steering wheel that's just large enough to hold a phone or a garage door opener remote. Cupholders (and there are many) are well distributed throughout the cabin and are large enough to secure thermally insulated water bottles.

Second-row passengers are treated to captain's chairs finished in the same rich leather found up front. The rear doors open wide, making it easy to get into and out of the SUV. Subaru outfits the middle row with two USB ports, its own air conditioning controls, and heated seats.

As much as we like the second row, getting into the third row can be tough. The lever that collapses the captain's chairs is only accessible on the outside of the second-row seats, which don't slide forward automatically as other models in the three-row SUV segment offer. On an hour-long trip with a car full of adults, we ultimately defaulted to using the center aisle to get into the back.

Once passengers squeeze into the third row, most people above average height will find it to be a tight fit. Taller passengers might bump their heads on the ceiling, and the D-pillar makes the rear greenhouse feel even more cramped. With every seat in the car adjusted for my 5-foot-9 frame, I can sit with legroom to spare in each row, but three taller adults sitting side by side on the back bench won't be comfortable. Subaru does stick two USB ports in the rear, but only on the right side of the row, so passengers will need to bring an extra-long cable if they're sitting on the left side of the Ascent. Behind the third row, there's barely enough space for more than three grocery bags. The Ascent is exceptionally spacious if it's used like a midsize SUV with the rear seats flipped down, but other models on the market carry more with all three rows in use.

Our 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring test car came stuffed with all the best gear the automaker offers. At first, the 11.6-inch infotainment display that resides at the center of the dashboard looks massive and impressive. Once you start poking around the large touchscreen, though, it quickly becomes apparent that the graphics are slow and look outdated. The buttons and controls around the display are round, chunky, and made from glossy black plastic. Together with the cheap-feeling display, the center stack undermines the rest of the cabin's premium feel. Thankfully, once Apple CarPlay or Android Auto fire up, the system becomes a little easier on the eyes.

The standard Harman Kardon audio system at least sounds clear and full, distributing music evenly throughout the entire cabin with a total of 14 speakers. Up front, the driver will be well taken care of in all weather conditions by seats with heating and ventilation as well as a heated steering wheel.

Subaru outfits the Ascent with its EyeSight suite of active driver assistance features, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, curve-adaptive headlights, and automatic high-beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system are also included on the Touring model. The camera system isn't the highest resolution we've seen from this segment, and the backup camera is particularly blurry.

We think Subaru tunes its adaptive cruise control system to accelerate and brake in natural ways, and the lane centering mode keeps the Ascent comfortably centered by tracking the vehicle ahead rather than the lane lines. This can present issues if, say, the vehicle ahead makes a poor move or leaves the lane; at one point, the Ascent with EyeSight running tried following the vehicle ahead out of the lane. Passive lane minding tends to be aggressive, so if you plan to steer manually, we recommend disabling that feature.

Crash safety is one of the Ascent's best attributes. It receives a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, which just renewed its testing standards to be stricter for 2023. The Ascent garners top marks in every category of crashworthiness and for active safety technology. Its curve-adaptive headlights also receive the highest score offered.

Subaru undercuts many of its rivals, even in Touring guise. With no additional options, our test car stickers for $49,420. That includes the gorgeous Autumn Green Metallic paint, luxurious leather seating, all-wheel drive, and a host of comfort and convenience features. Some three-row SUVs go a little further to better outfit the second and third rows, while others offer better driving dynamics, but they also cost more. The 2023 Kia Telluride SX Prestige starts at $51,955, the 2023 Honda Pilot AWD Touring begins at $50,245, and the 2023 Toyota Highlander Limited with all-wheel drive starts at $49,560. If the Ascent's smooth drivetrain, pleasing first and second rows, and safety suite appeal, it represents a solid value. The Ascent is pleasant to drive, comfortable, and as safe as three-row SUVs come, even if its cabin tech and third-row sweat area hold it back from the top of the class.