2023 Ascent

[JRodrigues]

New front for the 2023 model and more equipment.

Even more safety, style, and technology.

Designed to Impress
The 2023 Ascent brings a whole new level of style with a bold new gloss black and chrome front grille, updated trim and accents, and redesigned front and rear lights. The wheels feature a new geometric design for a cutting-edge look.

Restyled Ascent Onyx Edition
The Ascent Onyx Edition is upgraded for 2023 with even more style and capability. Dual-Function X-MODE helps you tackle slippery terrain. A standard panoramic power moonroof makes the comfortable interior even more airy and inviting. Exclusive accents and 20-inch black-finish wheels turn heads from every angle.

SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia with New 11.6-Inch Touchscreen

For the first time, the Ascent now features a standard high-resolution 11.6-inch touchscreen that makes it even easier to control the STARLINK Multimedia with standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto***8482; integration1. Wireless Bluetooth® pairing and hands-free smartphone operation allow for safe and easy connection to your favorite apps and content. A voice-activated navigation system powered by TomTom® is available to make it easy to find your next family adventure.

Enhanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

The Ascent features upgraded standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology2 for 2023. EyeSight monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control, and warns you when you're swaying outside your lane3. The automatic Pre-Collision Braking feature can even apply full braking force and bring you to a complete stop in emergency situations4. Automatic Emergency Steering, an all-new feature for the 2023 Ascent, can help you avoid a collision by providing automatic steering and pre-collision braking support if it determines there's enough space to intervene5. Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering3 can take some of the stress out of driving by helping with steering, braking, and throttle control - both in daily traffic and on long road trips.

360-degree Surround View Monitor
The 2023 Ascent features a newly available 360-degree Surround View Monitor to give you a comprehensive look at obstacles around you when parking.

Dual-Function X-MODE
New for 2023, Dual-Function X-MODE is available with settings for snow/dirt and deep snow/mud that give you more control on slick terrain and in inclement weather.

Cabin Connect
All-new Cabin Connect is available to let you talk to all your passengers by sending your voice to the rear speakers at the push of a button so you can communicate safely all the way to the back row without taking your eyes off the road.

June 14, 2022 , Camden, N.J. -

SUBARU DEBUTS REFRESHED 2023 ASCENT 3-ROW SUV FEATURING NEW STYLING, ENHANCED SAFETY FEATURES, AND UPDATED MULTIMEDIA
-Ascent receives a bolder look with a redesigned front and rear elements
-Latest version of EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology with Wide-Angle Mono Camera
-Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto***8482; are standard
-New Surround View Camera featuring a 360-degree overhead view is available
-Standard SUBARU STARLINK® 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system
-New Cabin Connect enhances communication capability to the third-row occupants
-Onyx Edition adds more standard features and new option package

Subaru of America Inc. today 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 2023 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.

The 2023 Ascent 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 Steering. The new feature works in conjunction with the Pre-Collision Braking System to help steer the vehicle to avoid a collision when travelling 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***8482; 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.

Onyx Edition Adds More Luxury and Capability
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.

Enhancing all-weather and trail capability, the 2023 Ascent Onyx Edition, Limited and Touring gain standard dual-function X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control. X-MODE functions include SNOW/DIRT and DEEP SNOW/MUD settings to optimize all-wheel drive performance for difficult weather or road conditions.

A newly available comprehensive option package for Onyx Edition includes the SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system with Harman Kardon® QuantumLogic***8482; surround sound speaker system featuring new Cabin Connect. Additional features added to the package are a 12-way power driver's seat with 4-way power lumbar and two-position memory; adjustable driver's seat cushion extension; 4-way power front passenger seat; second row sunshades and outboard heated seat positions. A high-grade instrument combination meter with color LCD and dual illuminated front center-console cupholders are also included with this option package.

Driver assist technologies included in the option package are new Surround View Monitor and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System.

Smart and Strong Foundation
Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Ascent delivers an unparalleled driving experience with a spacious interior offering comfortable and flexible seating options. 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-lb.towing capacity with standard Trailer Stability Assist.

Five Trim Levels for the Family-focused SUV
The 2023 Ascent provides an extensive roster of standard amenities including tri-zone front and rear automatic climate control; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; automatic power door locks; power windows and side mirrors; multi-function display; security system with engine immobilizer; rear vision camera; USB-A and USB-C input/charge ports in the front and rear sections of the center console; raised roof rails; and 19 cupholders. New for this year, the standard rear vison camera includes a washer to ensure a clear view while backing up.

The Premium trim adds Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; rear window privacy glass; 8-way power driver seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever handle; second-row independent automatic climate control; body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and the All-Weather Package with heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats, and windshield wiper de-icer.

The Premium trim's in-vehicle technology has available Wi-Fi and STARLINK Connected Services (subscriptions necessary). An option package for Premium includes Keyless Access with Push-Button Start; Power Rear Gate; Auto-Dimming Mirror with HomeLink®; and Reverse Automatic Braking. The Premium trim offers a choice between second-row bench seating or captain's chairs at no additional charge.

The Onyx Edition builds upon the 7-seat Premium trim and adds standard convenience features including Power Moonroof; Reverse Automatic Braking; Power Rear Gate, and Keyless Access with Push-Button Start. The Onyx Edition stands out among the other trim levels with exclusive exterior and interior accents and unique 20-inch black-finish aluminum alloy wheels.

The well-equipped Limited includes all Premium features and adds Reverse Automatic Braking; DriverFocus; Keyless Access with Push-Button Start; and Power Rear Gate with automatic lock button for gate and doors.

The Limited interior features leather-trimmed upholstery; 12-way power driver seat with lumbar support and seat bottom cushion extension; 4-way power front passenger seat; and second-row retractable sunshades. A new USB-A charge port has been added to the third row. Limited models also include heated second-row seating and a heated steering wheel (360 degree). Also, customers have the choice between second-row bench seating or captain chairs at no additional charge.
The exterior of the Limited is distinguished by LED fog lights; lower door cladding with chrome accents; and new 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels in dark gray with machine finish.

The top-of-the-line Ascent Touring is equipped with all the features of the Limited and adds an exclusive high gloss black grille; chrome door handles; and satin chrome power-folding exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. The unique interior includes woodgrain-pattern matte finish accent trim and either Slate Black or Java Brown perforated leather-trimmed upholstery. Three-mode ventilated driver and front passenger seats are also standard on Touring.

The Touring comes standard with the SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system; Harman Kardon QuantumLogic surround sound system with new Cabin Connect; Power Moonroof; and Rain-Sensing Wipers. Standard Surround View Monitor System, Smart Rear-View Mirror, and 180-degree front-view camera greatly enhance all-around visibility.

SUBARU IN-VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
The 2023 Ascent comes standard with the latest version of the STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto***8482; with full screen display. The system features an 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen with combination meter integration and improved on-screen controls for audio, climate control, X-MODE and vehicle features. Additional standard features include new Valet Mode; Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; rear vision camera; SiriusXM® All-Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link® (4-month free subscriptions); HD Radio®; and over-the-air updates.

The available 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia Navigation system includes voice-activated navigation powered by the latest version of TomTom® and SiriusXM Travel Link (3-year free subscription). New for 2023, the navigation system has integrated what3words (W3W), an innovative location technology that provides a simple way to communicate precise locations using just three simple words.

The Ascent is built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), a Zero-Landfill Facility in Lafayette, Indiana, along with the Impreza, Legacy, and Outback.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $270 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged nearly 78,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.

For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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[JRodrigues]

[DougNuts]

There's a lot of styling on the front end now, but I think I like it, based on the pictures.

[chanomatik]

Ascent out here lookin' more aggressive than the WRX.

Lookin' like a snack.

[Angelus911]

The black grill with chrome accent looks terrible.

[Snow Drift]

Looks good, although a lot of awkward lines.

[dwf137]

need more golf ball texture. too much paint.

[subyski]

Interesting they took Forester styling elements. It seems they wanted to differentiate it from being "a bigger Outback".

I do like the taillights better as it looks more complete.

[4S-TURBO]

More interesting they gave the Ascent and Legacy similar styling elements but not the Outback.

[OldBlu]

The tail lights definitely look better--more like the concepts. Not a fan of the front end. It looks like dated GM truck styling. Obviously similar to the Forester refresh, but I'm not a fan of that change either.

[kayen]

My suspicions of Subaru making the Ascent look worse and the terrible giant screen was right. Much happier that my wife has the 2022 model and likely last Subaru, except the possibility of a BRZ Ts.

[Kostamojen]

Purple? Looks great in purple.

Now make a Purple Impreza/Crosstrek/WRX

[heavyD]

Never been a fan of the lobster claw headlights and taillights but this looks okay with the all black grille. As long as they aren't straight up ugly I don't think appearance really matters with these vehicles as people buy them for the size.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by kayen

My suspicions of Subaru making the Ascent look worse and the terrible giant screen was right. Much happier that my wife has the 2022 model and likely last Subaru, except the possibility of a BRZ Ts.

Oh man. I didn't think the Ascent looked bad or anything. Just thought it was an OK look. I've loved this since I first saw it last year. Much better than what it is now. Got my fingers crossed that STARLINK 4.5 has worked out most of the kinks of 4.0. Did some online training today and already like some of the changes. Shoot, this may get me to buy it....with absolutely no need for it......instead of an Outback or Forester.

Originally Posted by Kostamojen

Purple? Looks great in purple.

Now make a Purple Impreza/Crosstrek/WRX

DIP!!!!!!! They brought back DIP!!!!!











Deep Indigo Pearl

[Bluefoton]

For some reason, I never got to like the lobster taillights. No logical explanation, but I think having the lower edge being longer than the upper one looks bad. The opposite (Crosstrek/Impreza) looks much better, IMHO. I have the impression that the Ascent/Forerest's arse got unaesthetically fat as of the current generation

Then there's the 11" tablet w/o physical HVAC controls. Looks sleek - yet not practical (IMHO). Much longer eyes-off-the-road delays than what's required with the forearm's muscle memory towards a turning knob.

Not criticizing the new design, it answers to what cosumers want, and it looks great. I just don't like it as much.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Bluefoton

For some reason, I never got to like the lobster taillights. No logical explanation, but I think having the lower edge being longer than the upper one looks bad. The opposite (Crosstrek/Impreza) looks much better, IMHO. I have the impression that the Ascent/Forerest's arse got unaesthetically fat as of the current generation

Then there's the 11" tablet w/o physical HVAC controls. Looks sleek - yet not practical (IMHO). Much longer eyes-off-the-road delays than what's required with the forearm's muscle memory towards a turning knob.

Not criticizing the new design, it answers to what cosumers want, and it looks great. I just don't like it as much.

2 Things........


Auto Climate


Voice command




More practical than having to take your hand off the steering wheel at all to turn a physical knob!!!!!







Learn the car. It's really not hard. Not for this lot anyway.







I would think


TOTALLY agree with you about the tail lights though

[vapore0n]

Bigger grill with bigger nose, large ipad for hvac/radio controls, plastic cladding all over!!!







honestly all those look real good on this SUV.
Might have to consider one for the wife, when the time comes.

[Bluefoton]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

2 Things........
Voice command

More practical than having to take your hand off the steering wheel at all to turn a physical knob!!!!!

Fair enough. But the ability to use your finger(s) without looking so as to control instantaneous thermal effects is a skill worth having... Voice commands don't always work as well

[Sid03SVT]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

2 Things........

Auto Climate

Voice command
More practical than having to take your hand off the steering wheel at all to turn a physical knob!!!!!

Learn the car. It's really not hard. Not for this lot anyway.

I would think


TOTALLY agree with you about the tail lights though

Originally Posted by Bluefoton

Fair enough. But the ability to use your finger(s) without looking so as to control instantaneous thermal effects is a skill worth having... Voice commands don't always work as well

Voice commands suck in every vehicle I've ever been in.

Automatic climate control is great, I won't buy a vehicle without it, but it gets changed (for me) on short and long drives - short drives when it's very hot/very cold I tend to "max" it out, long drives I tend to make incremental adjustments as the system is great at handling convective loads, but not so much conductive & radiative loads. Also when I have passengers the multizone system means at least twice as many fine tuning adjustments as my passengers aren't comfortable in my comfort range.

Voice commands are an ineffective solution to a problem that the manufacturers created by getting rid of physical controls and putting everything in a touch screen.

When I learn a car I learn the button/control layout fairly quickly, I don't have to take my eyes off the road in any of the vehicles I regularly drive, or even my BIL's 2008 Legacy 5mt that I drive once a year, because it's an interior design timeframe of Subaru I am still familiar with. That just isn't possible with a touch screen.

I try to keep two hands on the wheel as much as possible, but having owned & operated almost exclusively manual trans. vehicles until a couple years ago, I am adept at driving with my left hand on the wheel while my right hand does things like change gear, or adjust the climate control as most other controls (radio, phone, cruise control, etc.) are on the steering wheel or column. Even in manual mode in my car, I have paddles, but I catch myself driving "slap-stick" frequently, as it's just more familiar to me coming from a manual trans. car.

I have zero interest in an Ascent, but the "center mount tablet controls everything" trend needs to go away, physical controls need to come back for regularly accessed controls.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Sid03SVT

Voice commands suck in every vehicle I've ever been in.

Automatic climate control is great, I won't buy a vehicle without it, but it gets changed (for me) on short and long drives - short drives when it's very hot/very cold I tend to "max" it out, long drives I tend to make incremental adjustments as the system is great at handling convective loads, but not so much conductive & radiative loads. Also when I have passengers the multizone system means at least twice as many fine tuning adjustments as my passengers aren't comfortable in my comfort range.

Voice commands are an ineffective solution to a problem that the manufacturers created by getting rid of physical controls and putting everything in a touch screen.

When I learn a car I learn the button/control layout fairly quickly, I don't have to take my eyes off the road in any of the vehicles I regularly drive, or even my BIL's 2008 Legacy 5mt that I drive once a year, because it's an interior design timeframe of Subaru I am still familiar with. That just isn't possible with a touch screen.

I try to keep two hands on the wheel as much as possible, but having owned & operated almost exclusively manual trans. vehicles until a couple years ago, I am adept at driving with my left hand on the wheel while my right hand does things like change gear, or adjust the climate control as most other controls (radio, phone, cruise control, etc.) are on the steering wheel or column. Even in manual mode in my car, I have paddles, but I catch myself driving "slap-stick" frequently, as it's just more familiar to me coming from a manual trans. car.

I have zero interest in an Ascent, but the "center mount tablet controls everything" trend needs to go away, physical controls need to come back for regularly accessed controls.

How are they ineffective? I've had ZERO issues with HVAC voice commands. And I don't even own one yet! The only shortcoming I have seen(and I don't know yet if it's been addressed with 4.5) is verbal seat heat/vent. Otherwise, I can "fine tune" verbally. Eyes NEVER off the road. Hands NEVER off the wheel. SAFER than what the people here(not necessarily you) think is an unsafe system.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Bluefoton

Fair enough. But the ability to use your finger(s) without looking so as to control instantaneous thermal effects is a skill worth having... Voice commands don't always work as well

Some voice commands, yeah. Have never had an issue with HVAC voice controls on 4.0.

[dwf137]

I had voice command in a subaru before. My 2014 Outback. It was the most awful car interface I've ever had to experience, yet the sales people loved it.

Unless it's using some cloud based technology like alexa or google assistant that is constantly learning and adapting to the times, I don't want want it.

[kayen]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Oh man. I didn't think the Ascent looked bad or anything. Just thought it was an OK look. I've loved this since I first saw it last year. Much better than what it is now. Got my fingers crossed that STARLINK 4.5 has worked out most of the kinks of 4.0. Did some online training today and already like some of the changes. Shoot, this may get me to buy it....with absolutely no need for it......instead of an Outback or Forester.


Deep Indigo Pearl

Wow! This design was released to the dealers a year ago huh. Man I had a feeling this design was coming and I hate everything about it. Now I am not going to say the current design of the Ascent is amazing, but damn it is much better than this.

However I am clearly not in the majority of Subaru buyers today. I very much dislike the Forester, Outback and we have to include the awful WRX with the ever increasing usage of body cladding. Now the Ascent was changed to be a big Forester and it looks dumb to me.

[YungBoba]

I actually like the new front end a lot more than the outgoing one. I can't tell what they changed with the rear though (if anything).

[4S-TURBO]