Subaru Updates Ascent Fullsize CUV for ’23 Model Year

Subaru announces the refreshed ’23 Ascent fullsize CUV, featuring updated styling and new safety, driver-assist and infotainment technologies.

The 3-row Ascent is available in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited and Touring trim levels and arrives in Subaru retailers this fall. Pricing isn’t immediately disclosed.

The ’23 Ascent gets a literal facelift in the form of a new front fascia (pictured, below) incorporating a more prominent grille, redesigned LED headlights and a more aggressive-looking front bumper cover. The bumper cover features new lower-edge air ducts to improve aerodynamic flow under the vehicle.

Subaru Ascent 23 front end

At the back of the vehicle, updated Konoji (C-shaped) taillights emphasize the CUV’s new look.

The ’23 Ascent comes standard with an enhanced version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that operates more smoothly and under a greater range of conditions. These improvements result from a wider field of view, updated control software and the addition of an electric brake booster.

Also standard is a Wide-Angle Mono Camera that augments 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. 

EyeSight includes Automatic Emergency Steering on models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. 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 below 50 mph (80 km/h).

Elsewhere inside (pictured, below), new infotainment features include Cabin Connect, which 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 transmits through the rear speakers. Cabin Connect is available on trim levels equipped with the Harman Kardon QuantumLogic surround-sound speaker system. 

Subaru Ascent 23 interior

An available Surround View Monitor offers a 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle for better all-around awareness while parking. The system combines images from four vehicle cameras into a single image providing a bird’s-eye view of the area around the entire vehicle.

Newly standard on all ’23 Ascent models is a tablet-style, 11.6-in. (29-cm) Full HD center information display offering 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. A Seat Belt Reminder for each seat helps ensure all passengers are buckled up.

Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Ascent offers a spacious interior with flexible seating options (pictured, below): 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 cu.-ft. (2,141 L) of cargo space when folded.

The CUV is powered by a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cyl. making 260 hp. Subaru’s high-torque Lineartronic CVT features an 8-speed manual mode function. This powertrain allows up to 5,000-lb. (2,268 kg) towing capacity with standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The Ascent is built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, IN, along with the Impreza, Legacy and Outback.

Subaru Ascent 23 2nd row