2024 Subaru Ascent Assessment: The Outback of three-row SUVs

Execs: Customary all-wheel drive; above-average floor clearance; helpful roof rails; easy controls; nice visibility

Cons: Plain inside; disconnected driving expertise; helicopter mother or father security tech; garish entrance styling

The three-row crossover SUV phase has seen a current inflow of favor and near-luxury lodging that has left the 2024 Subaru Ascent trying like a rugged, no-nonsense climbing boot amidst an aisle of colourful, modern path trainers. Oh positive, Subaru tried to spruce up the Ascent final yr with a brand new entrance finish, however the garish new grille simply made it ugly as an alternative of forgettable. In the meantime, the inside noticed a worthwhile tech replace, however stays fairly plain inside when in comparison with a Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot … properly, virtually all the things else.

Like a rugged, no-nonsense climbing boot, although, the Ascent presents considerable practicality, versatility and worth. It squeezes a ton of inside house out of a smaller-than-average exterior footprint, it will get good gasoline economic system, and its turbocharged engine makes it a good selection for these at increased elevations. It additionally has extra floor clearance than common, normal all-wheel-drive and adventure-friendly options like normal raised roof rails. The entire above are typical for Subaru, which actually speaks to who the Ascent is for: Subaru loyalists who’ve outgrown their Foresters or Outbacks. The Ascent even drives like an enormous Outback, which isn’t at all times a superb factor, however not less than it’ll be acquainted. On the identical time, even when we’d sooner advocate a competitor to non-Subaru loyalists, there’s no purpose they couldn’t change into simply as enamored with those self same Subaru traits, particularly when you have a knack for taking outdoorsy adventures.

Inside & Know-how   |   Passenger & Cargo Area   |   Efficiency & Gasoline Financial system

What it is wish to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Ranges   |   Crash Scores & Security Options

What’s new for 2024?

After vital updates final yr, the Ascent is unchanged for 2024.

What are the Ascent inside and in-car expertise like?

From the driving force’s seat, the Ascent’s packaging shows Subaru’s pragmatic philosophy to automotive design. All of the gauges are straightforward to see and skim at a look, knobs and buttons are straightforward to find — each these of the software-based touchscreen infotainment system and the bodily ones on the steering wheel and heart stack. There aren’t as many intelligent cubbies as in a Hyundai Palisade or Honda Pilot, however there are a grand complete of 19 cupholders unfold all through the cabin. Anticipate frequent bogs stops.

When it comes to design, we are able to’t say the inside is that engaging, particularly when in comparison with the Palisade, Pilot, Telluride, Highlander, Pathfinder … So yeah, virtually all the things. The jumbo portrait-style tech interface added final hardly improves issues, however not less than it’s all consistent with Subaru’s no-nonsense vibe. Even that touchscreen’s graphics are on the wise aspect, with huge, simply recognized and pressed digital buttons. It’s not fancy, but it surely works properly – which may most likely be an unofficial Subaru slogan.  Supplies high quality is agreeably common, and though it doesn’t fairly obtain the premium vibe of all these rivals, the pops of colour and dash-covering pleather are appreciated touches.

All of that stated, must you be ascending to the Ascent from one thing else within the Subaru lineup, you’re going to really feel completely at house. That is very true now that the Ascent shares the Outback’s tech interface – there’s no likelihood you’ll really feel shortchanged by Subaru’s largest and priciest mannequin not getting access to the latest-and-greatest options.

How huge is the Ascent?

For these already within the Subaru household, the Ascent represents a transparent step up from the model’s different crossovers. It’s 5.5 inches longer than an Outback, 3 inches wider and 5.2 inches taller. It is a whopping 14.7 inches longer than a Forester, 4.5 inches narrower and three.5 inches shorter in top. It additionally has an additional row of seats. In comparison with different three-row crossovers, nevertheless, its dimensions are common aside from being taller than most. That is partly due to its class-leading 8.7 inches of floor clearance, but in addition simply due to its tall, boxy greenhouse. 

A 6-foot passenger can have loads of room within the second row, which is adjustable for legroom and seatback angle. On higher trim ranges, consumers can select between a pair of captain’s chairs or a three-passenger bench. We have discovered that they are mainly equal when it comes to consolation. Third-row passengers are handled higher within the Ascent than in a number of opponents (Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer particularly), however is finally common. Which means if the middle-seat occupants are keen to slip their seats ahead a bit, there’s enough legroom for a 6-footer in the way in which again to sit down comfortably for a good bit of time. For youths, this implies much more consolation and house.

As for cargo house, the Ascent has 17.6 cubic-feet behind the raised third-row, which is technically on the low finish for the phase, however an ample underfloor storage space frees up a substantial quantity of house. We managed to suit 4 medium-sized suitcases again there, which makes it mid-pack – the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas and, to a lesser extent, Hyundai Palisade are higher. Max cargo quantity is among the many class leaders at 86.5 cubic ft, which is sort of definitely the results of being fairly boxy – at all times a superb factor in the case of cargo. For something that does not match inside, the Ascent has huge, extra-functional roof rails for no matter racks, carriers and different equipment you might need. And imagine us, Subaru house owners are inclined to have them.

What are the Ascent gasoline economic system and efficiency specs?

The Ascent’s sole powertrain providing is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, organized in Subaru’s signature boxer (horizontally opposed quite than a V or inline) configuration. Energy is distributed to all 4 wheels by way of a constantly variable transmission (CVT). Producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, we have discovered this engine can really feel simply as fast in relaxed around-town driving as its opponents, however know that their larger outputs do end in faster 0-60-mph occasions and extra sturdy acceleration when absolutely loaded.

That stated, house owners residing at increased elevations (as many Subaru house owners do) will admire the lasting energy from the turbocharger, which retains the Ascent from feeling breathless at heights the place naturally aspirated engines begin to lose energy. In different phrases, 4 cylinders aren’t essentially lesser than six, and it even manages the identical 5,000-pound towing capability of most rivals.

Gasoline economic system is 20 mpg metropolis, 26 mpg freeway and 22 mpg mixed for the decrease trim ranges, with the Restricted, Touring and Onyx returning 19/25/21.

What is the Ascent wish to drive?

The consumers of three-row crossovers are much less more likely to prioritize driving dynamics, however in case you ought to, the Ascent will most likely find yourself towards the underside of your listing. The steering is mild and makes for simple parking, however there’s an excessive amount of play on-center on the freeway and on the whole doesn’t make you are feeling linked to what the wheels are doing. The suspension is mushy to make sure a snug trip over harsh pavement, and though surefooted and safe, these used to a responsive-handling automotive can be underwhelmed. These used to a Subaru Outback, nevertheless, will really feel proper at house.  

There are not any sport modes to fiddle with within the Ascent, simply a normal baseline setting, however the single setup feels properly thought out and sorted. There’s loads of punch from Subie’s turbo-four. There have been a couple of occasions we caught the engine flat-footed on our drive and needed to wait a second for the turbo to spin up, however we ended our drive considering its output is adequate. Plus, because it’s turbocharged, its quick, low-end torque and elevation-friendly traits could make it higher suited to many consumers. To that time, we had been capable of tow an Airstream trailer simply shy of the Ascent’s most of 5,000 kilos, and we discovered that it had no downside getting the load in control and again down once more. The CVT mimics the texture of a conventional computerized transmission, for essentially the most half. It really works properly, and does not get in the way in which of a superb driving expertise.

What different Subaru Ascent evaluations can I learn?

Subaru Ascent Baggage Check

See how a lot real-world stuff you possibly can match behind the raised third-row seat.

What’s the 2024 Ascent value?

Pricing for the Indiana-built Ascent begins at $35,490, together with the $1,295 vacation spot cost. Yow will discover pricing for the following trim ranges under, together with the variations between eight- and seven-passenger seatings. The seven-passenger fashions have second-row captain’s chairs.

Base (8-Passenger): $35,490
Premium (8-passenger): $38,090
Premium (7-passenger): $39,550
Onyx Version (7-passenger solely): $42,890
Restricted (8-passenger): $43,190
Restricted (7-passenger): $43,190
Onyx Version Restricted (7-passenger solely): $47,890
Touring (7-passenger solely): $49,790

We’d begin our Ascent procuring with the Premium trim due to a number of key upgrades: blind-spot warning, rear privateness glass, an eight-way energy driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear local weather controls, the 8-inch touchscreen, in-car Wi-Fi and an All-Climate bundle that provides heated mirrors, heated seats and a windshield wiper de-icer. There are additionally a variety of worthwhile choices accessible on the Premium you possibly can’t add to the bottom mannequin and which might be included on the higher trim ranges. Principally, that is your greatest guess if you wish to construct an Ascent with the practical gear you need with out the fancier stuff of the Restricted and Touring. The Onyx Version stands out with its unique black-finish wheels and exterior particulars (under proper), glass roof and water-repellant grey inside upholstery with lime inexperienced stitching. It additionally consists of the X-Mode off-road drive modes discovered within the two higher trims.

What are the Ascent security scores and driver help options?

Each Ascent consists of Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver help tech. This consists of ahead collision warning, computerized emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help, together with an adaptive cruise management system that may hold you within the heart of your lane along with sustaining pace and distance to automobiles forward. All however the base trim all embrace blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning and computerized emergency steering. Reverse computerized braking and a driver inattention warning system is included on the Restricted and Touring.

Subaru upgraded this candy final yr with new sensors and software program, leading to improved pedestrian and bicycle owner detection, together with smoother operation. Whereas higher than earlier than, they continue to be the helicopter mother or father of driver help techniques, regularly beeping and flashing in situations that do not essentially warrant it. Rival techniques are much less intrusive.

The Ascent acquired 5 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA for frontal, aspect and total crash safety. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security named it a High Security Choose+ for its best-possible efficiency in each single class. That’s a uncommon feat.