Subaru introduced the facelifted Ascent earlier this year and now the company has announced U.S. pricing will start at US$ 33,895. Costing US$ 1,100 more than its predecessor, the 2023 Ascent will arrive at dealerships this fall with a more assertive front fascia that features a larger grille as well as new LED headlights. They’re joined by a more aggressive front bumper that has new intakes, which help to improve air flow under the vehicle. Additional styling changes are limited, but the crossover adopts updated wheels and new taillights. The latter have bolder graphics as well as a more pronounced C-shape.
Moving into the cabin, buyers will find a
newly standard 11.6-inch infotainment system with a portrait orientation. It
replaces the previous 6.5-and 8-inch displays and is more advanced as it
features wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility. The
entry-level model also comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless
entry, and an EyeSight Driver Assist system featuring Advanced Adaptive Cruise
Control with Lane Centering. The eight-seat crossover also sports a tri-zone
automatic climate control system, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and 19 cup
and bottle holders.
The Ascent Premium starts at US$ 36,495 and
it adds an eight-way power driver’s seat as well as heated front seats. Other
highlights include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome interior door
handles, and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear
Cross-Traffic Alert. Buyers will also find a fancier exterior with body-color
mirror caps, privacy glass, and dual exhaust tips. Customers looking for something
more aggressive can opt for the Ascent Onyx Edition, which begins at US$ 41,295.
It features a blacked out exterior with 20-inch wheels and Crystal Black Silica
accents. Buyers will also find a seven-seat interior with Gray StarTex
upholstery featuring green contrast stitching. The model also has gloss black
interior accents, a heated steering wheel, a passive entry system, and an
auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink.
If that isn’t fancy enough, the new Ascent
Onyx Edition Limited costs US$ 46,295 and features a 12-way power driver’s seat, a
4-way power front passenger seat, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The latter boasts a new Cabin Connect function, which uses speakers to amplify
the driver’s voice when talking to third-row occupants. Other highlights
include illuminated front cup holders, second-row sunshades, GPS navigation,
and a Surround View Monitor. The Ascent Limited starts at US$ 41,595 and it’s
somewhat similar to the Onyx Edition Limited. However, it ditches the blackout
appearance and features perforated leather upholstery with heating in the
second-row. The model also has silver contrast stitching and a Reverse Auto
Braking system.
Last but not least, there’s the US$ 48,195
Ascent Touring. It features a revamped exterior with a unique grille, chrome
door handles, rain-sensing wipers, and satin chrome mirror caps. Bigger changes
occur in the cabin as the range-topper offers Java Brown Nappa leather seats
with heating and ventilation up front. Elsewhere, there’s woodgrain trim, an
ambient lighting system, and a panoramic moonroof. Regardless of which trim is
selected, all 2023 Ascents are powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter
four-cylinder engine that develops 260 hp and 375
Nm of torque. It’s connected to a continuously variable transmission and a
standard all-wheel drive system.
