Hey everyone, today we're diving deep into the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring. This SUV has been making waves, and for good reason! It's a versatile, family-friendly vehicle that packs a punch with its features and capabilities. I'm going to break down everything you need to know, from its performance and interior to its tech and safety features. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Unveiling the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring: What's New?

Alright, guys, let's kick things off by talking about what's new in the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring. Subaru gave the Ascent a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year, which means a bunch of cool upgrades. One of the most noticeable changes is the redesigned front end. You'll spot a more aggressive grille, updated headlights, and a reshaped bumper. This gives the Ascent a more modern and striking appearance. It's like the Ascent got a fresh new haircut and is ready to hit the road! The changes aren't just cosmetic, either. Subaru has also made some significant improvements under the hood and inside the cabin.

Now, let's delve into the nitty-gritty. The 2023 Ascent Touring boasts a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine. You know, that Subaru magic! This engine delivers a solid 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps provide smooth and efficient power delivery. One of the best things about the Ascent is its standard all-wheel-drive system. Subaru is known for its excellent AWD, and the Ascent is no exception. This system gives you confidence in various driving conditions, whether it's rain, snow, or even a bit of off-roading. The 2023 Ascent also has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This makes it a capable choice for towing a small trailer, boat, or camper. You can take your adventures to the next level!

Inside, you'll find a refreshed infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display. The Ascent Touring now features a new 11.6-inch touchscreen, which is a significant upgrade from the previous model year. The infotainment system is user-friendly and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, so you can easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps and features. Subaru has also upgraded the safety features in the 2023 Ascent. The SUV comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. These features work together to help keep you and your passengers safe on the road. The 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring has a lot to offer and is a strong contender in the three-row SUV segment, and you're in for a treat with the new features.

Performance and Driving Experience of the 2023 Ascent Touring

Alright, let's talk about the driving experience of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring. When you're behind the wheel, the Ascent offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, making for a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. The steering is light and precise, which makes it easy to maneuver in both city and highway driving. One of the highlights of the Ascent is its all-wheel-drive system. Subaru's AWD is renowned for its capability, and the Ascent lives up to the reputation. The system provides excellent grip and stability, especially in challenging weather conditions. You'll feel confident driving in rain, snow, or even on gravel roads. The turbocharged engine provides adequate power for everyday driving. It's not the fastest SUV in its class, but it has enough pep to merge onto highways and pass other vehicles. The CVT transmission works well with the engine, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. However, some drivers may not be fond of the CVT's feel, as it can sometimes feel a bit rubbery. But overall, the powertrain is well-suited for the Ascent's intended purpose.

The Ascent Touring also offers a variety of driving modes, including normal, sport, and X-Mode. X-Mode is designed for off-road driving and helps optimize the vehicle's performance on challenging terrain. If you're looking to tow anything, the Ascent's towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (when properly equipped) is a welcome feature. It's enough to handle a small trailer, boat, or camper. The Ascent Touring's handling is pretty good for its size. The body roll is well-controlled, and the SUV feels planted on the road. The brakes are strong and provide confident stopping power. Overall, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring offers a balanced driving experience. It's comfortable, capable, and easy to drive. It's not a sports car, but it's a practical and enjoyable SUV for families and anyone who needs a versatile vehicle.

Interior Comfort, Features, and Technology

Let's talk about the interior of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring. When you step inside, you'll be greeted by a spacious and well-designed cabin. The Ascent offers three rows of seating, making it a great choice for families or anyone who needs to transport a lot of passengers. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of legroom and headroom. The second-row seats are also roomy, with ample space for adults or older children. The third row is best suited for kids or smaller adults, as legroom can be a bit tight. The Ascent Touring trim comes standard with leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, adding to the premium feel of the cabin. The materials used throughout the interior are of good quality, and the overall fit and finish are impressive.

Now, let's talk features and technology. As mentioned earlier, the 2023 Ascent Touring boasts a new 11.6-inch touchscreen display. The infotainment system is user-friendly and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system also includes navigation, a premium sound system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Subaru has equipped the Ascent Touring with a host of other features, including a heated steering wheel, heated front and second-row seats, and a power liftgate. The Ascent also comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This suite of safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. These features work together to help keep you and your passengers safe on the road. One of the things that sets the Ascent apart from its competitors is its focus on practicality. The SUV offers plenty of storage space, including a large cargo area behind the third row of seats. The Ascent also has several handy features, such as a rear-seat reminder and a cabin intercom system, which can be useful for families.

Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Technologies

Safety is a top priority, right? Well, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring doesn't disappoint. It comes packed with a suite of safety features and driver-assistance technologies designed to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard across all Ascent trims. This system includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. It's a lifesaver on long highway drives! Lane-keeping assist helps keep you centered in your lane, preventing you from drifting out and potentially causing an accident. Pre-collision braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision, helping to mitigate or even avoid the impact.

Beyond EyeSight, the Ascent Touring offers additional safety features. Blind-spot detection monitors your blind spots and alerts you to the presence of other vehicles. Rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching traffic when you're backing out of a parking spot or driveway. The Ascent also comes standard with a rearview camera, making it easier to see what's behind you when parking or maneuvering. Subaru has also incorporated features like automatic high beams, which automatically dim the headlights when they detect oncoming traffic. The Ascent has consistently received high safety ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These ratings are a testament to Subaru's commitment to safety and provide peace of mind to drivers and passengers. With all these safety features, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring is a safe and reliable vehicle for families and anyone who prioritizes safety on the road. The Ascent is designed to protect you and your passengers in various driving scenarios.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Alright, let's talk about the trim levels and pricing of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring. The Ascent is available in several trims, each offering a unique set of features and options. The base trim, the Ascent, provides a solid foundation with standard features like the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, all-wheel drive, and a user-friendly infotainment system. Stepping up to the Premium trim adds features like a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a more advanced infotainment system. The Onyx Edition is a sportier trim with black exterior accents, unique wheels, and water-repellent upholstery. The Limited trim adds even more luxury, with features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. And finally, the Touring trim, which is the top-of-the-line model, includes all the bells and whistles, such as premium leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. The Ascent's pricing is competitive within its segment, offering a great value for the features and capabilities you get. The base price is very appealing, making the Ascent an accessible option for many families. As you move up the trim levels, the price increases accordingly, but the added features and luxury are well worth it for some buyers. It's a matter of choosing the trim that best fits your needs and budget.

Pros and Cons of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring

Let's break down the pros and cons of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring so you can make an informed decision. On the plus side, the Ascent offers a spacious and comfortable interior, with three rows of seating. It's a great choice for families. Standard all-wheel drive gives you confidence in various driving conditions, and the turbocharged engine provides adequate power for everyday driving. The Ascent also comes packed with safety features, including Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which can give you some peace of mind. The infotainment system is user-friendly and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Ascent's overall value is another major advantage; it offers a lot of features for the price. The Ascent is a practical choice for families and anyone who needs a versatile SUV.

Now, let's look at the cons. Some people might find the CVT transmission to be a bit unrefined. It doesn't offer the same feel as a traditional automatic transmission. The third-row seating can be a bit tight for adults. If you regularly need to transport adults in the third row, you might want to consider another option. The Ascent's fuel economy is decent for its class, but it's not the best. Some of its competitors offer better fuel efficiency. The Ascent's interior design, while functional, might not be as stylish as some of its competitors. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons for most buyers. The Ascent is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of value, space, and safety features. Make sure you consider the pros and cons to see if the Ascent meets your needs.

Final Verdict: Is the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring Right for You?

So, is the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring right for you? After thoroughly reviewing this SUV, I can confidently say that it's a strong contender in the three-row SUV segment. It's a great option for families who need space, safety, and all-wheel-drive capability. The Ascent offers a comfortable ride, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The standard all-wheel drive gives it an edge over some of its competitors. The Ascent's value proposition is also a major draw. You get a lot of features and capabilities for the price. If you're looking for a spacious, safe, and versatile SUV, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring should definitely be on your list. I hope this review has been helpful! Do your research, take a test drive, and see if it's the right fit for your needs and preferences. Thanks for reading and happy driving, guys!