Stability and Control

With its exceptionally balanced layout, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive delivers a solid connection with the road and an engaged, responsive drive. The entire system lies along the centerline of the vehicle, balancing weight distribution between the two sides to help provide optimal performance and control.

Fuel Efficiency and Durability

With gas mileage up to 26 MPG and over 500 miles of highway driving range, the 2023 Ascent delivers competitive fuel efficiency. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive has demonstrated its durability and low maintenance over four decades of owner-tested Subaru vehicles so you can be confident your Ascent will be with you for all the miles ahead.

8.7 Inches of Ground Clearance and X-MODE^®

Conquer rough terrain with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard X-MODE, which optimizes the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for maximum traction on slippery surfaces. X-MODE also incorporates Hill Descent Control for stability and confidence when descending more difficult grades. Dual-Function X-MODE is now available for the 2023 Ascent with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for even greater capability.

Standard on: All trims

5,000-Pound Towing Capacity

The Ascent offers the most towing capacity of any Subaru vehicle ever. With an available accessory Class III trailer hitch, 277 lb-ft of torque, and a wide selection of racking accessories, you can bring along all the gear you’ll need for all the places you’ll be able to go.

Standard on: Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, Touring

Standard Direct-Injection Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER^® Engine

The standard direct-injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine combines the power of turbocharging and the efficiency of direct injection to deliver 260 horsepower. With this durable, time-tested engine and standard Lineartronic^® CVT, the 2023 Ascent can reach over 500 miles of highway driving range, so almost any destination is within reach.

Standard on: All Trims

SUBARU STARLINK^® Multimedia with Standard Wireless Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™

The 2023 Ascent features upgraded STARLINK Multimedia with standard wireless Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ integration. Now it’s even easier to view and manage your navigation, music, podcasts, and other content and apps without needing to plug in your smartphone. Also new for 2023 is a standard high-resolution 11.6-inch touchscreen for intuitive control of your entertainment and trip directions. Wireless Bluetooth^® pairing and hands-free smartphone operation allow for safe and easy connection to your favorite apps and content. A built-in and voice-activated navigation system powered by TomTom^® is also available.

STARLINK Multimedia standard on: All models
STARLINK Multimedia Navigation available on: Limited
STARLINK Multimedia Navigation standard on: Onyx Edition Limited, Touring

Seating for 7

With a choice of either 7- or 8-passenger seating, your Ascent can be a custom fit for your family. In 7-passenger models, comfortable captain’s chairs make up the second row. Whichever Ascent you choose, you’ll get roomy seats, extra-wide rear door openings, and ample cargo space plus underfloor storage – more than enough space for every passenger and all their gear.

Seating for 8

Bring along up to 8 passengers with second-row bench seating. The second row isn’t just for carrying people. It features 60/40-split flat-folding seatbacks, so it’s easy to haul larger cargo.

Second-Row Captain’s Chairs

Second-row captain’s chairs are available for extra comfort, easy access to the third row, and space for up to seven.

Versatile Cargo Space

The second- and third-row seating in the 2023 Ascent can be folded down in varying configurations, so it can easily adapt to almost any combination of people and up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo.

Panoramic Moonroof

Bring in more fresh air with the available 54-inch power tilt/sliding panoramic moonroof to make the already impressive passenger space feel even more open and bright.

Available on: Limited
Standard on: Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Limited, Touring

19 Cup Holders

With 19 cup holders, everyone’s beverage is secure and close at hand. For 2023, the holders feature a revised design that holds drinks even more securely.

Standard on: All Trims

Power Rear Gate

A Power Rear Gate is available to allow automatic opening even when your arms are full, and for added convenience, a single touch on the gate button lets it close and lock the entire vehicle. The opening height can also be adjusted when clearance is limited.

Available on: Premium
Standard on: Onyx Edition, Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, Touring

20-inch Alloy Wheels

Standard 20-inch alloy wheels with a black finish showcase both the style and capability of the Ascent Onyx Editions.

Refined Interior

Step inside the Ascent Onyx Edition interior and you’ll find more upscale comfort like high-quality cabin materials with gloss-black trim and textured accents, and a new standard panoramic power moonroof that only increases the expansive atmosphere. A standard heated steering wheel, standard Power Rear Gate, and carpeted floor mats with the Ascent Onyx Edition logo turn every trip into a premium experience. Onyx Edition Limited enhances the experience even further with standard SUBARU STARLINK^® Multimedia Navigation, 2-position driver seat memory and the enhanced safety of Surround View Monitor and the DriverFocus^® Distraction Mitigation System.

StarTex Upholstery

The comfortable and hard-wearing Gray StarTex upholstery is trimmed with green contrast stitching for a refined, comfortable cabin that also stands up to the elements.

Pre-Collision Braking

Automatic Pre-Collision Braking helps you avoid or reduce frontal impacts by alerting you and applying full braking force in emergency situations. Pre-Collision Throttle Management can reduce the power from the engine to help minimize the possible impact force and frontal impact damage.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering adds extra convenience and safety on every drive. Just choose the distance you want to keep from the car in front of you, and it can take some of the stress out of everyday driving by helping with steering, braking, and throttle control while maintaining a safe distance ahead.

SUBARU STARLINK^® Safety and Security

STARLINK Safety and Security offers an array of connected services to help keep you and your Ascent safe whether you're in your vehicle, at your computer, or on your smartphone. Advanced Automatic Collision Notification will alert an operator in the event of an accident, and SOS Emergency Assistance can get you roadside help at the push of a button. Remote Engine Start with Climate Control, accessible via your smartphone, ensures your Ascent is always ready and comfortable. There are also STARLINK Concierge services for personal assistance with tasks like navigation, restaurant reservations, and scheduling service appointments.

Standard on: Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, Touring

All-Around Awareness

The 2023 Ascent features an entire suite of available safety technologies to help protect you and your passengers. The Blind-Spot Detection system warns you with a visual indicator on each side mirror if it senses a vehicle in your blind spots. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert helps warn you of traffic approaching from the side as you are backing up. With available Reverse Automatic Braking, your vehicle can even stop itself to help avoid360-degree Surround View Monitor. An available Smart Rear-View Mirror uses a dedicated camera to maintain visibility when the view behind you is obstructed, while a standard Rear-Vision Camera provides extra safety when reversing.

Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Standard on: Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, Touring
Reverse Automatic Braking Standard on: Onyx Edition, Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, Touring
Reverse Automatic Braking Available on: Premium

Subaru DriverFocus^® Distraction Mitigation System

The 2023 Ascent features a state-of-the-art system to help reduce distracted driving for both new and experienced drivers. Each day in the United States, more than 1,000 people are injured in crashes reported to have involved a distracted driver. Working with our award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the DriverFocus system is like having an attentive co-pilot along for the ride, available to give a helpful alert if a driver becomes distracted or drowsy. For added convenience, DriverFocus can also recognize up to five different drivers and remember their preferences, including seat position, climate settings, and outside mirror position.

Standard on: Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, Touring

Cabin Connect

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

Standard on: Onyx Edition Limited, Touring
Available on: Limited

360-degree Surround View Monitor

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

Standard on: Onyx Edition Limited, Touring
Available on: Limited

Crash Protection for Your Family

The 2023 Ascent is built on the Subaru Global Platform, which uses high-strength steel for enhanced crash safety, long-lasting quality, and a quieter cabin. The Ascent also features even airbags, height-adjustable head restraints in every seating position, and a ring-shaped reinforcement frame as standard equipment to help provide all-around impact protection.