2023 Subaru Ascent Refresh Is More Than Just a Makeover

Design updates, safety tech enhancements and updated infotainment put the Ascent back into the three-row family SUV competition

2023 Subaru Ascent
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  • New front and rear end styling
  • Standard 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display
  • Standard wireless smartphone integration
  • Part of the first Ascent generation introduced for 2019

What is the Subaru Ascent?

The Subaru Ascent is a midsize three-row SUV that competes with vehicles like the Honda Pilot, the Kia Telluride and the Volkswagen Atlas. We like the Ascent for a number of reasons, including its user-friendly infotainment system, high-quality interior materials, and the standard all-wheel-drive system. Unfortunately, the Ascent hasn't been as refined as some of its rivals lately. That's where the 2023 refresh comes in.

Styling changes are immediately apparent via the Ascent's bolder front fascia. The look reads more aggressive, with a prominent grille, redesigned LED headlights, and front bumper cover with air vents. Updated Konoji (C-shaped) taillights identify the refresh from the rear. Arguably more noticeable is the standard 11.6-inch tablet-style screen inside the cabin. The infotainment upgrade transforms the center stack and looks strikingly modern. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto add to the Ascent's upgraded tech vibe.

The Ascent's tech doesn't stop with smartphone integration — the latest version of Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology also comes standard. Additionally, a new wide-angle mono camera is paired with the EyeSight system to recognize pedestrians and bicycles when the vehicle enters an intersection. EyeSight alerts the driver and can apply the brakes on the driver's behalf to avoid a collision when necessary.

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2023 Subaru Ascent

Overall, various package offerings have been expanded across the lineup to include more creature comforts for 2023. Subaru has even added an available Cabin Connect feature, similar to those found in competing three-row vehicles and minivans, which uses a microphone to pick up the driver or front passenger's voice and sends it to the rear speakers for better communication with the third-row passengers. Also available is a new surround-view camera featuring a 360-degree overhead view.

Edmunds says

Cosmetic changes are nice, but Subaru has added much more to the 2023 Ascent. The EyeSight safety suite additions and updated infotainment should increase its appeal as a modern family hauler and make it more competitive in the stiff three-row SUV market.

Carrie Kimby

Carrie Kim has been writing about cars for well over a decade. No matter if she's cruising with the family or chasing down her next breakfast burrito, she's (not so) silently judging car infotainment systems, interior color palettes, and dashboard finishes all along the way. She's a big fan of massaging seats, adaptive cruise control and wireless CarPlay. Over the years, she's particularly enjoyed helping parents find their own unique family wagons.

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