Subaru Reveals Refreshed Ascent SUV
Subaru of America has revealed the new 2023 Ascent 3-row family SUV with updated styling as well as new safety and in-vehicle technologies, the company announced. Also new for 2023, the Onyx Edition trim level receives new exterior and interior accents and a comprehensive option package.
The 2023 Ascent is available in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trim levels and arrives in Subaru retailers this Fall.
For 2023 model year, Ascent receives a new look thanks to a new front fascia incorporating a more prominent grille; redesigned LED headlights; and a more aggressive front bumper cover. The new front bumper cover features new lower-edge air ducts to improve aerodynamic flow under the vehicle, designers said. At the back of the vehicle, updated Konoji (C-shaped) taillights further exemplify the SUV’s new look for 2023.
The 2023 Ascent comes standard with the latest version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Improvements include a wider field of view, updated control software and the addition of an electric brake booster. Also standard across the model line is a Wide-Angle Mono Camera that works together with the dual-camera EyeSight system. The additional camera further expands the field of view to recognize pedestrians and bicycles sooner when the vehicle enters an intersection at low speed. EyeSight gives an alert to the driver, and, when necessary, applies brakes to avoid collisions with crossing bicycles and pedestrians.
On models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, EyeSight includes Automatic Emergency Steering. The new feature works in conjunction with the Pre-Collision Braking System to help steer the vehicle to avoid a collision when travelling at speeds less than 50 mph.
New Cabin Connect improves communication from the driver or front passenger to the third-row occupants. When activated, the feature picks up the driver or front passenger’s voice by the overhead console microphone and then transmits through the rear speakers. Cabin Connect is available on trim levels equipped with Harman Kardon QuantumLogic surround sound speaker system.
An available Surround View Monitor offers a 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle. The new system uses images from four vehicle cameras and combines them to create a single image that allows the area around the entire vehicle to be observed from a bird’s-eye view.
On all 2023 Ascent models, a newly standard tablet-style 11.6-inch Full HD center information display offers direct touch controls for multimedia, climate control, X-MODE, and vehicle configuration settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard. Every Ascent also features Steering Responsive LED headlights with High Beam Assist for improved nighttime visibility. Additionally, a Seat Belt Reminder for each seat helps ensure all passengers are buckled up.
The Ascent Onyx Edition is equipped with exclusive black-finish exterior elements, badging and 20-inch black-finish aluminum alloy wheels. The seats are wrapped in Subaru StarTex water-repellant material with new contrasting green stitching.
The Onyx Edition gains a standard panoramic power moonroof, which features a tilt/slide glass panel over the front seats, a fixed glass panel over the middle row and a power sunshade. The glass roof remains standard for the Touring and optional for the Limited trims.
Enhancing all-weather and trail capability, the 2023 Ascent Onyx Edition, Limited and Touring gain standard dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control. X-MODE functions include SNOW/DIRT and DEEP SNOW/MUD settings to optimize all-wheel drive performance for difficult weather or road conditions.
A newly available comprehensive option package for Onyx Edition includes the SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system with Harman Kardon QuantumLogic surround sound speaker system featuring new Cabin Connect. Additional features added to the package are a 12-way power driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar and two-position memory; adjustable driver’s seat cushion extension; 4-way power front passenger seat; second row sunshades and outboard heated seat positions. A high-grade instrument combination meter with color LCD and dual illuminated front center-console cupholders are also included with this option package.
Driver assist technologies included in the option package are new Surround View Monitor and DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System.
