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10 Secret Subaru Ascent Features That Are Most Commonly Missed

The 2024 Subaru Ascent has several hidden features you may not know. Check out this report that covers the secret Ascent features.
2024 Subaru Ascent

I have covered Subaru's hidden features in other reports. This report features the 2024 Subaru Ascent's secret and hidden features. Many of these Subaru features are hidden in plain sight, but not all. I will highlight some features that are also found on the Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, and other new Subaru models. 

So, if you're looking at any new Subaru model, check out these hidden features that are most commonly missed and many people often don't realize exist. 

Two 2024 Subaru Ascent models sitting on the dealer's lot

photo credit: Tucson Subaru

2024 Subaru Ascent hidden features

1. It's hidden under the hood.

All Ascent trims are powered by a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that feels like a 6-cylinder engine. It has 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The FA24 is Subaru's newest Boxer engine and also comes in the Outback XT and Wilderness trims and the next-generation WRX. It's Subaru's next-generation Boxer engine, and it's reliable.  

What is a Boxer engine, and why does Subaru use it?

Subaru is the only automaker in its entire lineup that uses the Boxer engine. Its name is derived from the pistons in the Boxer engine design, which are horizontally opposed, resembling a boxer throwing punches. 

2024 Subaru Ascent on a dealer's lot

photo credit: Adventure Subaru

Acceleration is smoother in the boxer

V-type engines, which most automakers use, reciprocate the piston in the vertical direction, whereas in the horizontally opposed engine, pistons reciprocate horizontally. Because they cancel each other's power, there is less vibration, and you can feel the smooth acceleration.

It lowers the vehicle's center of gravity

Horizontally opposed engines have a lower overall height than general series and V-type engines due to the structure of the piston that's horizontally arranged in the crankcase. It makes the engine lightweight and compact, lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. 

Subaru's taller (8.7 inches of ground clearance) all-wheel-drive vehicles have a higher ride height, like the Ascent, Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek. The Boxer engine sits much lower in the chassis, giving the vehicle more stability and a more dynamic driving experience.

2. Because of the lower Boxer engine, the hood slopes downward, giving the driver improved outward visibility and a better view of the road ahead. Even though the Ascent is Subaru's largest SUV, it feels like you're driving a smaller vehicle.

3. The passenger doors

There is a little latch and a hook on the door jam and the inside of the door.  

When the door is closed, it latches to the steel beam inside the door, increasing its rigidity and allowing more structural integrity. It keeps the rear passenger safe in case of a side collision.

2024 Subaru Ascent front view

photo credit: Adventure Subaru

4. The rear door also has a nearly 90-degree opening capability. This makes loading more oversized items in the back easy and allows easier access for passengers. 

5. There are also three anchor points on the back of the third-row seats and three on the back of the second-row seats. This allows tie-down points for securing oversized cargo that could slide around the cabin. 

6. Unlike most 3-Row SUVs that slant up when lowered, the Ascent's third-row seat folds completely flat. This allows for additional flat loading and more effortless cargo loading.  

7. Another hidden feature is within their row cargo area. Below the cargo is storage for the retractible cargo cover. It can be stored easily out of sight when not in use.

8. You've seen some SUVs with an unsightly trailer hitch sticking out from beneath the back bumper. Not the Ascent. Some Ascent trim levels can be ordered with a trailer hitch. But Subaru has hidden the hitch below the rear bumper behind a plastic panel, keeping it nice and clean looking. When you need the hitch, you pop the panel off, and the hitch is exposed. And the Ascent will tow up to 5,000 lbs. 

9. Have you ever had to shout to talk with the third-row passengers? Not in the Ascent. The Ascent has what's called Cabin Connect on the new touchscreen display. When pushed, you can communicate with the third-row passengers. There is an additional speaker and microphone in the back. 

10. All Subaru models now have a Rear Seat Reminder feature. When the vehicle is turned off, a reminder on the dash lets the driver know to check for items or children that may still be in the car. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Ascent hidden feature story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

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Watch Hidden Features on the Subaru Ascent: Subaru's 3rd Row SUV

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: main image Tucson Subaru

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Comments

BH (not verified)    January 25, 2024 - 8:55PM

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In your point 6, only the bench seat lays flat. The captain's chairs do not lay flat and are in fact slanted higher than some other SUVS in the same class.