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Are the Subaru Outback and Ascent roomy inside? An updated study from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the 2023 Subaru Outback and 2023 Subaru Ascent now rank as two of the seven best midsize SUVs for comfort and are roomy inside to carry your family and belongings.
Consumer Reports (CR) tests its vehicles, and they "measure exactly how much cargo can fit in the back, exactly how roomy the driver's seat feels, and exactly how easy it is to get in and out of the front and rear seats," says the consumer organization.
CR says buyers can easily find a model that will comfortably fit their family, along with groceries, sports equipment, or luggage for a vacation. To make the list, all models must also score high in reliability, road-test scores, and safety features.
The seven best midsize SUVs for roominess and comfort
CR ranked midsize SUVs in order of roominess, comfort, and ease of access. The Toyota Highlander ranks number one, followed by the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent, Lexus RX, Subaru Outback, and Volkswagen Atlas.
Consumer Reports says the #4 scoring 2023 Subaru Ascent "is a very functional, easy-to-live-with three-row SUV. Its four-cylinder turbo engine delivers ample power in daily driving and gets 22 mpg overall. The jumpy initial takeoff takes some getting used to, however. The Ascent's plush ride is steady and controlled, and the suspension does an excellent job mopping up bumps."
"Handling agility is not an Ascent strength; the steering is vague, and the body leans noticeably when pushed through corners, but it proved to be ultimately secure at its handling limits. The cabin is quiet, and the second-row captain's chairs are roomy and comfortable. Even the third row is usable for shorter trips, and folding both rows down opens up just over 40 cubic feet of cargo room."
What is Ascent's cargo space?
With the second-row rear seats up, the Ascent has 43.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and with the seats folded flat, the Forester offers an ample 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The total passenger volume measures 153.2 cubic feet.
Consumer Reports ranks the Ascent #7 of 20 midsize sport-utility vehicles in all categories.
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Ascent?
The 2023 Subaru Ascent base starts at $35,120, and Premium trims begin at $39,180. The Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $42,520, the upper Limited starts at $42,820, the new Ascent Onyx Edition Limited is priced at $47,520, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $49,420. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225).
What sets Ascent apart from the competition?
The Ascent comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode for improved off-pavement, snow/mud, and dirt road capability. Ascent also gets the highest Top Safety Pick+ crash scores from the IIHS.
2023 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback also makes CR's roomiest and most comfortable midsize SUV list. The 2023 Subaru Outback is ranked the sixth-best, and CR says, "Yes, it looks more like a raised wagon than an SUV, yet the Outback is a formidable competitor, thanks to its solid feel and very comfortable ride that outshines even some luxury SUVs. In addition, the high ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive help make the Outback ready to tackle light off-road duties."
"There's 37 cubic feet of cargo room with the second-row seat folded flat. We were impressed with its handling agility in our accident avoidance maneuver, which simulates swerving around a vehicle or an obstacle on the road. The standard four-cylinder engine gets good fuel economy but becomes loud when pushed; the uplevel 260-hp turbo engine in the XT trim gives the Outback effortless punch and a quieter demeanor."
How much cargo room does the 2023 Subaru Outback have?
The Subaru Outback measures 32.6 cubic feet with the seats up and 75.6 cubes with the rear seats folded flat. The Outback also comes standard with all-wheel-drive. Consumer Reports ranks the Outback #2 of 14 midsize SUVs overall in all categories.
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Outback with the 2.5-liter engine?
The 2023 Outback comes in five trim levels for U.S. customers with the 2.5-liter engine. The base trim is priced from $29,620, Premium ($31,920), new Onyx Edition with a 2.5-liter engine ($34,720), Limited ($36,520), Touring ($41,070). Pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees.
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Outback with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine?
The 2023 Outback comes in four trim levels for U.S. customers with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. The Outback Wilderness is priced from $39,670, Onyx Edition XT ($39,820), Limited XT ($40,920), and Touring XT ($43,520). Pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees.
Should you wait for the 2024 Outback?
Midsize SUV shoppers who can wait can get the upgraded 2024 Subaru Outback. For the 2024 Outback model change, the midsize SUV gets further improvements like upgraded LED dome and cargo lights; a 360-degree heated steering wheel is now standard on more trim levels, including Wilderness and other Onyx Edition trim upgrades. You can check out the 2024 Outback pricing and model guide here.
What is the price of the 2024 Subaru Outback?
The Base is priced at $30,190, Premium ($32,490), Onyx Edition ($37,400), Limited ($37,090), Touring ($41,640), Onyx Edition XT ($40,655), Wilderness ($41,255), Limited XT ($41,490), and Touring XT ($44,090). In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,295).
What sets the Outback apart from the competition?
What sets the Outback apart from other family SUVs? All Outback midsize SUV trim levels ride higher with extra ground clearance than most family haulers. The Outback has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive is standard on all trims, and X-Mode for all-terrain performance comes on all models. The Outback also gets the highest safety scores from the IIHS.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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