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Should you buy a 2022 Subaru Ascent or wait for the newly-redesigned 2023 models? Customers may not have a choice now as most 2022 Ascent models are sold out, and 2023 models will begin to arrive now. If a Subaru retailer still has a few 2022 models, the 2023 model gets significant new upgrades worth waiting for.
Subaru of America (SOA) reports that sales of the outgoing 2022 Ascent dropped in October by 3.7 percent compared to the same month in 2021. SOA says they delivered 5,029 Ascent family haulers in October compared with 5,221 models in October 2021. Still, the Ascent is only one of two models up in percentage through ten months of 2022.
Ascent is now up 5.7 percent, and Crosstrek is up 15.5 percent, year-to-date, in a challenging year when there are ongoing microchip shortages and supply chain issues.
Subaru of America increased sales by 31.9 percent in October thanks to the Ascent, Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback. Jeff Walters, Senior Vice President of Sales, said, "Despite ongoing supply chain challenges industry-wide, October was a strong month for Subaru, and we exceeded our October 2021 sales results."
Why should shoppers wait for the 2023 Ascent?
The 2023 Ascent receives a remodel with new features and upgrades. Ascent gets contemporary exterior styling, new safety tech, and more new upgrades inside. The Onyx Edition also gets further improvements. Here are the full details on the 2023 model change.
All Ascent trim levels offer Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, 8.7-inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode for improved off-pavement, snow and mud, and dirt road capability.
1. New improvements outside
Ascent gets a new front fascia with a more prominent grille, new LED headlights, and a redesigned front bumper cover. Subaru of America says the new front bumper cover features lower-edge air ducts to improve aerodynamic flow under the vehicle. At the back, Ascent gets updated Konoji (C-shaped) taillights.
2. Ascent gets the highest Top Safety Pick+ crash scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Among midsize SUVs in the new side crash test conducted by the IIHS, the Ascent was one of the models earning the highest "Good" rating.
3. Enhanced all-weather performance
A significant upgrade for the 2023 Ascent is the Ascent Onyx Edition, Limited and Touring trim levels is its newly-added dual-function X-Mode with Hill Descent Control. Dual-function X-Mode capabilities include Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings to optimize all-wheel-drive performance for enhanced all-weather, off-pavement trail, and beach-going ability.
4. The Subaru Ascent's new safety technology
Ascent gets the latest EyeSight driver assist technology with a Wide-Angle Mono Camera. The new wide-angle Mono Camera works together with the dual-camera EyeSight system. Subaru says, "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 alerts the driver and applies brakes when necessary to avoid collisions with pedestrians crossing bicycles."
5. Ascent gets excellent fuel mileage
Consumer Reports' new fuel-economy tests rank the most fuel-efficient midsize SUVs you can buy now.
The 2023 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA-estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg. The 2023 Ascent Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition, and new Onyx Edition Limited trim levels get 19/25 city/highway mpg and 21 combined mpg.
What is the price of the 2023 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).
When will the 2023 Ascent be available?
The new 2023 Subaru Ascent is arriving now at many Subaru retailers across the U.S. We expect sales to increase this winter as the family hauler gets new upgrades for active families. Check out the latest online configurator and build the new model online before visiting the dealer. The new models are a good pick for 3-Row SUV shoppers this fall and winter.
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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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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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