Where does the 2023 Subaru Ascent rank in the all-wheel-drive lineup? Of course, there are better-selling models than this, but it's a top pick for families. See why the Ascent 3-Row SUV checks all the boxes except for one.
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How well is the Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV doing after five months in 2023? The 2023 Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV gets new upgrades and a new award to save families money. The newly-refreshed 2023 Subaru Ascent is still the fourth best-selling SUV in the lineup, and sales are up again in May. So Ascent is doing well, but it could be doing better.
The refreshed 2023 Subaru Ascent is the fourth best-selling SUV in the lineup, with 6,505 3-Row SUVs delivered to customers in May. The Ascent picked up the pace again and was up 20.4 percent compared with the 5,402 models sold in May 2022. The Ascent is up 7.6 percent in the first five months, with 27,252 models sold this year. SOA delivered 27,252 Ascent models to customers this year compared with 25,328 in 2022.
"Heading into summer, our sales momentum continues, and we significantly exceeded our May 2022 results," said Troy Poston, the new Senior Vice President of Sales. "As the road-trip season gets underway, our adventure-ready vehicles and Subaru Wilderness lineup continue to capture the imagination of consumers looking to explore the open road."
With the 2023 Ascent model change and new improvements, it's not a surprise the Ascent family hauler is performing better this year. But there is still one box that still needs to be checked for Ascent to be the best.
The Ascent 3-Row SUV does not have a hybrid trim level for U.S. customers.
The box that needs to be checked for customers is an Ascent hybrid trim level. The Ascent Hybrid would give the 3-Row SUV seven trim levels and a more fuel-efficient option. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is good, but hybrid technology would set the family SUV apart further from the competition.
What is the 2023 Ascent fuel mileage?
The 2023 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA-estimated 21/27 city/highway mpg and 23 combined mpg. Because they are slightly heavier, the Ascent Limited and Touring trim levels get an EPA-estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg.
Subaru Corporation is developing new hybrid models, and Subaru of America's largest vehicle, would benefit the most. Look for an Ascent Hybrid trim level for U.S. customers in four to five years.
How much cargo room does the Ascent have?
Consumer Reports says the Ascent is one of the best midsize 3-Row SUVs with the most cargo room.
A new ranking from Consumer Reports (by subscription) did a study and picked the best midsize 3-Row SUVs with the most cargo room to fit your family and your groceries, sports equipment, and luggage when you take road trips.
Consumer Reports says the Ascent is now among the twelve best 3-Row SUVs with the most cargo room. The Chevrolet Traverse is ranked best, followed by the Volkswagen Atlas, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Dodge Durango, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent.
What does CR say about the Subaru Ascent?
"The roomy Ascent looks like an inflated version of the Forester compact SUV, which isn't bad, given the smaller SUV's great visibility and roomy cabin. Folding down the second and third-row seats opens up more than 45 cubic feet of useable cargo room. The turbocharged four-cylinder delivers ample power in daily driving and gets 22 mpg overall. We like the Ascent's steady and controlled ride and found that the suspension does an excellent job of mopping up bumps. The cabin is quiet, the second-row captain's seats are roomy and comfortable, and adults can use the third-row seat for shorter trips."
How much cargo room does the Subaru Ascent have?
Regarding cargo capacity, the Ascent is the largest Subaru model for North American families. The Ascent has 43.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row rear seats up. With the third row folded flat, there are 75.6 cubic feet behind the second row.
Is the Ascent expensive to own?
In Kelley Blue Book's (KBB) 2023 5-Year Cost to Own cars, trucks, and SUV awards, KBB says the 2023 Ascent is the lowest cost-to-own model in the 3-Row Midsize SUV category. KBB predicted the 2023 Ascent to have a 5-year cost-to-own of $47,833 (including the purchase price), which is $5,087 less than the Three-Row Midsize SUV segment average.
What is the 2023 Ascent pricing?
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).
More reasons why customers are buying the Subaru Ascent.
What sets the Ascent family hauler apart from other midsize 3-Row SUVs is its standard all-wheel-drive system that provides all-weather capability, X-Mode for severe weather, and dual-function X-Mode on some trim levels for all-terrain ability. In addition, as with all Subaru SUVs, they are designed for active families needing extra off-pavement capability.
Ascent sales are up in the first five months of 2023, and active families are putting the 3-Row SUV on their shopping list this year. The Ascent checks all the right boxes except for one. The Ascent needs a hybrid trim level.
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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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