2023 Subaru Ascent Touring: A Deep Dive

by Alex Braham 40 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring model. If you're in the market for a reliable, spacious, and feature-packed SUV, the Ascent Touring should definitely be on your radar. We’re going to explore everything that makes this vehicle stand out, from its performance and safety features to its interior comforts and technology. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring

The 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring is the top-tier trim of Subaru's popular three-row SUV. Designed for families and adventurers alike, it combines practicality with a touch of luxury. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about enjoying the journey with all the bells and whistles. The Ascent Touring sets itself apart with premium features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and an upgraded sound system. Subaru has built a reputation for safety and reliability, and the Ascent Touring continues this legacy with its advanced safety technologies and robust construction. The Ascent offers ample cargo space, making it perfect for road trips or hauling gear. Plus, with Subaru's standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, you can confidently tackle various road conditions. The 2023 model includes updated styling and improved features compared to previous years, making it a compelling choice in the competitive SUV market. Whether you're navigating city streets or exploring off the beaten path, the Ascent Touring offers a comfortable and capable ride.

Performance and Engine Specs

When it comes to performance, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring doesn't disappoint. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a solid 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of pep for daily driving and confident acceleration when you need it. The turbocharger ensures that the Ascent doesn't feel sluggish, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Ascent offers smooth and efficient power delivery. While some may miss the feel of a traditional automatic transmission, the CVT is well-tuned to maximize fuel economy and provide seamless acceleration. Speaking of fuel economy, the Ascent Touring achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. These figures are respectable for a three-row SUV, making it a practical choice for families. Of course, Subaru's renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard on the Ascent Touring. This system provides excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions, giving you peace of mind when driving in rain, snow, or gravel. The Ascent also offers X-Mode, which optimizes the all-wheel-drive system for even more challenging terrain. With X-Mode engaged, the Ascent can confidently tackle moderate off-road trails and slippery surfaces. The Ascent Touring also has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it capable of hauling a small trailer, boat, or camper. This adds to its versatility and makes it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Overall, the Ascent Touring offers a well-rounded performance package that balances power, efficiency, and capability.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring, you'll immediately notice the premium materials and thoughtful design. The seats are wrapped in luxurious leather, providing a comfortable and supportive experience for both the driver and passengers. The front seats are heated and ventilated, ensuring year-round comfort. The second-row seats are also heated, which is a nice touch for those chilly mornings. The Ascent Touring offers seating for up to eight passengers, with a second-row bench seat. However, you can opt for captain's chairs in the second row, which reduces the seating capacity to seven but provides more individual comfort. The captain's chairs also make it easier to access the third row. Speaking of the third row, it's surprisingly spacious for a mid-size SUV. Adults can comfortably sit in the third row for shorter trips, and it's perfect for kids. The Ascent Touring also boasts a wealth of technology features. The centerpiece of the dashboard is an 11.6-inch touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system. This system is intuitive and easy to use, with crisp graphics and quick response times. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The Ascent Touring also comes standard with a premium Harman Kardon sound system, which delivers rich and immersive audio quality. Other notable technology features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. These features help keep everyone connected and entertained on long trips. The Ascent Touring also offers a panoramic sunroof, which lets in plenty of natural light and provides a more open and airy feel to the cabin. Overall, the Ascent Touring's interior is a comfortable and well-equipped space that's perfect for families.

Safety Features

Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the 2023 Ascent Touring is no exception. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. The centerpiece of the Ascent's safety system is EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This system includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, while lane keep assist gently nudges you back into your lane. Pre-collision braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. In addition to EyeSight, the Ascent Touring also comes standard with blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. Blind-spot detection alerts you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up. Reverse automatic braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an obstacle behind you. The Ascent Touring also features a driver monitoring system, which uses a camera to track the driver's eyes and head movements. If it detects that the driver is drowsy or distracted, it will issue a warning. The Ascent Touring has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It has received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS. These ratings demonstrate Subaru's commitment to safety and provide peace of mind for Ascent owners. With its comprehensive suite of safety features and excellent safety ratings, the Ascent Touring is a safe and reliable choice for families.

Exterior Design and Features

The 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring boasts a stylish and functional exterior design. It's a handsome SUV with a modern and aerodynamic profile. The front fascia features a bold grille, sleek headlights, and a sculpted bumper. The overall look is both rugged and refined. The Ascent Touring comes standard with LED headlights, which provide excellent visibility at night. It also features LED fog lights, which help improve visibility in inclement weather. The side profile of the Ascent Touring is characterized by its strong character lines and prominent wheel arches. It rides on 20-inch alloy wheels, which give it a sporty and upscale appearance. The Ascent Touring also features chrome exterior trim, which adds a touch of elegance. The rear of the Ascent Touring features LED taillights, a rear spoiler, and a hands-free power liftgate. The hands-free power liftgate allows you to open the liftgate with a wave of your foot under the rear bumper, which is convenient when your hands are full. The Ascent Touring is available in a variety of exterior colors, including Abyss Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, and Dark Mahogany Pearl. These colors complement the Ascent's design and give it a distinctive look. The Ascent Touring also comes standard with roof rails, which allow you to carry extra cargo on the roof. Overall, the Ascent Touring's exterior design is both attractive and functional. It's a well-designed SUV that looks great on the road.

Pros and Cons of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring

Like any vehicle, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring has its pros and cons. Let's take a look at some of the key advantages and disadvantages of this SUV.

Pros:

  • Spacious Interior: The Ascent Touring offers a generous amount of space for passengers and cargo. The third row is surprisingly comfortable for adults, and there's plenty of room for luggage or gear.
  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive provides excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions.
  • Advanced Safety Features: The Ascent Touring comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
  • Premium Features: The Ascent Touring boasts a wealth of premium features, such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and an upgraded sound system.
  • Towing Capacity: The Ascent Touring has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it capable of hauling a small trailer, boat, or camper.

Cons:

  • CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not like the feel of the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can feel less engaging than a traditional automatic transmission.
  • Fuel Economy: While the Ascent Touring's fuel economy is respectable for a three-row SUV, it's not class-leading.
  • Infotainment System: While the infotainment system is user-friendly, some may find it to be a bit slow to respond at times.

Final Verdict

The 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring is a well-rounded and capable three-row SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. It's a great choice for families who need a spacious, safe, and reliable vehicle. With its standard all-wheel drive, advanced safety features, and premium amenities, the Ascent Touring is well-equipped to handle a variety of driving conditions and passenger needs. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, such as the CVT transmission and average fuel economy, the Ascent Touring's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you're in the market for a three-row SUV, the Subaru Ascent Touring should definitely be on your shortlist.