We drive the 2024 Subaru Ascent to find out if it's the BEST midsize 3-row SUV?
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:55 What's New
1:38 Wheels and Tires
1:53 Exterior
2:18 Under The Hood
2:44 Cargo Area
4:12 Pricing
4:31 Rear Seats
5:40 Interior and Tech
9:15 Driving
16:46 Verdict
The 2024 Subaru Ascent Touring is poised to captivate Subaru drivers seeking a larger, more accommodating vehicle. As Subaru's largest and most well-equipped model to date, the three-row Ascent has been recently updated and improved, making it an enticing option for those outgrowing their Forester or Outback.
However, the Ascent faces stiff competition in the crowded midsize three-row crossover segment. It must contend with popular rivals like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and the newly introduced Mazda CX-90. Carving out a niche in this highly competitive market will not be an easy task for the Subaru Ascent.
What’s New?
Last year, Subaru refreshed the Ascent by adding a rear-facing camera and a washer to help clear off dirt when driving off-road. The vehicle also features an intercom system, allowing front-seat passengers to communicate with those in the third row, usually children. Additionally, all Ascent trims except the base model now come equipped with automatic emergency steering, which can steer the vehicle around obstacles while maintaining its lane position. As for cupholders, the Ascent continues to offer a generous 19 of them which is more than enough.
Wheel and Tires
This top-of-the-line Touring Model comes equipped with 20-inch wheels fitted with high-performance 245/50 Falken all-season tires. Its advanced braking system features a quicker-acting electric booster that can automatically initiate a slowdown when the vehicle senses an impending collision.
Slightly New Looks
The vehicle's front showcases an elaborate design, with stylized headlights, a prominent grille, and chrome-accented air inlets along the bumper. The rear updates are more subtle, as the previous rectangular taillights on the hatch now feature a distinctive C-shape. Subaru calls these "Konoji" taillights, which contribute to the vehicle's modern aesthetic.
Under The Hood
The 2024 Subaru Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This generous torque output is available across a wide rev range, from 2000 to 4800 rpm. Despite its substantial curb weight of 4,590 pounds, the Ascent accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 6.8 seconds. Additionally, the Ascent is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
2024 Subaru Ascent Touring Edition Numbers
BASE PRICE: $48,495
PRICE AS TESTED: $49,931
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, AWD, 5-passenger, 4-door Wagon
ENGINE: 2.4-liter turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 16-valve flat-4
POWER: 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm
TORQUE: 277 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: Continuously variable automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 4,542 lb
0-60 MPH: 6.9 seconds
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 19.3
FUEL ECONOMY: 25 City/32 highway/28combined
OUR OBSERVED: 23.8 mpg
CARGO SPACE: 17.8 cubic feet behind 3rd row, 43.5 cubic feet behind the second row, 75.6 with all seats flat
PROS: Turbo 4 has good power, CVT is a bit jerky at low speeds, solid, and predictable
CONS: Infotainment is slow at times, steering is too light