Hey everyone, let's talk about the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring! If you're in the market for a spacious, family-friendly SUV with a touch of luxury, the Ascent Touring should definitely be on your radar. I've spent some time with this model, and I'm ready to share my thoughts, covering everything from its features and performance to its pros and cons. So, grab a coffee (or your favorite beverage), and let's dive into what makes the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring stand out. We will explore its key features, discuss its performance, and consider its pros and cons, all designed to help you decide if this SUV is the right fit for your needs. Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a comprehensive review of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring.

Overview of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring

The 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring sits at the top of the Ascent lineup, offering a blend of luxury and practicality. Subaru positions this model as the flagship, and for good reason. It’s packed with features and designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for both the driver and passengers. The Ascent Touring aims to cater to families needing ample space, advanced safety features, and a touch of sophistication. This SUV is a three-row vehicle that comfortably accommodates up to seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration you choose. The Touring trim level elevates the Ascent with premium materials, advanced technology, and a host of convenience features, making it a compelling option in the competitive SUV market.

From the outside, the Ascent Touring sports a bold and rugged design, typical of Subaru's DNA, yet refined with its Touring-specific elements. Inside, you'll find a well-appointed cabin with leather-trimmed seats, woodgrain-patterned trim, and a large touchscreen infotainment system. Under the hood, the Ascent Touring is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, delivering a balance of power and efficiency. Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the Ascent Touring is equipped with the brand's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system is standard, providing enhanced stability and control in various driving conditions. Throughout this review, we’ll explore these aspects in more detail, providing a comprehensive understanding of what the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring has to offer. So, if you're looking for a family SUV that blends practicality with a touch of luxury and cutting-edge safety features, the Ascent Touring deserves your close attention.

Key Features and Specifications

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring. This model is packed with features, so let's break them down. First off, we have the engine. The 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine is the heart of the Ascent. It produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps provide smooth and efficient power delivery. This engine gives the Ascent a decent amount of pep, making it capable for everyday driving and highway cruising. Fuel economy is pretty respectable for a vehicle of this size, with an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Of course, your actual mileage may vary depending on driving conditions and habits.

Now, let's talk about the interior. The Ascent Touring boasts a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials. You'll find leather-trimmed seats, heated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats are power-adjustable, and the driver's seat comes with memory settings. The second row offers captain's chairs (in the seven-passenger configuration) or a bench seat (in the eight-passenger configuration). The third row is surprisingly roomy for adults, making the Ascent a truly practical choice for larger families. The infotainment system is a star of the show, featuring a large touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system is easy to use and provides access to navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. The Ascent Touring also comes equipped with a premium audio system, ensuring a great listening experience. Cargo space is plentiful, with plenty of room behind the third row and even more when the rear seats are folded down. This makes it easy to haul luggage, groceries, or any gear you might need. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite is another highlight, including features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, pre-collision braking, and blind-spot monitoring. These features enhance safety and provide peace of mind on the road. Other notable features include a panoramic moonroof, a hands-free power rear gate, and a surround-view camera system. These features add to the overall convenience and premium feel of the Ascent Touring.

Performance and Driving Experience

Let's get into how the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring actually performs on the road. The 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency. While it’s not a sports car, it offers adequate acceleration for daily driving, merging onto highways, and even passing slower vehicles. The CVT transmission is designed for fuel efficiency and smooth transitions. The overall driving experience is comfortable and composed. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth ride for passengers. The steering is light and responsive, making the Ascent easy to maneuver in both city and highway driving. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is standard, giving the Ascent excellent grip and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. Whether you're driving in rain, snow, or on dry pavement, you can feel confident in the Ascent's ability to maintain control. The all-wheel-drive system actively distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, helping to prevent wheel slip and improve overall handling.

Another aspect to consider is the Ascent’s towing capacity. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it suitable for towing small trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment. This adds to the versatility of the Ascent, making it a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities. The Ascent also offers a quiet cabin, which enhances the overall driving experience. Road and wind noise are well-suppressed, allowing for comfortable conversations and a more enjoyable listening experience when using the audio system. The Ascent Touring's performance is further enhanced by its safety features. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology works seamlessly in the background to provide an extra layer of protection, alerting the driver to potential hazards and helping to prevent accidents. Overall, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring provides a comfortable, capable, and confident driving experience. It's a vehicle that excels in various driving conditions, making it a practical and enjoyable choice for families and anyone seeking a versatile SUV.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Let’s explore the interior of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring in detail. Step inside, and you're greeted with a premium cabin designed for comfort and convenience. The leather-trimmed seats are a standout feature, providing a luxurious feel and adding to the overall aesthetic. The front seats are power-adjustable with memory settings for the driver, allowing you to easily find your preferred driving position. Heated front and second-row seats are standard, ensuring that passengers stay comfortable in colder weather. The heated steering wheel adds to the premium feel and is a welcome feature on chilly mornings. The second row offers captain’s chairs in the seven-passenger configuration, providing individual seating and easier access to the third row. Alternatively, you can opt for a bench seat in the eight-passenger configuration. The third row is surprisingly spacious, offering enough legroom and headroom for adults, making the Ascent a true three-row SUV.

The infotainment system is a central hub for entertainment, navigation, and vehicle settings. The large touchscreen display is easy to use and provides access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone. You can easily access your favorite apps, make calls, and play music. The premium audio system delivers high-quality sound, enhancing the listening experience for both the driver and passengers. The Ascent Touring also features a panoramic moonroof, which floods the cabin with natural light and provides an open and airy feel. Other tech features include a hands-free power rear gate, which makes it easier to load and unload cargo, and a surround-view camera system, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. USB ports are strategically placed throughout the cabin, ensuring that everyone can keep their devices charged. The interior is thoughtfully designed, with plenty of storage compartments and cupholders, making it easy to keep the cabin organized and clutter-free. The materials used throughout the interior are of high quality, contributing to the overall premium feel of the Ascent Touring. The Ascent Touring offers a comfortable, well-equipped, and technologically advanced interior, making it a great place to spend time on the road.

Safety Features and Driver-Assist Technology

Safety is a paramount concern for Subaru, and the 2023 Ascent Touring is packed with advanced safety features and driver-assist technologies. At the heart of the safety suite is EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes a range of features designed to enhance safety and prevent accidents. These features use cameras to monitor the road and provide assistance when needed. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, making highway driving less stressful. Lane departure warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane, and lane keep assist helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane. Pre-collision braking can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a collision. Blind-spot monitoring alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, while rear cross-traffic alert warns of approaching vehicles when backing up.

The Ascent Touring also features a surround-view camera system, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Automatic high beams automatically switch between high and low beams, depending on the surrounding lighting conditions. The Ascent is built with a high-strength steel frame, providing excellent protection in the event of a collision. Multiple airbags are strategically placed throughout the cabin to protect occupants in a crash. The Ascent has earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). These ratings demonstrate the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in the event of a crash and its ability to prevent accidents. Subaru's commitment to safety is evident in the Ascent Touring, making it a safe and reliable choice for families. These features enhance safety and give drivers confidence on the road, knowing that they are protected by a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies.

Pros and Cons of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring

Now, let's weigh the pros and cons of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring. We’ll look at what makes this SUV a great choice and where it might fall short. On the plus side, the Ascent Touring offers a spacious and comfortable interior, with three rows of seating and plenty of legroom for adults in the third row. The leather-trimmed seats, heated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel add to the overall luxury and comfort. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology provides a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. The standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system gives the Ascent excellent grip and stability in various driving conditions, enhancing safety and confidence on the road. The 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. The Ascent also boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The large cargo area and the hands-free power rear gate add to the practicality of the vehicle.

However, there are a few potential downsides to consider. The fuel economy, while decent for a vehicle of this size, isn’t class-leading. Some might find the CVT transmission to be less engaging than a traditional automatic transmission. While the interior is comfortable, some competitors offer higher-end materials and finishes. The infotainment system, while functional, can sometimes feel a bit dated compared to the latest systems offered by competitors. The Ascent's exterior design is functional and rugged, but it may not appeal to those looking for a more stylish or sleek appearance. The price point of the Touring trim is relatively high, potentially making it less accessible to some buyers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring remains a strong contender in the three-row SUV segment, offering a compelling combination of space, safety, and features. Ultimately, the best way to determine if the Ascent is right for you is to consider your individual needs and preferences. Factor in things like your budget, the size of your family, your driving habits, and the types of features that are most important to you. The Ascent Touring’s strengths often outweigh its weaknesses, especially for families who prioritize safety, space, and all-weather capability.

Conclusion: Is the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring Right for You?

So, after a thorough review, is the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring the right SUV for you? That depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a spacious, family-friendly SUV with a touch of luxury and a strong emphasis on safety, the Ascent Touring is definitely worth considering. Its three-row seating, advanced safety features, and standard all-wheel drive make it an excellent choice for families. The comfortable interior, with its leather-trimmed seats and user-friendly technology, adds to the overall appeal. However, if you prioritize fuel economy above all else or are looking for a more sporty driving experience, you might want to explore other options.

Before making a final decision, I highly recommend test-driving the Ascent Touring and comparing it to other SUVs in its class, like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Mazda CX-9. Consider your budget, the size of your family, and your lifestyle to determine if the Ascent Touring meets your needs. Look at the other trims to see if other options are more suitable for your budget. Also, consider the long-term value and reliability of the vehicle. Subaru has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, which can save you money on repairs and maintenance in the long run. By carefully considering all of these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the SUV that best suits your needs and budget. Overall, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring is a solid choice for families looking for a spacious, safe, and well-equipped SUV. It offers a great blend of practicality, comfort, and technology, making it a worthy contender in the competitive three-row SUV market. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your specific needs, and then make the decision that’s right for you. Happy car hunting, guys!