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Subaru's 2023 Ascent unveils a restyled exterior, seating flexibility and assorted technologies for family safety on winter roads.
A standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system sends power to all wheels for maximum traction and responsive handling in unpredictable weather. The system is under the vehicle's centerline and also balances weight distribution on both sides for on-road stability in frigid conditions.
Ascent is available in six trim levels—Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Limited, Limited and Touring.
Under the Hood
The turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder powertrain delivers 260 hp and 277 Ib-ft of torque. An eight-speed manual selection is synchronized to a continuously variable transmission and controlled by wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Base and Premium models earn an EPA-estimated grade of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. In contrast, the other variants get 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the expressway.
Comfort and Convenience
An 8.7-inch ground clearance helps the three-row SUV avoid getting stuck or scraping the underbody in deep snow.
The Dual-function X-Mode comes with preset settings for appropriate throttle response and tire adaptability in freezing temperatures.
Every Subaru Ascent offers a 5000-pound towing capacity, complemented with a Class III trailer hitch and wide selection of racking accessories. A pulling power of 277 Ib-ft of torque allows families to bring snowmobiles and travel trailers for fun-filled holidays.
The infotainment 11.6-inch touchscreen offers intuitive in-cabin entertainment via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing passengers to connect with their favorite apps on the road.
Vertical positioning and high-resolution onscreen icons are accessible for the driver to follow directions to points of interest without distractions. While an all-new Cabin Connect internal speaker system helps maintain clear communication between first and third-row passengers.
With a model choice of either seven or eight passengers, Ascent offers roomy seats, extra-wide rear door openings and expansive family luggage space. All trims also come with 19 secure cup holders for everyone to have hot beverages to keep warm.
Safety
The 2023 Ascent is built on the Subaru Global Platform, which uses high-strength steel plates to protect occupants in car crashes. Seven airbags, height-adjustable head restraints in all seating positions and a ring-shaped reinforcement frame provide high impact protection on all trims.
Standard and optional Eyesight Driver Assist Technology packages also offer an extra set of eyes on the road.
The Basic-level trim package includes the following:
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management
- Pre Collision Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning
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