The Ascent is the largest vehicle in Subaru’s lineup, capable of seating up to eight passengers across its three rows. It competes against family-oriented SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot.

What’s New for the 2024 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent carries over unchanged for 2024, after a slight styling and technology refresh for the 2023 model year. The Ascent was introduced for the 2019 model year and is still in its first generation. Though the model hasn’t yet been fully redesigned, Subaru has kept the lineup relatively fresh over the years with new standard features and new trim levels.

Design

The Subaru Ascent doesn’t do much to differentiate itself in the segment. It’s not as rugged-looking as some of its rivals, or even compared to some of Subaru’s smaller utility vehicles. Base and Premium models ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims get 20-inch wheels. For the best-looking version of the Ascent, check out the Onyx Edition, which dresses up the exterior with dark trim and wheels and gives the cabin a sleek black theme as well.

Powertrain

The 2024 Ascent comes with only one powertrain, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine, which pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). As is the standard for most of Subaru’s lineup, all-wheel drive (AWD) is included across the lineup. The Ascent is rated for 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The EPA’s fuel economy ratings for models with 18-inch wheels comes in at 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, while models with the larger wheels come in at 19/25/21 mpg.

Interior

The Ascent can be configured for seven or eight passengers, based on the choice of second-row captain's chairs or a second-row bench. Standard features include manually adjustable front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and remote keyless entry. Options include power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, a power liftgate, and a range of upholstery grades, up to the premium Nappa leather that comes in the Touring model. The Ascent has 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which opens up to a maximum of 75.8 cubic feet.

Technology

Subaru fits the 2024 Ascent with a tablet-oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, but otherwise, the menu-heavy system may take some time to acclimate to. There’s a pair of USB outlets in the first two rows, as well. The Ascent is available with wireless device charging, rear-row USB ports, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Safety

The Subaru Ascent fares well in crash testing. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as well as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) five-star overall rating. The Ascent comes standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Options include a 360-degree parking camera system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking.

Pricing

At the time of this writing, Subaru lists the Ascent at a base MSRP of $34,195. The range includes the Premium ($36,795), Onyx Edition ($41,595), Limited ($41,895), and Onyx Edition Limited ($46,595), and it wraps up with the top-of-the-line Touring, which starts at $48,495. Subaru covers the Ascent with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2024 Ascent is on sale now.