photo credit: subaru
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The 2023 Subaru Ascent has been given a facelift that brings a new grille design and revised lighting elements.
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The three-row SUV now comes standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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Subaru also improves on its iSight driver-assistance technology, which includes a new automatic evasive steering feature.
The Subaru Ascent is a member of the most hotly-competed segment of mid-size crossovers and SUVs. As such, Subaru is rolling out several updates to the three-row ute for the 2023 model year, aimed at maintaining looks and keeping competition.
The 2023 Ascent’s curb appeal has been refreshed thanks to a newly styled mug. Its grille gets bigger with a more pronounced design, the headlights have been reshaped for a more articulated look, and the front bumper has been updated to accommodate the air ducts that Subaru says run under the SUV. Aerodynamics improves. The rear adopts taillights which are now shaped like the letter C.
photo credit: subaru
While the revised styling elements of the Ascent help differentiate it from the earlier model years, its most notable updates are arguably the influx of infotainment features and enhanced driver-assistance technology. Every Ascent now comes standard with an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen that replaces the earlier standard 6.5-inch and optional 8.0-inch displays. The new interface replaces most physical switchgear with touch functions, but it also brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Subaru has always provided the Ascent with an extensive roster of driver assistance. However, that roster has been improved on 2023 models due to the addition of the company’s latest technology, which it calls iSight. Improvements to existing features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, are said to make them operate more smoothly and in a wide range of conditions. Subaru says this is accomplished by new control software, a wider field of view for the camera system, and the addition of an electric brake booster.
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photo credit: subaru
With improved driver assistance, Subaru says the Ascent can quickly detect cyclists and pedestrians at low speeds, alerting the driver and braking if necessary. Similarly, models equipped with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert get what Subaru calls Automatic Emergency Steering, which is said to help keep the Ascent from collision at speeds below 50 mph.
Other modifications to the Ascent lineup include an optional 360-degree camera system (previously only a 180-degree view was offered) and a feature called Cabin Connect, which is essentially a PA system where the front-seat passenger takes his seat. The sound can be raised to the third position. -Row living through the speakers back in. The black-trimmed Onyx variant also gets additional drive modes with green contrast stitching, a new standard panoramic sunroof and hill-descent control. The latter is now standard on the top-tier Limited and Touring trims as well.
Subaru hasn’t released pricing for the 2023 Ascent family, which ranged from the $33,970 base model last year to the $46,570 Touring. We expect prices for the new model year to be announced sometime before reaching dealers this fall.
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