Subaru’s Ascent full-size crossover starts at $34,395, has room for eight

The Subaru Ascent three-row crossover utility vehicle returns for 2024, and continues as the largest Subaru vehicle ever offered in the U.S. market.
Ascent is a great family vehicle, thanks to its three rows of seating and room for up to eight passengers.
Six trim levels are available for 2024. They begin with the base Ascent eight-passenger model ($34,395, plus $1,345 freight), followed by the Premium ($36,995) and Limited ($42,095), available in seven- or eight-passenger versions; the seven-passenger Onyx edition ($41,795); the Onyx Limited seven-passenger ($46,795); and the Touring ($48,695), with seven-passenger configuration.
The 2024 Ascent comes with the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which now operates more smoothly and in a greater range of conditions. 

These improvements are a result of a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. 
Recent new features include Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering and Lane Keep Assist added to the standard Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology on all trim levels.
Also standard across the model line is a Wide-Angle Mono Camera that works together with the EyeSight system’s stereo cameras.
Models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert include Automatic Emergency Steering, a safety feature that works in conjunction with the EyeSight Pre-Collision Braking to help the vehicle avoid a collision when traveling at speeds slower than 50 mph.

Also now included across the board are the Steering Responsive LED headlights with High Beam Assist for improved nighttime visibility, Subaru says, along with the new Second- and Third-Row Seat Belt Reminder, which prompts passengers to buckle up in the rear seats.
The Rear Seat Reminder alert system is standard on all models, and a power rear liftgate lock option was made available.
Under the hood of all trim levels is a Subaru boxer-style (horizontally opposed) turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, cranking out an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 foot-pounds of torque. 

Also standard is a continuously variable automatic transmission with simulated eight speeds that can be manually shifted using paddles on the steering wheel. All models are also equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive as a standard feature.
Fuel-economy ratings for the base Ascent and Premium model are 21 mpg city/27 highway/23 combined; Limited and Touring trims with 20-inch wheels are rated at 20 city/26 highway/22 combined.

Additionally, adaptive LED headlights are standard on all versions, and the Second- and Third-Row Seat Belt Reminder system is included on all trim levels. 
The eight-passenger seating includes two seats up front, three positions on a middle bench seat, and three more on a rear bench. 
To get the seven-passenger configuration, the Ascent can be equipped with two captain’s chairs in the middle row instead of the three-person bench. The Limited model can be fitted with either seating setup with no additional charge either way.
Our test vehicle was the seven-passenger Touring model, the top of the line, in the new Dark Mahogany Pearl exterior color. It also came with Java Brown Nappa leather seats, and simulated leather accent trim with contrast stiching.
Included with the Touring model are 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dark gray with machine finish, fitted with 245/50 R20 all-season tires. It also comes with a temporary-use spare tire.

There were roomy and well-cushioned bucket seats up front, with 10-way power adjustment on the driver’s side and four-way power on the passenger side. The front and middle seats were quite comfortable, and even average-size folks and big kids have decent space in the third row, which is relatively easy to access.
Also included in the price was the All-Weather Package, which brings heated outside mirrors, steering wheel, and first- and second-row seats, along with front windshield wiper deicers. Touring models also get ventilated front seats. 
We also had a Harman Kardon audio system/Starlink 11.6-inch touch-screen multimedia navigation system, panoramic moon roof, roof cargo rails, LED fog lights, and a cargo cover.

Other features of the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology include Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and the EyeSight Assist Monitor, with a head-up display of the EyeSight system warnings as well as system status, projected on the lower windshield in front of the driver.
The Ascent replaced the seven-passenger Tribeca crossover in Subaru’s U.S. lineup, a vehicle that was introduced as the B9 Tribeca in 2006, later called just the Tribeca, and discontinued after 2014. Tribeca’s last version had a normally aspirated 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder engine with 256 horsepower, connected to a conventional five-speed automatic transmission.
Even though the Ascent’s engine has just four cylinders, it’s powerful enough to tow trailers weighing up to 5,000 pounds, along with giving the vehicle enough power for everyday driving and cross-country touring. 

We took the Ascent on some fairly steep hills and always seemed to have sufficient power, but we did not load it with passengers and cargo, or attempt to pull a trailer.
The Ascent was designed on a strengthened and extended version of the Subaru Global Platform architecture, with extensive use of high-strength steel and a focus on durability, rigidity and vibration resistance. Subaru says.
Overall length is 196.8 inches long, with a 113.8-inch wheelbase and 153.5 cubic feet of passenger volume – along with up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space (with middle- and third-row 60/40-split seatbacks folded). 

The rear passenger doors open up to 75 degrees for better access to the third-row seat. Standard roof rails allow for carrying items such as bicycles and kayaks. Included is the Power Rear Gate with automatic close, height memory function, and vehicle lock button.
Six USB charging ports are provided, two in each row, and there is a 120-volt outlet in the rear of the center console for powering a variety of devices. The interior has 19 cup and bottle holders.
Included is three-zone automatic climate control with large vents for all three rows. There are reading lights in the second row on all models, and third-row lights on Premium, Limited and Touring trims. Also standard is ambient and foot-well lighting.
Among other standard features are 18-inch wheels (on lower trims) and four-wheel independent suspension, High Beam Assist, and second-row retractable sunshades.

Subaru’s Starlink multimedia systems have multi-touch high-resolution display screens, and include smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Aha and Pandora, along with Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, a backup camera and SiriusXM services. In-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity is available.
Starlink Connected Services bring remote engine start (on models with pushbutton start, including our Touring); concierge service; anti-theft vehicle immobilizer with flashing vehicle security lights; child-safety functions including geofencing, speed alert and curfew; and over-the-air firmware updates.
A Safety Plus package adds SOS emergency assistance, with enhanced roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, maintenance notifications, monthly vehicle health report, and diagnostic alerts. The Safety Plus & Security Plus package tacks on stolen-vehicle recovery service, vehicle security alarm notification, remote lock/unlock, remote horn and lights, and remote vehicle locator. Both are included on Limited and Touring models.
The standard High Beam Assist automatically activates and deactivates the bright lights. The Ascent also offers Reverse Automatic Braking, which can apply the brakes if an obstacle is detected while backing up.
Touring models come with the Front View Monitor, which gives a 180-degree view of the front of the vehicle on the multi-function display by using a camera in the grille.

Also standard on Touring is the Smart Rearview Mirror, which displays a view from behind the vehicle from a camera mounted above the rear gate glass. Rain-sensing windshield wipers are also included on Touring models.
Touring models have most of the Limited features, along with satin-silver side mirrors with integrated turn signals, chrome door handles, chrome front under guard and rear bumper protector, the unique Java Brown leather upholstery; and upgraded leather steering wheel.
The only option on our Touring tester was the All-Weather Floor Liners ($141).
With freight and that option, the total sticker price for our 2024 Subaru Ascent Touring model was $50,181.
Ascent has been awarded the Top Safety Pick-Plus rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Subaru assembles the Ascent at its only U.S. plant, in Lafayette, Indiana. 
The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @gchambers3. His driving partner, Emma Jayne Williams, contributed to this report.

2024 Subaru Ascent

The package: Large, seven- or eight-passenger, five-door, turbocharged four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive crossover utility vehicle.
Highlights: This is Subaru’s largest vehicle ever for North America, a family-size three-row crossover with plenty of space, along with decent styling, good performance and excellent safety.
Negatives: Limited cargo space behind third row.
Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged horizontally opposed (boxer-style) four-cylinder, gasoline.
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic.
Power/torque: 260 HP./277 foot-pounds.
Length: 196.8 inches.
Curb weight range: 4,421-4,590 pounds.
Cargo volume: 17.8 cubic feet (behind third seat), or 17.6 with moon roof; 43.5 cubic feet (third seat folded), or 42.1 with moon roof; 76.5 cubic feet (second and third rows folded), or 72.8 with moon roof.
Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds.
Electronic stability control: Standard, with anti-roll feature.
Side air bags: Seat-mounted front side; side-curtain for all rows.
Fuel capacity/type: 19.3 gallons/unleaded regular.
EPA fuel economy: 21 mpg city/27 highway/23 combined (18-inch wheels); 19 city/25 highway/21 combined (20-inch wheels).
Base price range: $34,395-$48,695, plus $1,345 freight.
Price as tested: $50,181, including freight and options (2024 Touring model).
On the Road rating: 8.7 (of a possible 10).
Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.