Tuesday, July 9, 2024

2024 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD: The Brand’s Three-Row Crossover

Highlight: This is the brand’s flagship vehicle.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 49,931 (Base Model: $35,740)

Seating Capacity: 7- 8 (depending upon trim)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a tire pressure sensor system; an incline start assist system; a rear-view camera; hill descent control system; a traction control system; and automatic pre collision braking


Standard Equipment (Base): 18-inch wheels; AWD; a brake hold system; cargo area tie down hooks; carpeted floor mats; cloth seats; three rows of seats; manual adjustable front seats; black roof rails; a remote keyless entry system; a trailer stability assist system; and a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Standard Equipment (Touring): 20-inch wheels; 120-volt  power outlet rear center console; ambient interior lighting; cargo area cover; chrome exterior door handles; exclusive Touring grille design; floormats with Touring logo; rear footwell lighting; power folding exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals; a 360-degree camera; a leather wrapped steering wheel; tri-zone automatic climate control system; Nappa brown leather interior; panoramic power moonroof with dual panels; rain-sensing windshield wiper system; a 12-inch infotainment system;  navigation system; a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system; SiriusXM; ventilated front seats; woodgrain pattern trim on center console and upper door panels; power driver’s seat with two position memory; adjustable driver seat extension; power front passenger seat; dual illuminated front center console with cupholders; second-row retractable sunshades; second-row heated seats; auto dimming rear view mirrors; a variety of driving modes; a heated steering wheel; keyless entry system; a push button ignition starter system; power operated rear cargo gate; and reverse auto braking

Options: all-weather floor liners

Other Trim Levels:

Premium

Onyx

Limited

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower: a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder/260-horsepower

Towing Capacity: 2,000 to 5,000 lbs

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/25-hwy (test model)

What’s New: Apart from a few updates to the driver’s assistance package, the three-row crossover is literally a carryover.



Why:

AWD

A three-row crossover

A variety of trims

Leather seats available

Adjustable driver’s seat extension available

Ventilated front seats available

Second row heated seats available

7 or 8 seating capacity

A premium audio system available

A panoramic roof available

360-degree camera

20-inch wheels

Up to 5,000 towing capacity

But: 

No front wheel drive available because it’s a Subaru

Powertrains sounds fussy and noisy

Interior is not as spacious, as many of its competitors

Limited legroom for third-row

Verdict: Subaru’s flagship, the Ascent, joined the line up in 2019, as the replacement for the Tribeca.

Like some of its competitors, the Ascent, which is available in several trims, is only available with one powertrain. The turbocharged four-cylinder in the Ascent lacks the smooth sounding 6-cylinders powered by many of its competitors despite its 260-horspower engine. In fact, the Ascent sounds fussier and louder, because its attempting to do as much work as its 6-cylinder competitors.

The AWD three-row vehicle is capable of seating between 7 to 8, depending upon the configuration of the second-row. And depending upon the model selected, the Ascent can be configured with such features as 20-inch wheels, leather seating surfaces, a panoramic roof, ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats.

Moreover, for the 2024 model year, the Ascent receives an updated driver assistance system. This safety aid helps to minimize collisions, while steering the vehicle, no pun attended, closer toward autonomy.

Overall, while the Subaru lacks the luxury finesse offered by the Mazda CX-90 and the athletic styling of the SUV-like Kia Telluride, the Ascent, with its earthy image has managed to carve out it on niche, with its ability to tow up to 5,000 lbs and standard AWD capabilities. 


Competition: Chevrolet Traverse; Ford Explorer; Honda Pilot; Hyundai Santa Fe; Hyundai Palisade; Kia Telluride; and Mazda CX-90

 

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