CORRECTION- At 8:30 I mistakenly say Ascent seats 6 or 7. It has belts for 7 or 8. Brain fart there. But considering the space in the 3rd row, I'll argue that realistically I'm kind of right. Thanks to Chris Laughton pointing out my gaffe.
Love my Ascent. Would love an Onxy but I love having a mid row bench more. Any trim above a limited means captain chairs only. If Subie ever builds a Wilderness Hybrid I will buy it. Otherwise That Toyota Grand Highlander looks pretty good (once they sort out that whole side curtain airbag thing)
Actually Subaru knows very well why a start/stop function simply doesnt fit to a turbo engine! Turbo engines need a small idel period before they shut down for the Turbos shake this device needs time to deposit lubricant on its axle otherwise will cook and will suffer soon a sudden death! Subaru uses Turbos long before downsizing became a neccesity to help emgines reduce emissions. they do know what they re doing!
no. there's a different reason. otherwise Subaru would have omitted auto stop/start from their other turbo models. but Outback turbo has the auto stop/start, so it can't be absent from Ascent for the reason you state.
@@toronado455 ... only wish the car would remember when you turn it off so you don't have to turn it off each time you drive. now that is frustrating....
@@K03sport government regulations. the end user is only permitted to defeat the system on a per startup basis. the vehicle must be configured to achieve the EPA numbers by default. Any change would be considered tampering with emissions equipment by the auto manufacturer and subject to fines just like VW was with Dieselgate.
I have a 2020 Subaru Onyx XT and it drives like a car. Turning radius is excellent and maneuverability through tight parking lots is great. Do you get that same feeling with the Ascent? I was thinking of an Ascent as my next Subaru. Have had two Outbacks so far.
My first car was a brand new, fully loaded 1969 VW Beetle in British Racing Green. Came with a metal Sun Roof, wood racing steering wheel, wooden gear shift knob, all kinds of chrome accents and a Blaupunkt AM, FM, SW radio. I paid extra for shoulder harnesses. Of all the cars I’ve owned this is the only car I ever really loved.
True. My wife is always looking at me sideways when using my command of useless knowledge (while thinking I can't ever remember what I'm doing tomorrow).
I worked for Subaru Canada and had the Ascent for a week. I was more than happy to give it back lol. The CVT lag, turbo lag and jumpy throttle made it almost unbearable. I ended up throwing it into manual mode and keeping the revs above 2k to keep the turbo spooled. Never got above 16 MPG
This Ascent is one of the more pleasing-to-the-eye Subies, IMO. The interior looks very nice, but the omission of a hands-free liftgate is inexcusable. Tom, would you have any guess as to how much more it would cost manufacturers to design a vehicle with 2 or 3 more inches of headroom? You know, like the Olds Vista Cruisers from years gone by? Judging by how homely some vehicles are today, I doubt that would upset the family oxcart! Happy New Year! to you and your wife, and to Martin Campbell 🥂
In New England, we have Subarus like CNN has "Breaking News." For the value, AWD, reliability, safety. They're not pretty, but neither am I. Thanks Tom!
I've seen a few of these around and it seems pretty decent. I'm sure in top trims it joins a pretty crowded selection of competition, but in lower trims, it seems to be pretty good value. If you don't need the largest vehicle and just want something this size, it's likely a pretty good option.
It is worth mentioning the price - if AWD is a must, Ascent, or any Subaru, is a much better deal to get that without paying extra. The jerkiness of the throttle smooths out after the first oil change.
happy new year Tom... I still think it needs a (functional) hood scoop to set it apart from all other 7-passenger land missiles (except Durango that as a fake scoop)... with both a Subaru and Mazda in the garage, I'm leaning towards the CX-90 to replace the CX-5. A double Subaru garage is okay, just not sure I'm on board w/the Ascent's configuration; will depend on the test drive
It's a good machine , I did the test drive before, but its 360° camera doesn’t work properly. There are some grafics like 3D rendering " video games" turning dark sometimes.
There has been no official word. But it seems like Subaru would be leaving money on the table if it didn’t develop one. My predictions would be for the 2025 model year. Just a guess on my part.
No.. the regular Highlander has less room. I traveled in the back seat and felt cramped. I did not go in the third seat but I watched another adult doing it. Not as easy to get into. I own an Ascent and it is easier to move around. Love the doors. They open wide if I want but easy to get out of if not opening all the way. I have the 7 seater and bought an extra console for the middle. Yes… more cup holders!!! Don’t even need the ones on the floor! Also, our kids are gone, but we have 8 grandchildren. It turned out to be a good size for us.
Unless you're going into Suburban/Expedition territory, a 3rd row will always be a compromise. The two things I'd miss the most is the lack of a V6, and rear quarter windows that open. When I have kidlets in the 3rd row and they are looking queasy, and I can open the rear quarter windows with one of the power window buttons to get some much needed air (A/C doesn't seem to help), that's a bonus since it cuts down on messy 'Aisle 9' cleanups. Great review. Looking forward to an Ascent Wilderness edition.
@@DrivenCarReviews got one. Dodge GC Crew Plus. My adult daughter calls it ‘the bus’, and I just own it. Flat 8 ft load floor, power flip out rear quarter windows, overhead storage bins, primitive but cool.
Greetings and thank you, Tom. You provided a great overview of my possible future vehicle. Of course, we are looking at the Toyota Highlander. Question/Comment: I don't think the third row is designed for adults. I'm unsure why folks talk about the third row on an SUV/Crossover this size. Now, if we are talking about a Chevy Taho or Toyota Sequoia, a third row would related to adults. I'm thinking of using the third row for kids and not adults. What are your thoughts? Thanks again, Tom. Have a great day in the great Northwest. I sure miss it. Mike
Correct, Highlander backseat is cramped. It’s fine for kids, but if yours are like mine, they tend to grow grow up. There’s always Grand Highlander. Definitely check out Palisade and Telluride. I also hear that the new Chevy traverse is quite good. Best of luck!
Subaru makes good vehicles, although I'm biased. I'm a Subaru owner. I wish I had 250hp (I have 200hp) but what I do have is a 5-speed manual. I wish Subaru would make it available in other models because I won't buy a Cvt. I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season. 🙈🙉🙊
Tom, I hope you'll let us know what Martin ends up choosing. Thanks for the review. For us, this is too small, but on the other hand I bought a 2015 Outback and it was big enough at the time. Go figure. Our other car is a 2001 Suburban that is in desperate need of being replaced, so I too am shopping the three-row market.
Wife looking at Subarus but I think not that one she'll keep looking. We have a big Hyundai Hybrid she really likes it but we'll keep looking. She might buy later this Spring/Summer depending on price.
Yeah, kind of. Explorer is sort of its own animal. It's actually a rear drive vehicle, with available AWD. The others start with front drive. But yes, should be on the test drive list.
Good review. A couple comments. You’ve mentioned in the past that you too were looking for a new car (besides Martin), so what’s happened with that plan Tom? And trailer hitch mount cargo boxes are far better than roof mounts in my opinion. Better for gas mileage and sheer accessibility.
@@DrivenCarReviews Yakima system swings out of way for easy access to hatch. Plus you can configure it for bikes or cargo or both and still have the swing out feature. Yeah, it costs money but at least I don’t need a step ladder to get stuff out of an overhead box
@@DrivenCarReviews surprising. I have the Outback Wilderness. It was buried in screens until the July 2023 update, which put it on the main screen. Same engine as the ascent
Very interesting that Subaru got rid of engine stop/start here. Restarts with their boxer engines were clunky and it was an area of complaint. I own a 2019 Outback. Personally, I will never buy another Subaru because the seats are so uncomfortable. If you're thinking of buying one, sit for a long while and see what it does to your back. 😑
My wife and I bought a used 2019 Crosstrek last month and its seats are super comfortable. I have driven outback’s and the seats are nice and supportive. I guess each person is different and picky
That's interesting bc our 2017 outback limited is extremely comfortable for us. We swapped to it from a Toyota camry which was a killer for my legs and back - and I'm only 5'9".
Yes, you may have discovered that everyone is different. I think if someone likes lots of firm lumbar support up high on your back, they will like Subaru seats. I need very flat seat backs with no lumbar, and this is not possible with Subaru seats. If you Google "subaru seats uncomfortable" you will see that many people have the same problem as me.
This is the issue I had. It's very common. I removed the lumbar plate just like this guy did. Subaru seats are not right. ua-cam.com/video/_2tYM9IYNjg/v-deo.html
The Kia Telluride is more popular, but moneywise you are probably better off with a used Chrysler Pacifica with a V6, not the very unreliable hybrid version.
Heck NO! as a Mutti year Chrysler and Subaru owner. If you have to chose….. chose the Subaru, hands down! Unless you are hauling 8x4 plywood and Sheetrock. The Chrysler will carry a 36inch fridge too! My only problem is I spend about $1.5K a year EVERY year on some repair or the other. I’ve changed my brakes twice on my 25k mile 03 forester oh timing chain at 150k and not yet changed a thing on my 2019 Forester. I wish subaru had an EV. Please do not mention that Toyota.
Have enjoyed your reviews for years always great. I really like Subaru too, but this thing is ugly looks like a warthog. What in the world were they thinking?
You talk about giving up creature comforts to save money. It is a damn vehicle…transportation not a living room. Do not need all that added stuff to go to the grocery store..shows how people,fall for all the added stuff they do not need. Just an ego trip..
A large sunroof is an ego trip? I spend as much time in cars as I do my living room and I like the light the glass panel provides. And I listen to the bulk of my music in the car. There are certain things I (and others) want from a vehicle. Buy the car that works for you.
@@DrivenCarReviewsSince you live in Seattle where light is at premium and clouds more than plentiful sunroof may be an attractive add on….. just do not open it as you will get wet .In full disclosure I live in Detroit that gets about the same amount of cloudiness as Seattle. Have a car with a sunroof and never slide the sun shade back. Maybe your eyes need to be checked..🤔
CORRECTION- At 8:30 I mistakenly say Ascent seats 6 or 7. It has belts for 7 or 8. Brain fart there. But considering the space in the 3rd row, I'll argue that realistically I'm kind of right. Thanks to Chris Laughton pointing out my gaffe.
My pick for best vehicle of 2023. Looking forward to see how Ford Explorer for Model Year 2025.
Love my Ascent. Would love an Onxy but I love having a mid row bench more. Any trim above a limited means captain chairs only. If Subie ever builds a Wilderness Hybrid I will buy it. Otherwise That Toyota Grand Highlander looks pretty good (once they sort out that whole side curtain airbag thing)
No engine start-stop? Bless you, Subaru.
Your reviews are the best - no weird bromances and no weird plots. Factual yet entertaining
Martin refuses to have a bromance. I'm okay with that.
@@DrivenCarReviewsAs are we. Thanks for being normal, Tom.
@@DrivenCarReviews Lol!
Was that a reference to Throttle House?
You’re still one of, if not the best reviewer. Thanks for all you and Martin do.
8:35- quick note: seating capacity is 7/8, not 6/7.
Actually Subaru knows very well why a start/stop function simply doesnt fit to a turbo engine! Turbo engines need a small idel period before they shut down for the Turbos shake this device needs time to deposit lubricant on its axle otherwise will cook and will suffer soon a sudden death! Subaru uses Turbos long before downsizing became a neccesity to help emgines reduce emissions. they do know what they re doing!
no. there's a different reason. otherwise Subaru would have omitted auto stop/start from their other turbo models. but Outback turbo has the auto stop/start, so it can't be absent from Ascent for the reason you state.
@@toronado455 ... only wish the car would remember when you turn it off so you don't have to turn it off each time you drive. now that is frustrating....
@@K03sport government regulations. the end user is only permitted to defeat the system on a per startup basis. the vehicle must be configured to achieve the EPA numbers by default. Any change would be considered tampering with emissions equipment by the auto manufacturer and subject to fines just like VW was with Dieselgate.
Good video! I'm enjoying my 2023 8 seater limited Ascent!
I have a 2020 Subaru Onyx XT and it drives like a car. Turning radius is excellent and maneuverability through tight parking lots is great. Do you get that same feeling with the Ascent? I was thinking of an Ascent as my next Subaru. Have had two Outbacks so far.
Do the captain seats go all the way down ?
My first car was a brand new, fully loaded 1969 VW Beetle in British Racing Green. Came with a metal Sun Roof, wood racing steering wheel, wooden gear shift knob, all kinds of chrome accents and a Blaupunkt AM, FM, SW radio. I paid extra for shoulder harnesses. Of all the cars I’ve owned this is the only car I ever really loved.
UA-cam says you've been subscribed for 6 years. Cool!
@@DrivenCarReviews I used to follow you in the NYT’s and when you left the Times I found you on UA-cam. Love your reviews. Happy New Year
Tom you’d do well in bar trivia! Thanks for the great video.
True. My wife is always looking at me sideways when using my command of useless knowledge (while thinking I can't ever remember what I'm doing tomorrow).
You have the best reviews….. simple and straightforward and easy to understand with out the high tech lingo ….. 👍👍👍
I worked for Subaru Canada and had the Ascent for a week. I was more than happy to give it back lol.
The CVT lag, turbo lag and jumpy throttle made it almost unbearable. I ended up throwing it into manual mode and keeping the revs above 2k to keep the turbo spooled. Never got above 16 MPG
Not more than 16mpg? Do you race the car all the time? I have 2021 limited. My average highway is 24 and combine city/highway 20 mpg.
This Ascent is one of the more pleasing-to-the-eye Subies, IMO. The interior looks very nice, but the omission of a hands-free liftgate is inexcusable.
Tom, would you have any guess as to how much more it would cost manufacturers to design a vehicle with 2 or 3 more inches of headroom? You know, like the Olds Vista Cruisers from years gone by? Judging by how homely some vehicles are today, I doubt that would upset the family oxcart!
Happy New Year! to you and your wife, and to Martin Campbell 🥂
In New England, we have Subarus like CNN has "Breaking News." For the value, AWD, reliability, safety. They're not pretty, but neither am I. Thanks Tom!
My daughter's fiancé who works at CNN got a good laugh at that comment.
Good work Martin!
Accessible oil filter is a great idea. Wish more carmakers did that.
I've seen a few of these around and it seems pretty decent. I'm sure in top trims it joins a pretty crowded selection of competition, but in lower trims, it seems to be pretty good value. If you don't need the largest vehicle and just want something this size, it's likely a pretty good option.
It is worth mentioning the price - if AWD is a must, Ascent, or any Subaru, is a much better deal to get that without paying extra. The jerkiness of the throttle smooths out after the first oil change.
happy new year Tom... I still think it needs a (functional) hood scoop to set it apart from all other 7-passenger land missiles (except Durango that as a fake scoop)... with both a Subaru and Mazda in the garage, I'm leaning towards the CX-90 to replace the CX-5. A double Subaru garage is okay, just not sure I'm on board w/the Ascent's configuration; will depend on the test drive
Great review! I think your videos are a great guide for what to test drive.
It's a good machine , I did the test drive before, but its 360° camera doesn’t work properly. There are some grafics like 3D rendering " video games" turning dark sometimes.
How likely is Subaru going to add a Wilderness Edition to the Ascent?
There has been no official word. But it seems like Subaru would be leaving money on the table if it didn’t develop one. My predictions would be for the 2025 model year. Just a guess on my part.
No.. the regular Highlander has less room. I traveled in the back seat and felt cramped. I did not go in the third seat but I watched another adult doing it. Not as easy to get into. I own an Ascent and it is easier to move around. Love the doors. They open wide if I want but easy to get out of if not opening all the way. I have the 7 seater and bought an extra console for the middle. Yes… more cup holders!!! Don’t even need the ones on the floor! Also, our kids are gone, but we have 8 grandchildren. It turned out to be a good size for us.
Yes, the regular Highlander has a smaller 3rd row, unfit for any adult. The 3rd row in the Ascent is usable for short trips.
Unless you're going into Suburban/Expedition territory, a 3rd row will always be a compromise. The two things I'd miss the most is the lack of a V6, and rear quarter windows that open. When I have kidlets in the 3rd row and they are looking queasy, and I can open the rear quarter windows with one of the power window buttons to get some much needed air (A/C doesn't seem to help), that's a bonus since it cuts down on messy 'Aisle 9' cleanups. Great review. Looking forward to an Ascent Wilderness edition.
Two words for you- Mini. Van.
@@DrivenCarReviews got one. Dodge GC Crew Plus. My adult daughter calls it ‘the bus’, and I just own it. Flat 8 ft load floor, power flip out rear quarter windows, overhead storage bins, primitive but cool.
Greetings and thank you, Tom. You provided a great overview of my possible future vehicle. Of course, we are looking at the Toyota Highlander. Question/Comment: I don't think the third row is designed for adults. I'm unsure why folks talk about the third row on an SUV/Crossover this size. Now, if we are talking about a Chevy Taho or Toyota Sequoia, a third row would related to adults. I'm thinking of using the third row for kids and not adults. What are your thoughts? Thanks again, Tom. Have a great day in the great Northwest. I sure miss it. Mike
Correct, Highlander backseat is cramped. It’s fine for kids, but if yours are like mine, they tend to grow grow up. There’s always Grand Highlander. Definitely check out Palisade and Telluride. I also hear that the new Chevy traverse is quite good. Best of luck!
Thanks!
Thanks AirSplash! You. Are. Awesome.
Subaru makes good vehicles, although I'm biased. I'm a Subaru owner. I wish I had 250hp (I have 200hp) but what I do have is a 5-speed manual. I wish Subaru would make it available in other models because I won't buy a Cvt. I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season. 🙈🙉🙊
Waiting for the Ascent Wilderness, with 9+ inches of ground clearance. That will make it very competitive with Honda Pilot Trailsport.
It already has more ground clearance than a Pilot. 8.7 compared to 8.3. Already better as is.
The captain seats don’t go all the way down ?
Tom, I hope you'll let us know what Martin ends up choosing. Thanks for the review. For us, this is too small, but on the other hand I bought a 2015 Outback and it was big enough at the time. Go figure. Our other car is a 2001 Suburban that is in desperate need of being replaced, so I too am shopping the three-row market.
Sounds like you're in need of a minivan!
Wife looking at Subarus but I think not that one she'll keep looking. We have a big Hyundai Hybrid she really likes it but we'll keep looking. She might buy later this Spring/Summer depending on price.
Another comparison that is not mentioned, Ford Explorer. (And the Timberline trim is their more off-road “ready” for their 6-7 passengers).
Yeah, kind of. Explorer is sort of its own animal. It's actually a rear drive vehicle, with available AWD. The others start with front drive. But yes, should be on the test drive list.
Good review. A couple comments.
You’ve mentioned in the past that you too were looking for a new car (besides Martin), so what’s happened with that plan Tom?
And trailer hitch mount cargo boxes are far better than roof mounts in my opinion. Better for gas mileage and sheer accessibility.
I’ve narrowed it to two EVs. More on that later. I get the trailer hitch preference but access to the hatch also sucks. Kinda no win.
@@DrivenCarReviews Yakima system swings out of way for easy access to hatch. Plus you can configure it for bikes or cargo or both and still have the swing out feature.
Yeah, it costs money but at least I don’t need a step ladder to get stuff out of an overhead box
My brother had one of those for his Flex. Troublesome on any kind of skeet grade. Swapped it out for a Rocket Box. Everyone is different.
@@DrivenCarReviewsinteresting. I haven’t had mine on a steep grade to swing. Something to look out for.
@@DrivenCarReviewsI can see that on a Flex. They’re like a tall station wagon with hardly any ground clearance compared to an SUV.
The non Limited "Onyx" still has the panoramic sunroof. So no sacrifice there.
Auto start and stop is located on the screen. It is there. You can turn it on and off.
I directly asked the folks at Subaru. This is their reply- #2 Ascent does not have start/stop.
@@DrivenCarReviews surprising. I have the Outback Wilderness. It was buried in screens until the July 2023 update, which put it on the main screen. Same engine as the ascent
@@hershlawfirmpc Right? It's the reason I contacted Subaru.
No Ascent does not have it, period.
Very interesting that Subaru got rid of engine stop/start here. Restarts with their boxer engines were clunky and it was an area of complaint. I own a 2019 Outback. Personally, I will never buy another Subaru because the seats are so uncomfortable. If you're thinking of buying one, sit for a long while and see what it does to your back. 😑
My wife and I bought a used 2019 Crosstrek last month and its seats are super comfortable. I have driven outback’s and the seats are nice and supportive. I guess each person is different and picky
That's interesting bc our 2017 outback limited is extremely comfortable for us. We swapped to it from a Toyota camry which was a killer for my legs and back - and I'm only 5'9".
Yes, you may have discovered that everyone is different. I think if someone likes lots of firm lumbar support up high on your back, they will like Subaru seats. I need very flat seat backs with no lumbar, and this is not possible with Subaru seats. If you Google "subaru seats uncomfortable" you will see that many people have the same problem as me.
This is the issue I had. It's very common.
I removed the lumbar plate just like this guy did. Subaru seats are not right.
ua-cam.com/video/_2tYM9IYNjg/v-deo.html
You can clearly see engine push start/stop.
I test drove one when they first came out. Thought it was very nice. Then the rumors of poor quality started to emerge.
Id rather have the 3.6 in it.
Are you going to review the new Hyundai Santa Fe?
As soon as I can get my hands on one.
Scoche?
These things have had tons of problems since they came out.
Reliability has steadily improved and since 2022 it has been recommended by Consumer Reports.
CR is owned by car companies now, it doesn't mean anything. LOL at claiming a vehicle is reliable because it's done "well" for a year.@@Ninety9924
It’s a big Forester
Honestly Start Stop feature sucks and very annoying..i turn mine off as soon as i start the vehicle
Another SUV. Maybe someday we’ll drive cars again. 😢 I think I’ll hop in my manual Civic and drive to Ikea. 😀 Shifting all the way…
I don’t mind the bromances but I can’t bear the not funny skits. But yeah, Tom’s reviews are top tier.
The Kia Telluride is more popular, but moneywise you are probably better off with a used Chrysler Pacifica with a V6, not the very unreliable hybrid version.
Heck NO! as a Mutti year Chrysler and Subaru owner. If you have to chose….. chose the Subaru, hands down! Unless you are hauling 8x4 plywood and Sheetrock. The Chrysler will carry a 36inch fridge too! My only problem is I spend about $1.5K a year EVERY year on some repair or the other. I’ve changed my brakes twice on my 25k mile 03 forester oh timing chain at 150k and not yet changed a thing on my 2019 Forester. I wish subaru had an EV. Please do not mention that Toyota.
The front end reminds me of a cockroach. And that's a bad thing.
Have enjoyed your reviews for years always great. I really like Subaru too, but this thing is ugly looks like a warthog. What in the world were they thinking?
Wow the Toyota grand higghlader Max hybrid gets more gas mileage For the Same price ???? That’s amazing
Also, amazing? The price difference of over $10,000.
@@DrivenCarReviews :) that a boy, now you're on track...! cheers, Allan
Gets families to trailheads? Because an Odyssey cannot? Another useless three row crossover with cramped third row.
The Ascent will get to more trailheads in my area than an Odyssey.
Since you never seem to like any vehicle I test, I'm curious what you drive.
@@DrivenCarReviews VW GTi Mk7 with 6-speed manual.
Such a bland vehicle.
You talk about giving up creature comforts to save money. It is a damn vehicle…transportation not a living room. Do not need all that added stuff to go to the grocery store..shows how people,fall for all the added stuff they do not need. Just an ego trip..
A large sunroof is an ego trip? I spend as much time in cars as I do my living room and I like the light the glass panel provides. And I listen to the bulk of my music in the car. There are certain things I (and others) want from a vehicle. Buy the car that works for you.
@@DrivenCarReviewsSince you live in Seattle where light is at premium and clouds more than plentiful sunroof may be an attractive add on….. just do not open it as you will get wet .In full disclosure I live in Detroit that gets about the same amount of cloudiness as Seattle.
Have a car with a sunroof and never slide the sun shade back. Maybe your eyes need to be checked..🤔