Hey there, car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving headfirst into the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring, a top-tier trim level of Subaru's popular three-row SUV. If you're in the market for a family-friendly vehicle that's packed with features, offers a comfortable ride, and boasts Subaru's legendary all-wheel-drive, then this is the place to be. We're gonna break down everything you need to know about the Ascent Touring, from its engine specs and interior comforts to its safety features and overall value. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Subaru Ascent Touring 2023: Engine and Performance Specs

Alright, let's kick things off with what's under the hood. The 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine. This engine is a workhorse, delivering a punchy performance that's perfect for both city driving and highway cruising. This engine produces a healthy 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. But that's not all, it's mated to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which helps maximize fuel efficiency and provides a smooth and seamless driving experience. The combination of the turbocharged engine and the CVT ensures that you have plenty of power on tap when you need it while still maintaining respectable fuel economy figures. The Ascent Touring is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is pretty good for a vehicle of its size and capability. One of the standout features of the Ascent, and indeed all Subaru vehicles, is its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This system provides exceptional grip and handling in various road conditions, whether you're navigating snowy roads or tackling a bit of off-road terrain. The all-wheel-drive system gives you added confidence and control, making the Ascent a great choice for those who live in areas with inclement weather or who enjoy outdoor adventures. The Ascent Touring also boasts a respectable towing capacity. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for towing small trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment. This is a significant advantage for families who enjoy camping, boating, or other outdoor activities.

Now, let's talk about the driving experience. The Ascent Touring offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience for both the driver and passengers. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The turbocharged engine provides brisk acceleration, allowing you to merge onto highways with confidence and pass slower vehicles with ease. The CVT transmission, while sometimes criticized for its feel, works well in the Ascent, providing smooth and linear power delivery. Overall, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring delivers a well-rounded performance package that's both capable and comfortable, making it a great choice for families and anyone who values a versatile and reliable SUV.

Interior and Comfort Features of the Ascent Touring

Moving inside, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring truly shines. The Touring trim level is the top-of-the-line option, meaning it's loaded with premium features and amenities designed to enhance the driving experience. First off, you'll be greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The Ascent Touring offers three rows of seating, comfortably accommodating up to seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. You can choose between captain's chairs in the second row (for a seven-passenger setup) or a bench seat (for an eight-passenger setup). The front seats are heated and offer ample support, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys. The Touring trim also includes premium leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury to the interior. The Ascent Touring's interior is thoughtfully designed with both practicality and comfort in mind. There are plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large center console, door pockets, and various cubbies for storing small items. The Ascent Touring features a large touchscreen infotainment system that serves as the central hub for all your entertainment and connectivity needs. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The system also includes a premium audio system, ensuring that you and your passengers can enjoy a high-quality listening experience. The Ascent Touring is also packed with convenience features designed to make your life easier. These features include keyless entry and ignition, a power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light and enhances the sense of spaciousness. The Ascent Touring also features tri-zone automatic climate control, allowing you to set different temperatures for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers, ensuring that everyone can stay comfortable. Overall, the interior of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring is a welcoming and comfortable space that's perfect for families and anyone who values a premium driving experience. The combination of spaciousness, high-quality materials, and advanced technology makes it a standout in its class.

Safety and Driver-Assistive Technologies in the 2023 Ascent Touring

Subaru is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the 2023 Ascent Touring is no exception. This SUV is packed with a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver-assistive technologies designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Standard on all Ascent models, including the Touring trim, is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. EyeSight is a suite of advanced safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. Adaptive cruise control automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front of you, while lane departure warning alerts you if you drift out of your lane. Lane keep assist helps to keep you centered in your lane, and pre-collision braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an impending collision. The Ascent Touring also includes blind-spot monitoring with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot, while lane change assist helps you to safely change lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert alerts you to approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space or driveway. In addition to these advanced safety features, the Ascent Touring also includes a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The Ascent Touring also features a high-strength steel frame and a comprehensive airbag system, including front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag. These airbags are designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The Ascent has earned top safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The IIHS has awarded the Ascent its highest rating of Top Safety Pick+, while NHTSA has awarded the Ascent a five-star overall safety rating. These ratings are a testament to the Ascent's commitment to safety and its ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Overall, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring is one of the safest SUVs in its class. Its comprehensive suite of safety features and advanced driver-assistive technologies make it a great choice for families and anyone who values safety. You can rest assured knowing that you and your passengers are well-protected on the road.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Okay, let's talk about the lineup. The 2023 Subaru Ascent is available in several trim levels: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and of course, the Touring. Each trim level offers a different set of features and options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. The base model is the most affordable option, but it still comes with a decent amount of standard features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, all-wheel drive, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim adds additional features, such as a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a larger touchscreen. The Onyx Edition is a sporty and rugged option, featuring black exterior accents, unique badging, and water-repellent upholstery. The Limited trim adds even more luxury features, such as leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and a power liftgate. And then, there's the Touring, which is the top-of-the-line trim, offering the most features and amenities. It includes all the features of the lower trims, plus things like premium leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and more. As for pricing, the base model starts at a relatively competitive price, while the Touring trim is, naturally, the most expensive. But, considering all the features and luxury it offers, the Touring still provides excellent value for your money. Prices can vary depending on the options and packages you choose, as well as any applicable taxes and fees.

Pros and Cons of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring

Alright, let's weigh the good and the bad. Like any vehicle, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:

Pros:

• Spacious and Comfortable Interior: The Ascent Touring offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, with comfortable seating and high-quality materials throughout the cabin.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides excellent traction and handling in all weather conditions, making the Ascent a great choice for those who live in areas with snow or rain.
• Comprehensive Safety Features: The Ascent Touring is packed with advanced safety features, including Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which can help prevent collisions and protect occupants.
• Powerful and Efficient Engine: The turbocharged engine provides brisk acceleration and respectable fuel economy.
• Well-Equipped: The Touring trim is loaded with premium features, including leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system.

Cons:

• Pricey: The Touring trim is the most expensive option in the Ascent lineup.
• Infotainment System: The infotainment system, while functional, might not be as intuitive or responsive as some competitors.

Conclusion: Is the Subaru Ascent Touring Right for You?

So, after all this, is the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring the right SUV for you? If you're looking for a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped three-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive and a focus on safety, then the answer is likely yes! The Ascent Touring offers a premium driving experience, a long list of features, and Subaru's legendary reliability. It's a great choice for families who need plenty of space for passengers and cargo and for anyone who values a safe and capable vehicle. However, if you're on a tight budget, the Touring trim might not be the best option. You might consider one of the lower trim levels, which still offer a lot of value for the money. Overall, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring is an excellent choice in the three-row SUV segment. It offers a winning combination of space, comfort, safety, and performance, making it a great option for families and anyone who values a versatile and reliable vehicle. Happy driving, everyone!