The Ascent receives modifications to its front and rear ends
More technologies are available, including Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
A black appearance package called Onyx Edition is also new
Subaru announced today the changes it will make to the Ascent, its largest SUV and only three-row vehicle, for the 2023 model year.
Similar to the Legacy, whose model year changes were announced close to a month ago, the 2023 Ascent will receive a mild facelift to its front and rear ends as well as a refresh to its infotainment technologies.
Up front, the 2023 Ascent receives a new bumper design that includes large plastic vents on either side which integrate the fog lamps, as well as parallelogram-shaped openings at each corner of the lower air intake, which are surrounded in chrome trim on certain trim levels.
2023 Subaru Ascent | Photo: Subaru
The grille is a new design that is larger and more imposing than the previous version and it is split towards the top by a large chromed bar that stretches from one headlamp to the other. Speaking of which, the headlamps are also new and they are smaller than the ones found on the 2022 model and they now include a steering response feature.
At the rear, the taillamps have been modified slightly, but they retain their C-shape that surrounds a protruding section of the liftgate on which the Subaru logo is applied.
Another change to the outside is the availability of the new Onyx Edition. This model replaces all of the exterior chrome trim with blackened pieces and it features exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels that are painted black. Inside, this version combines a black upholstery with green stitching, a detail not found in any other Ascent.
2023 Subaru Ascent | Photo: Subaru
The interior of every 2023 Ascent will also receive a change in the form of a new 11.6-inch standard infotainment screen. This infotainment system also receives the wireless capability for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the available Cabin Connect feature which allows the front passengers to speak to the occupants of the third row via the sound system’s rear speakers.
As was seen in the Legacy, this new infotainment screen also includes all of the controls for the climate control system, which leaves space below the screen to store items. Also included in the screen is a newly available 360-degree surround-view monitor and the settings for the dual-function X-Mode all-wheel-drive system that is standard on the Onyx Edition, the Limited, and the Touring.
2023 Subaru Ascent | Photo: Subaru
The 2023 Ascent is also equipped with the newest version of the EyeSight driver assistance system which now uses an additional camera equipped with a wide-angle lens to better monitor the road ahead. The system is also available with an emergency steering function that can steer the vehicle away from obstacles in addition to applying the brakes.
Under the hood, Subaru decided against making changes, which means that the 2023 Ascent is still powered by a turbocharged 2.4L Boxer engine that delivers 260 horsepower to all four wheels through a CVT transmission.
The Canadian arm of the company has not yet revealed any details about this model but it is expected to do so fairly soon since the 2023 Ascent is expected to reach dealerships in the fall of 2022.
2023 Subaru Ascent | Photo: Subaru
