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Subaru’s mid-size SUV has been around for a while and it looks like it’s time for changes. At this point, we are still waiting for the officials but it looks like the 2023 Subaru Ascent could receive a mid-cycle refresh. This would be a typical facelift, with a focus on styling updates. Also, we presume we would see a typical Subaru approach, which means that the changes would be very subtle. Besides styling changes, we may also see some changes regarding the standard and available equipment, while a bigger infotainment screen is also in the game.
Despite the changes, the overall design is about to remain the same. You may count on familiar design characteristics and features, which start with Subaru’s legendary AWD system. The Ascent is also a very practical SUV, which comes with three spacious rows of seats, a large cargo area and a lot of standard and available equipment. Also, you may count on pretty good fuel economy.
We expect that the 2023 Subaru Ascent will arrive sometime in the second half of the year.
2023 Subaru Ascent Design
As we already mentioned, this is expected to be a typical mid-cycle refresh, with a focus on visual changes. Moreover, this is expected to be a typical Subaru mid-cycle refresh, which means that the changes would be rather subtle. We count on smaller modifications at the front end, which would include slight headlights revisions, a modified grille and a new bumper. The rest of the vehicle, though, would probably remain the same. Of course, we would also expect to see updates like new color options, new wheels and similar things.
On the other hand, the mechanical aspect of the vehicle is about to remain the same. This SUV rides on Subaru’s modular platform and offers a design that’s mostly about comfort. The suspension setup is on the soft side but the model’s low center of gravity (thanks to the Boxer engine) ensures a decent level of athleticism as well.
Interior
Although Subaru usually doesn’t make big changes on the inside during mid-cycle refreshes, we might see a couple of updates in this case. This particularly refers to the dashboard design, which could come with a few revisions. Of course, we are thinking of a new center stack, which would include new touchscreens and controls. The new model would probably come with the same system as the new WRX, which includes either a pair of 7-inch screens, or a large vertically-oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen.
Other than that, the cabin should remain pretty much the same. We count on the same overall layout, which brings a high level of athleticism. The Ascent is a pretty spacious SUV, where the first and second row of seats offer plenty of passenger space. The third row is also decently sized and can be pretty useful. When it comes to the cargo area, this SUV offers around 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 86.5 cubic feet, which is above-average for a mid-size SUV.
Features
We expect to see a couple of novelties in terms of new standard and available features. This particularly refers to new tech features. We already mentioned the new infotainment screen, but we may see some new connectivity features as well. On the other hand, we don’t believe that many changes could happen in terms of safety and driver-assistance features. The current model is already very generous in this aspect.
For reference, the current model comes standard with safety features like a rearview camera, rear-seat reminder, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, lane keep assist, steering-responsive LED headlights, automatic high-beams, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and more. There is also a long list of available features, such as a front-view camera, reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, LED foglights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers etc.
2023 Subaru Ascent Engine
Things under the hood won’t change. The 2023 Subaru Ascent will continue with the same 2.4-liter turbo-four engine, which puts out around 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes in pair with a CVT gearbox and offers decent driving dynamics. Of course, all-wheel drive is standard and ensures excellent grip in all weather conditions.
Another thing we like about this SUV is fuel economy. Despite being an all-wheel-drive vehicle, it returns around 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is pretty impressive for this class.
2023 Subaru Ascent Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Subaru Ascent will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 34.000 dollars. Some of the key competitors are models like VW Atlas, Hyundai Palisade etc.
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