“The Ascent is an incredible vehicle. It's spacious, comfortable to drive and has a luxurious feel if you have driven any other Subarus”
2023 Subaru Ascent: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2023 Subaru Ascent is a meaningful mid-cycle refresh that updates its styling, safety technology, and cabin touchscreen. A new Onyx Edition Limited trim also joins the lineup.
About the 2023 Subaru Ascent
1st generation, mid-cycle refresh year.
Subaru positions the Ascent as its largest family SUV: a three-row vehicle built around standard AWD, strong safety, and everyday versatility rather than flashy luxury. Its core appeal is simple: seating for seven or eight, useful towing strength, good ground clearance, and confidence in bad weather. Versus many rivals, the Ascent’s biggest differentiator is that Subaru’s AWD and safety story are built into every trim, making it especially appealing to families in snowy climates or active outdoor households.
For 2023, the Ascent lineup ranges from a practical eight-seat base model with standard AWD to the comfort-focused Limited and Nappa-leather Touring. The Onyx Edition emphasizes black exterior trim and easy-clean StarTex upholstery, while the new Onyx Edition Limited adds navigation, premium audio, surround-view cameras, and in-cabin voice amplification.
What changed, by category
Styling
The front and rear are refreshed with a new grille and bumper design, redesigned LED headlights, and updated C-shaped taillights.
Tech
An 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto becomes standard across the lineup. Every trim also gains a rear-camera washer, and the Onyx Edition’s panoramic moonroof becomes standard.
Safety
The EyeSight safety suite receives updated hardware and software for a wider operating range, along with tighter integration between EyeSight and the braking system. Automatic Emergency Steering is added to most trims.
2023 Subaru Ascent specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 19 mpg | 20 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 25 mpg | 26 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 75.6 cu-ft | 75.6 cu-ft | 75.6 cu-ft | 72.8 cu-ft | 72.8 cu-ft | 72.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2023 and 2022 Subaru Ascent?
The biggest difference is the 2023 Ascent’s mid-cycle refresh. It brings redesigned front and rear styling, an 11.6-inch touchscreen on every trim, updated EyeSight safety technology, and the new Onyx Edition Limited trim.
Does every 2023 Subaru Ascent have the larger touchscreen?
Yes. Every 2023 Ascent has a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What safety updates did the 2023 Subaru Ascent receive?
The 2023 Ascent receives updated EyeSight cameras and software designed to work across a wider operating range. The braking system is more closely integrated with EyeSight, and most trims add Automatic Emergency Steering.
What changed for the 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition trims?
The regular Onyx Edition makes its panoramic moonroof standard and gains dual-mode X-MODE for slippery or messy conditions. The new Onyx Edition Limited adds navigation, 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio, surround-view cameras, and in-cabin voice amplification while retaining the blacked-out look and easy-clean StarTex upholstery.
Is the 2023 Subaru Ascent worth considering over the 2022 model?
Yes, if the larger standard touchscreen, wireless phone integration, updated safety technology, or refreshed styling matter to you. The core turbocharged engine and standard AWD formula remain familiar, so the 2023 is an update rather than a full redesign.
2023 Subaru Ascent Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Subaru Ascent.
4.3
2023 Subaru Ascent
(216 reviews)
“This is a vehicle that has advanced technologies and a history of quality construction.”
“The infotainment is terrible so if that matters to you stay clear. Also if you need good fuel economy do not consider this vehicle. It is very thirsty and would do well to have a hybrid version. Overall the car is great but it is showing its age and needs to move forward with technology and power train choices. There is no reason in today's market a three row SUV gets less than 20 mpg.”