2024 Subaru Ascent – subaru.com | Shop 2024 Subaru Ascent on Carsforsale.com
The 2024 Subaru Ascent sits atop the automaker’s SUV lineup as its largest offering with three rows of seating. After arriving in 2019, the Ascent underwent a comprehensive overhaul for the 2023 model year as we looked at here. Updates included an exterior freshening, enhanced driver aids, and a new surround-view monitor (SVM). For 2024, changes are limited to the addition of a washer system for the backup camera and Limited models replacing 10-way power front seats for 12-way adjustability.
Sizable standard touchscreen
Subaru’s renowned AWD system
Plenty of advanced driver aids
Less interior space than rivals
Middling warranty coverage
Odd tall wagon styling
A well-rounded crossover
Most of Subaru’s lineup has two constants, a horizontally opposed or “boxer” four-cylinder engine and standard “Symmetrical” AWD. Such is the case with the 2024 Ascent, which features a turbocharged 2.4L four-pot making 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a CVT to drive all four wheels with standard torque vectoring and an X-MODE drive setting for additional grip in sloppy conditions.
If you fancy trail adventures, the 8.7 inches of ground clearance is good for rutted roads, but nothing too crazy. Base models can tow 2,000 pounds to said adventure with a 5,000-lb rating on Premium trim and above. Trailer sway control is standard across the lineup.
Ascents riding on 18-inch wheels are rated for 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, which translates to nearly 500 miles of highway range. Opting for 20-inch rims brings those figures down by 1 mpg.
Three rows of seats with room for 8 is the standard 2024 Subaru Ascent configuration, though 7 seats are available on lower-tier models and standard on Onyx and Touring trims. As it competes in the mid-size segment, the Ascent is up against the likes of a Volkswagen Atlas, an SUV with 34 inches of third-row legroom to the 32 in the Subaru.
The Subie is also under the mark for overall cargo space with a max figure of 76 cubic feet. Honda’s Pilot, that we compared to the Ascent here, offers an additional 10 cubes of cargo. Though it’s on the small side, the Ascent cabin is plenty nice with cloth, StarTex, or handsome Java Brown leather upholstery. It boasts a whopping 19 cup holders, standard tri-zone automatic climate control, and available features like a panoramic moonroof and climatized front seats.
Every 2024 Ascent comes with an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and wireless smartphone mirroring. A Wi-Fi hotspot requires at least the Premium model, while a digital rearview mirror, and SVM are found toward the top of the trim hierarchy. A 6-speaker stereo is standard but audio fanatics will likely prefer the optional 14-speaker Harman Kardon system.
Subaru’s reputation for safety is alive and well in the Ascent, which earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for the 2023 model year. EyeSight, the automaker’s bundle of advanced driver-assistance systems brings forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams to every 2024 Ascent.
The 2024 Ascent in Base trim includes 18-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, triple-zone automatic climate control, black cloth seating, and acoustic laminated front door glass. Along with the 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration, these models feature dual USB ports for the 1st and 2nd row, and a 6-speaker stereo system.
Premium trim sports heated side mirrors, a windshield wiper deicing system, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and leather for the steering wheel and shifter. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and evasive steering assistance bolsters the advanced driver assistance roster, while Starlink Connected Services offers app-based vehicle control, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an SOS emergency assistance button.
Along with 20-inch black rims and black trim inside and out, the Onyx Edition has Dual Function X-Mode, which adds Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes to the drive settings. Other upgrades include a power liftgate, second-row captain’s chairs, StarTex upholstery with green stitching, and a heated steering wheel.
In Limited spec, the Ascent packs an extendable driver’s seat thigh cushion, heated second-row outboard seats, and perforated leather in your choice of black or tan. As well, dual USB ports are added to the third row, reverse automatic braking is included, and a $3,550 Technology package offers a driver-attention warning, surround view monitoring, a panoramic moonroof, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.
Blending the base Onyx and Limited models, this configuration comes with a surround view monitoring, navigation, a driver attention warning, and a Harman Kardon 14-speaker stereo system. Cabin Connect, which operates like an interior PA system for the driver, is also part of the deal.
Nearly $50,000 gets you a 2024 Ascent with chrome accents, rain-sensing wipers, a digital rearview mirror, and 120-volt power. Other amenities include ambient cabin lighting, Java Brown leather upholstery, woodgrain trim, ventilated front seats, and a dual-panel panoramic moonroof.
For those in the market, the 2024 Subaru Ascent in Premium garb is the place to start as it comes with the higher tow rating, heated seats, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. For about the same money you can get into a Kia Telluride S, an SUV that is similarly outfitted, but that also comes with semi-autonomous driving tech and a 10-year powertrain warranty.
Subaru’s warranty is nothing special with 3 years or 36,000 miles of coverage, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain term, and no complimentary maintenance. Before you go shopping, be sure to consult our list of the latest new car incentives to find a good deal.
2024 Subaru Ascent – media.subaru.com | Shop 2024 Subaru Ascent on Carsforsale.com
It’s hard to find things not to like about the 2024 Subaru Ascent. Arguably, its proportions are strange looking, but in a way, Subaru’s are known for odd-ball tall wagon design, so it’s perhaps par for the course. There are other big crossovers out there with more cabin space, but any family is going to appreciate how safe the Ascent is, not to mention the confidence-inspiring Symmetrical AWD system.
Add in the robust towing capacity, impressive standard infotainment setup, and available premium amenities, and the latest Ascent is a rather well-rounded SUV.
2019 was the first year for the Subaru Ascent.
Yes, the Ascent is the biggest SUV in Subaru’s lineup.
No, the Subaru Ascent comes only with a conventional gas-powered engine.