The Subaru Ascent, a 3-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive, has earned a reputation as a solid family vehicle, especially for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. But Is The Subaru Ascent A Good Car for everyday life? After spending a week with the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition, one mom shares her experience. From navigating city streets to exploring the Pacific Northwest, this review delves into the Ascent’s strengths and weaknesses.
Credit: Kristen Brown
Spacious Interior and Easy Driving Experience
Despite its large size, the Ascent offers a surprisingly comfortable driving experience. The steering is responsive, visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and a panoramic sunroof, and the driver’s seat provides a cozy and commanding position. The intuitive controls and well-placed A/C vents add to the user-friendly design.
Credit: Kristen Brown
Family-Friendly Features
The Ascent boasts numerous features designed with families in mind. The second-row captain’s chairs in the Onyx Edition provide easy access to the third row, and the LATCH system makes installing child car seats a breeze. Ample footwell space accommodates diaper bags and other essentials. Built-in sunshades protect little ones from harsh sunlight, a feature particularly appreciated by the author’s sun-sensitive toddler.
Credit: Kristen Brown
Water-Repellant Seats: A Parent’s Dream
The StarTex water-repellant seats prove invaluable for families with young children prone to spills. While juice still leaves a residue, cleanup is significantly easier compared to traditional cloth seats. The enhanced visibility from the large windows kept the children entertained on longer drives, minimizing complaints and maximizing peace of mind for the driver.
Credit: Kristen Brown
Cargo Space: A Mixed Bag
With the third-row seats folded down, the Ascent offers a cavernous 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space, easily accommodating a double stroller and a Costco haul. However, with the third row up, storage space dwindles significantly to 17.6 cubic feet. This limitation requires strategic packing for families utilizing all three rows.
Credit: Kristen Brown
Performance and Power
The Ascent’s turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, while not boasting impressive numbers on paper, delivers surprisingly agile performance thanks to its CVT transmission. The author found the Ascent capable of quick acceleration and effortless passing, even when compared to sportier vehicles.
Credit: Kristen Brown
Reigniting the Spirit of Adventure
The Ascent’s all-wheel-drive capability and surefooted handling inspired the author to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, reminding her of pre-parenthood adventures. This sense of adventure, coupled with the vehicle’s family-friendly features, solidified the Ascent’s appeal for those seeking a balance between practicality and exploration.
Credit: Kristen Brown
Minor Drawbacks
The black interior of the Onyx Edition, while stylish, proved prone to showing dirt and dust. The author also noted the wide driver’s area made it challenging to find a comfortable elbow rest, although adjusting the steering wheel position alleviated this issue. While the captain’s chairs are comfortable, they reduce passenger capacity from eight to seven.
Credit: Kristen Brown
Conclusion: Is the Subaru Ascent Worth It?
The Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition offers a compelling blend of practicality, capability, and comfort. While minor drawbacks exist, the overall package, especially considering the price point, provides excellent value for families. The spacious interior, user-friendly features, and surprising performance make the Ascent a strong contender in the 3-row SUV market. Its ability to reawaken a sense of adventure is a bonus for those seeking a vehicle that can handle both daily life and weekend getaways.
Credit: Kristen Brown
