What Comes With a Fully Loaded 2023 Subaru Ascent?
While many loyal customers are drawn to the reliability and safety the automaker is known for, the 2023 Subaru Ascent remains an underrated three-row SUV. Although nearly every trim is affordable, like many models, it too has a high-end variant. The fully-loaded 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring costs over $49,000, but it comes with a wide variety of features, tech, and more. Does the highest starting price in the Ascent lineup include enough to make it worth your while? What comes with a fully loaded 2023 Subaru Ascent?
2023 Subaru Ascent: Price and engine
The fully-loaded 2023 Subaru Ascent comes with a higher starting price than any other model. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Touring trim starts at $48,195, boosted to $49,420 with additional fees. While it isn’t overly expensive for a three-row SUV, the range-topping Ascent is far more costly than any other trim. For the base model, customers only need to pay $33,895 without adding any options.
In addition to a high starting price, every version of the Ascent uses the same engine. Under the hood of any variant, you’ll find a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an output of 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Most reviewers appreciate the smooth-driving engine, even if it’s slightly underpowered for an SUV of this size.
Heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats
Next, KBB says the interior of the 2023 Subaru Ascent feels premium thanks to Nappa leather upholstery. The Touring model uses a material that has “been through a more complex tanning process than ordinary hides,” the publication says. As a result, owners get softer, supple seats to sit on, and the upholstery will take far longer to wear down than the stain-resistant cloth or StarTex faux leather available with other Ascent trims.
What would the luxurious seats be without heating and air conditioning for your bottom? Front-row and rear-row occupants gain access to heated seats with the Touring trim. However, ventilation is only provided for the front seats. Fortunately, rear passengers can still easily stay warm during the cold winter months. In addition, the driver’s seat is 12-way adjustable and includes four power lumbar support settings. Finally, the steering wheel is also heated for every Ascent Touring model.
The Ascent Touring has upscale technology
What would a fully-loaded three-row SUV be without upscale technology to top it off? Even the 2023 Subaru Ascent feels luxurious when you pay for the top trim. Every version of the vehicle comes with a large 11.6-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. With the range-topper, the automaker adds navigation with traffic updates, voice commands, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
In the same vein as the audio upgrade, the Touring model includes a Cabin Connect intercom system, allowing the front-row occupants to hear the third-row passengers through speakers easily. Next, the 360-degree surround-view monitor makes parking and driving in tight spaces much more accessible. The fully loaded model also has a standard 54-inch overhead power tilt/sliding moonroof. The massive unit also filters out 95% of UV light when closed but allows fresh air into the cabin with minimal noise created when it’s open.
2023 Subaru Ascent standard features and equipment
In conclusion, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Touring is the fully-loaded model of the three-row SUV. As a result, it has more options than the rest of the lineup. While it bears the same engine, other things like technology, leather quality, heated/ventilated seats, and more are significantly improved. The Ascent Touring model offers a surprising amount of value for the price. Even compared to rival three-row SUV models, the Ascent is undeniably underrated.
