The 2024 Subaru Ascent is making a strong impression in the family SUV market, especially for those looking to upgrade from models like the Outback or Forester, with its refreshed styling and appealing features making it stand out.
1. **Space for Everyone**: One of the standout features of the Subaru Ascent is its spacious interior. With three rows of seating, it comfortably accommodates up to eight passengers. This spaciousness ensures that whether you’re running errands or embarking on a family road trip, everyone has ample legroom and comfort. The versatility this SUV provides truly caters to families that need more than just a weekend vehicle.
2.The Ascent truly shines with its cargo capacity, offering ample space behind the third row and even more when the second and third rows are folded, making it incredibly adaptable for everything from camping trips to soccer practice, truly a practical choice for active families.
3.Embodying Subaru’s renowned dedication to all-wheel drive, the Ascent comes standard with this system, significantly enhancing traction and stability across diverse driving conditions, giving families the confidence to navigate confidently whether on city streets or more challenging terrains.
4.Subaru vehicles have consistently earned high marks for safety, and the Ascent continues this tradition, boasting excellent ratings from the NHTSA and incorporating a comprehensive suite of safety features that offer families peace of mind on every journey.
5.The Ascent is equipped with Subaru’s latest technology, including a large 11.6-inch touchscreen that provides seamless access to navigation, Bluetooth, and entertainment, ensuring families stay connected and engaged during both long road trips and daily commutes.
6. **Comfortable Cabin**: Inside the Ascent, the quality of materials and finishing is evident. The cabin feels solid and comfortable, designed with ergonomics in mind. From plush seating to ample storage compartments, every detail caters to family needs. The inclusion of a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs offers additional configurability for various family sizes and needs.
7. **Turbocharged Performance**: The Ascent is equipped with a turbocharged engine that provides a smooth and capable driving experience. While some may find the transmission a bit unrefined, the overall performance allows for confident acceleration and merging onto highways. For families needing a reliable vehicle for daily commuting and weekend adventures, the Ascent’s engine delivers when it counts.
8.Subaru has thoughtfully updated the Ascent’s exterior with a more modern and aggressive look, featuring innovative LED headlights that swivel with the steering wheel to improve visibility and add a stylish flair, making it a visually appealing choice for families.
9.The transition to a larger touchscreen in the Ascent has simplified many controls, allowing drivers to easily manage audio, navigation, and climate settings without distracting from the road, a crucial benefit for maintaining focus during family travels.
10. **Community and Lifestyle Compatibility**: The Ascent is tailored for families who enjoy an active lifestyle. Whether it’s a day at the beach, hiking in the mountains, or simply commuting to school, the Ascent is designed to accommodate a variety of activities. Its rugged nature and family-friendly features make it a perfect match for those who value versatility and adventure in their vehicle.
11.While safety is paramount, some drivers find the Subaru Ascent’s advanced safety technology to be overly sensitive, with alerts and warnings that can be intrusive during everyday driving, potentially causing frustration for families who need clear focus on the road.
12. **Subaru Eyesight System**: The Ascent is equipped with Subaru’s renowned Eyesight driver-assist technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. This system is designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind for families on the road. However, while it offers impressive capabilities, some users find the system’s operation can feel unrefined or overly cautious at times, leading to a driving experience that is less engaging than anticipated.
13. **Adaptive Cruise Control Quirks**: Another feature of the Eyesight system is the adaptive cruise control, which can automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed based on traffic conditions. While this is great for highway driving, some users have reported that the system can react too abruptly when detecting slower vehicles, causing a jerky driving experience. Families seeking a smooth and comfortable ride may find this aspect of the Ascent somewhat lacking during long trips.
14. **Lane Departure Warning Sensitivity**: The lane departure warning feature is another aspect of the safety technology that has received mixed reviews. Some drivers appreciate the additional layer of safety, but others feel that the system can be overly sensitive, beeping and alerting the driver even when they are simply making a slight adjustment in their lane. This can detract from the overall driving experience, especially in more relaxed driving conditions.
15.The blind spot detection system in the Ascent is designed to alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, offering an extra layer of security during lane changes, though some owners have noted it isn’t always as responsive as they’d prefer, which could lead to hesitation for safety-conscious families.
Overall, the Subaru Ascent presents itself as a capable and spacious family SUV, ideal for those stepping up from smaller vehicles, and while its advanced safety features and comfort are definite draws, families should carefully consider the potential for technology-induced frustration to ensure it truly aligns with their needs.
