Our Thoughts on the New 2023 Subaru Ascent near Rio Rancho, NM

The first generation of the Subaru Ascent, the company's largest model, was introduced in 2019 as a competitor in the three-row midsize SUV/crossover segment. Although it is still relatively new, we expect the 2023 Subaru Ascent near Rio Rancho, NM to receive a mid-cycle refresh, following Subaru's usual redesign cycle. Could there be a powertrain update? Possibly. We wouldn't be surprised if some newer interior tech made its way into the future model. And while Subaru hasn't confirmed any information about the SUV so far, we also expect the brand to debut a new Wilderness edition for the upcoming Ascent.  

Exterior Changes for the 2023 Subaru Ascent near Rio Rancho, NM

An updated exterior design, or at least some tweaks to the existing styling, is expected for the Ascent. We think the refreshed model will have revised front and rear fascias with a more angular appearance, sharper-looking headlights and taillights, and possibly some added touches of ruggedness. We anticipate wider fenders, chunkier, all-terrain tires, sturdier and larger bumpers, and a distinctive front-end exclusive to the Wilderness trim with the Wilderness Edition. Other modifications include underbody skid plates, a lifted (even more) suspension, and plastic body cladding.

Interior Remains the Same

The cabin of the Ascent will likely remain as it is for the upcoming year. Updated materials or finishes may see their way into the new interior, and a Wilderness Edition interior could have some exclusive bits, but the general layout isn't expected to change. The infotainment system dominates the dashboard and is the cabin's focal point in the current Ascent. An assortment of buttons and dials and the touchscreen can be used to control cabin functions, while a small screen that displays a digital clock and the ambient temperature rises from the dashboard above the infotainment screen. 

Right now, the Ascent comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8-inch touchscreen. The optional 8-inch display offered with the current Ascent is great, but other Subaru models have upgraded to an 11.6-inch screen. If the Ascent receives the larger screen, it will surely enhance the appearance of the interior and give a more modern feel to it. 

The Ascent comes equipped with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, four USB ports, six speakers, and satellite radio as standard. A Wi-Fi hotspot is available along with a 14-speaker Harmon-Kardon audio system, two more USB ports, and navigation. We don't foresee any of these amenities changing. 

Power and Performance

A turbocharged 2.4-liter flat 4-cylinder engine producing up to 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque is under the hood of today's Ascent. This is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru's famous all-wheel drive. We expect this setup to continue for the 2023 Subaru Ascent near Rio Rancho, NM. 

All trim levels of the Ascent come with the standard equipped with the company's excellent EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assist and safety features. A slew of features, such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, are included, along with a history of top safety scores like the sought-after IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award. 

Learn More 

Information about pricing and the release date hasn't been established yet, but we predict the latter part of this year. To get a glimpse of the current Ascent, visit our website or stop by to see the 2022 models. We're located at 8100 Lomas Blvd in Albuquerque, NM, just a short drive away.