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2023 Subaru Ascent
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For 2023, the Ascent got a noticeable refresh with updated front and rear styling, plus a much larger 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard. Safety also got a boost with an improved EyeSight system and new features like available 360-degree surround view and automatic emergency steering. Overall, this was a bigger update year that focused on tech, safety, and everyday usability.
- Upgraded Infotainment for 2023. The new full-length touchscreen is a big improvement. It finally feels sized for the car, keeps climate controls accessible at all times, and is much more competitive with others in this class.
- Smart Car Seat & Third-Row Access OptionsRear View Camera Mirror. The second-row seats slide on long tracks, which makes third-row access possible even with a forward-facing car seat installed using lower anchors. Pair that with a rotating car seat, and day-to-day access gets much easier.
- Car Seat Compatibility (With the Right Planning). Rear-facing car seats fit well in the second row, but front-to-back space depends heavily on the seat you choose. More compact car seats make a big difference here, especially for taller drivers.
- Usable Third Row (With Realistic Expectations). The third row is tight, but it does allow for a center car seat install, which isn’t always the case in this class. It works best for kids or occasional use, and Subaru did a good job including vents, charging, and basic amenities back there.
- Strong Safety Tech Without a Price Wall. The Ascent is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and Subaru doesn’t lock key crash-prevention features behind higher trims. You’re getting advanced safety tech and features like surround view camera availability without having to jump to a luxury price point.
The Exterior
The Onyx Edition has a sporty, blacked-out look with a black grille, wheels, mirror caps, and roof rails, and I really like it against this green. The 2023 refresh gave the Ascent a bolder front end that feels more modern and competitive. The rear is pretty simple, but you get practical features like a power tailgate, parking sensors, and standard all-wheel drive, which is a big win in this class.
First Row
Interior & Materials
Up front, the Onyx Edition feels sporty and family-friendly. The StarTex seating is soft to the touch but designed to handle spills and messes, and I love the green contrast stitching and two-tone look. It feels durable without feeling cheap.
Infotainment & Controls
The 2023 refresh brought a much larger, full-length touchscreen, and it’s a huge improvement. Climate controls stay accessible no matter what screen you’re on, and everything is laid out in a very user-friendly way. I don’t love the look of the icons, but functionally, it works really well.
Visibility & Safety
Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, even with a forward-facing car seat installed. Subaru’s safety tech is strong across the board, and features like the available surround view camera feel impressive for this price point.
Storage & Charging
Up front, you get a good-sized center console, multiple cup holders, USB and USB-C ports, and a handy overhead mirror for checking on kids in the second and third rows. Everything you need is within easy reach, which matters for everyday driving with kids.
Second Row
Space & Comfort
The second row is comfortable and functional, even with the front seat set for me. You do have to balance legroom here with what you want to leave for the third row, but overall it works well for everyday family use.
Car Seat Hardware Placement
Lower anchors are located on both second-row captain’s chairs, giving you solid options for everyday car seat installs. All second-row seating positions have tether anchors, which adds flexibility for forward-facing seats. The headrests are also removable, making it easier to get proper car seat and booster positioning.
Third-Row Access
This is where the Ascent does some smart things. The second-row seats slide on long tracks, so with a forward-facing car seat installed using lower anchors, you can still slide the seat forward to create a path to the third row. If you’re using a rotating car seat, third-row access gets even easier for older kids climbing through.
Features & Amenities
Second-row passengers get ceiling vents, sunshades, heated seats on the Onyx trim, their own climate controls, charging ports, and cup holders. Subaru clearly put thought into making this a comfortable place for kids to spend time.
Third Row
Space & Comfort
The third row is tight. The floor is elevated, so your knees sit higher, and legroom is limited, especially for adults. This is much more comfortable for kids than grown-ups and works best for shorter drives rather than daily adult use.
Car Seat Setup
There are three seating positions in the third row, and the center seat is actually usable for a car seat, which isn’t always the case in this class. I installed a slim car seat in the center to help with legroom, and while it helped a bit, space is still limited. Rear-facing seats back here feel very tight, and even forward-facing seats need careful planning.
Amenities
Subaru did a good job with the basics. You get ceiling vents, charging ports, and cup holders back here, which I always appreciate. The features are there, even if the space is compact.
Overall Use
This really feels like a great four-passenger vehicle with a third row for occasional use. It works well for older kids, boosters, or short trips, but if you need a roomy third row for everyday use, a larger vehicle in this segment may be a better fit.
Trunk
The trunk isn’t the biggest in its class, but it’s usable. I was able to fit a compact stroller with room left for groceries, and even a larger stroller worked with a little rearranging. There’s also underfloor storage for extra items, and the third-row seats fold flat easily, which makes a big difference when you need more cargo space.
Safety
Safety is a big strength for the Ascent. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and Subaru includes a lot of crash-prevention tech standard instead of hiding it behind higher trims. Features like EyeSight, strong airbag coverage, and available surround view camera make it feel very confidence-boosting when you’re driving with kids on board.
The following seatbelts have a seatbelt pretensioner.
. Driver’s seatbelt
. Front passenger’s seatbelt
. Second-row seatbelts (window-side
Lower anchors are available on both second-row captain’s chairs, which gives you the most flexibility for everyday car seat installs. There is one set of lower anchors in the third row, but they’re positioned over the seat belt, which can make some installations trickier depending on the car seat. All seating positions have tether anchors, including every spot in the third row, which is a big win for forward-facing car seats. Headrests are removable across the back rows, making it easier to get proper car seat and booster positioning. Rear-facing car seats fit in the second row, but they do impact front-seat legroom, especially for taller drivers. Third-row car seat use works best for forward-facing seats or boosters rather than rear-facing installs.
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