2023 Subaru Ascent Trim Levels and Standard Features Explained
The Subaru Ascent, a three-row midsize SUV, holds the title as the largest model in Subaru’s 2023 lineup. The Ascent is comparable to its smaller siblings, the Forester and Outback, and has all-wheel drive as standard. It also has plenty of ground clearance, which makes it easier to navigate through adverse weather conditions or off-road terrain. The Ascent is still a great midsize option for carrying up to eight passengers in comfort into the great outdoors, even though it doesn’t quite match the off-road prowess of SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco.
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What’s New
The Subaru Ascent, which debuted in 2019, will have a number of improvements in 2023. These changes include new lighting fixtures, bumpers, and a redesigned grille, as well as refreshed front and rear aesthetics. The Ascent now boasts a larger, 11.6-inch center touchscreen display that was previously only available on Subaru’s most recent models. Additional enhancements include the addition of a top-down parking camera system, an upgraded forward collision mitigation system, and the debut of a new Onyx Edition Limited trim.
Competition
There is fierce competition in the market for midsize SUVs with three rows. The closely related Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, along with the Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas, are notable competitors. The Ford Explorer is another choice worth taking into account, especially in the adventurous Timberland trim. The Honda Passport or Subaru’s own midsize Outback may be suitable substitutes for those who do not require a third row. With so many choices, the Ascent’s 2023 improvements aim to strengthen its position in this competitive market.
2023 Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
The 2023 Subaru Ascent is available in eight trim levels: Base, Premium 8-Passenger, Premium 7‑Passenger, Onyx Edition, Limited 8‑Passenger, Limited 7‑Passenger, Onyx Edition Limited, and Touring.
Engine and Drivetrain
A continuously variable automatic transmission is paired with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque in all 2023 Subaru Ascent models. All models in the lineup come standard with all-wheel drive.
2023 Subaru Ascent Standard Features
Now let’s go over the MSRP, standard features, and available packages for the 2023 Subaru Ascent trim levels starting with the base model which has a starting MSRP of $33,895.
2023 Subaru Ascent Base – $33,895
These standard features come with the Base model 2023 Subaru Ascent trim level:
ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN
- 2.4-liter DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (260 hp / 277 lb-ft)
- Lineartronic Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission
- 2,000 lb. Maximum towing capacity
STABILITY AND TRACTION
- Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- X-MODE
- Hill Descent Control
- Vehicle Dynamics Control
- Traction Control System
- Active Torque Vectoring
- Trailer Stability Assist
CHASSIS
- 4-wheel independent raised suspension
- 4-wheel disc ventilated front and rear brakes
- Brake Assist
- Brake Override System
EXTERIOR
- 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with silver finish
- All-season tires
- LED Steering Responsive Headlights
- Crystal Black Silica-finish folding side mirrors
- Body-color door handles
- Two-speed windshield wipers
- Rear window wiper
- Raised roof rails
SEATING AND TRIM
- 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
- 4-way manually adjustable front-passenger seat
- Reclining second-row 60/40-split flat-folding seatbacks
- Reclining third-row 60/40-split flat-folding seatbacks
- Second-row bench seat
- Cloth upholstery
- Ivory faux carbon fiber accent trim
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
- Auto-up / auto-down driver and front passenger window with anti-pinch protection
- 3-spoke steering wheel with integrated controls
- Transmission paddle shifters
- Illuminated front and second-row USB-A and USB-C charging ports
- Manually adjustable tilt/telescoping steering column
- 19 cup holders
- Cargo-area underfloor storage tray
CLIMATE CONTROL
- Tri-zone climate control
- Air vents for all three rows
AUDIO AND COMMUNICATION
- SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus
- 6 speakers
SAFETY
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- High Beam Assist
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Daytime Running Lights
- Rear-Vision Camera with washer
SECURITY
- Keyless entry and anti-theft security system with engine immobilizer
2023 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger – $36,495
The MSRP of the 2023 Subaru Ascent trim level Premium with 8-Passenger seating is $36,495 and it adds some attractive upgrades, including:
ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN
- 5,000 lb. Maximum towing capacity
EXTERIOR
- 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, gray with machine finish
- Body-color folding side mirrors w/ integrated turn signals
- Windshield wiper de-icer
SEATING AND TRIM
- 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats (All-Weather Package)
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle
- Stain-resistant cloth upholstery
CLIMATE CONTROL
- Second-row climate controls
AUDIO AND COMMUNICATION
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability
SAFETY
- Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security
Available Packages
There’s one available package for the Premium trim level with 8-passenger seating.
Convenience Package
- Power Rear Gate
- Keyless Access with Push-Button Start
- Auto-dimming mirror
- Reverse Automatic Braking
2023 Subaru Ascent Premium 7‑Passenger – $37,955
The starting price for the 2023 Subaru Ascent trim level Premium with 7-Passenger seating is $37,955The starting price for the 2023 Subaru Ascent trim level Premium with 7-Passenger seating is $37,955:
SEATING AND TRIM
- Second-row captain’s chairs
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
- Keyless Access with Push-Button Start
- Power Rear Gate with:
- automatic close
- height memory function
- and vehicle lock button
- Auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with HomeLink
SAFETY
- Reverse Automatic Braking
2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition – $41,295
Based on the seven-passenger Premium trim, the 2023 Subaru Ascent trim level Onyx Edition has an MSRP of $41,295. Additional standard features include:
EXTERIOR
- 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with black finish
- LED fog lights
- Crystal Black Silica-finish folding side mirrors w/ integrated turn signals
- Power tilt/sliding panoramic glass moonroof
SEATING AND TRIM
- Heated steering wheel
- StarTex water-repellent upholstery
- Simulated leather accent trim with contrast stitching
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 8‑Passenger $41,595
The 2023 Subaru Ascent trim level Limited 8-passenger seating has a starting price of $41,595 and adds on the features of the Premium trim level:
EXTERIOR
- 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dark gray with machine finish
- LED fog lights
SEATING AND TRIM
- 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way power adjustable lumbar support
- 4-way power-adjustable front-passenger seat
- Heated second-row outboard seats
- Leather-trimmed upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Simulated leather accent trim with contrast stitching
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
- 2-position driver’s seat with power mirror memory
- Dual third-row USB-A charging ports
SAFETY
- DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
2023 Subaru Ascent Limited 7‑Passenger $41,595
The MSRP for the Limited 7-passenger 2023 Subaru Ascent trim level is $41,595, and it includes all of the same standard features as the Limited 8-passenger trim level, with the exception of second-row captain’s chairs in place of second-row benches:
Available Packages
The Limited trim level has one available package.
Technology Package:
- Surround View Monitor
- Harman Kardon premium audio system with 14 speakers
- Panoramic moonroof
- SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation
- Cargo Area Cover
2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Limited – $46,295
The base price of the Onyx Edition Limited for the 2023 Subaru Ascent trim level is $46,295, and it combines features from the Onyx Edition and Limited trim levels. Additional standard features include:
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
- Cabin Connect
AUDIO AND COMMUNICATION
- SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation
- Harman Kardon premium audio system with 792-watt GreenEdge amplifier and 14 speakers
SAFETY
- Surround View Monitor
2023 Subaru Ascent Touring – $48,195
The Touring, which has an MSRP of $48,195, is the top 2023 Subaru Ascent trim level. The Touring includes all the Limited’s standard features in addition to the following:
EXTERIOR
- Satin chrome-finish folding side mirrors w/ integrated turn signals
- Power-folding side mirrors
- Chrome door handles
SEATING AND TRIM
- Ventilated front seats
- Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
- Smart auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with HomeLink
- 120-volt AC power outlet
Which Trim Level to Buy
When it comes to choosing the ideal 2023 Subaru Ascent trim level, the Premium trim stands out as the top pick for most drivers. Offering a remarkable array of features for just a slight increase in cost compared to the base model, it boasts heated front seats, dedicated climate controls for the second row, durable and stain-resistant cloth upholstery, blind-spot monitoring, the advanced SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security system, and an impressive boost in towing capacity.
Paint Colors
Lastly, let’s go over the paint colors for the 2023 Subaru Ascent trim levels. There are 8 available colors. Not every color is available on every trim level.
- Autumn Green
- Crystal Black
- Cosmic Blue
- Crimson Red
- Dark Mahogany
- Ice Silver
- Crystal White Pearl
- Magnetite Gray
Wrapping Up
Okay, that’s it. I’m going to wrap this up. I went over the trim levels, MSRP, standard features, available packages, which trim level to buy, and the paint colors for the 2023 Subaru Ascent trim levels. If you found this helpful, informative, or entertaining, please like, share, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.