I appreciate Evie for talking about how the experience with these vehicles' infotainment screens is like with having low vision. She speaks for us low vision folk, and I'm grateful for the additional perspective.
The cruise control on Subaru's rock. It's adaptive so it adjusts to traffic and speed. It has a visual indicator on the bottom inch of the windshield that shows when you're tracking the car in front of you and generally gives me a sense of trust that the car know's what's going on. Surprised more reviewers don't mention this.
Favorite thing about Subaru CVT system is cruise control on hills. Don’t have to worry about shutting it off because of a big downshift. It’s continuously gradual.
@@LafemmebearMusic - have had cvt’s in my last 4 vehicles. 1 failure that was replaced under warranty by Subaru that was already past warranty. Can’t complain. Only negative is I’m scared to tow long distance with one.
@@MeliorIlle - I’m not talking about steep sudden hills. I’m talking long gradual hills on the highway that a conventional automatic would have to downshift. If you understand how a cvt works then you would know that this is what it was made for and is not hard on it.
Japanese designers were like "what do we know about Americans... yes, yes they are fat we covered that Mitsu San, but why are they fat? SUGAR SODAS! give those whales 18 cupholders for all their coca colas!" 😌
Great video, Micah! We have a 2023 Ascent Onyx Limited and we’ve been very satisfied with it so far. We were drawn to the Ascent for its safety, value, and versatility (both in terms of the AWD system and interior space) and it’s lived up to expectations.
That's a lot of car fully loaded for under 40K. I used to see Subarus all the time when I lived in the mountains. I see fewer living in Florida...except Crosstreks...they are everywhere. That color combo is sweet....great color march Evie 👍
We are looking at cars now and the only thing my kids care about is if there are USB ports in the back seats 😂 I feel like there could be no legroom at all but as long as they can charge their tablet/phone they will be ok with the backseat
Hey Micah, another great review of the Subaru ascent. That is what I own but the 2021 model with eyesight and the touring package. I like it so far and I do agree with you on some things that could be improved. You also mentioned that you do occasional helicopter videos maybe you need to change it to rarely do helicopter videos. Just kidding, take care and have fun.
Well, Subaru doesn’t make a traditional 8 speed automatic transmission and there is a huge expense designing, engineering and manufacturing a new, domestically produced transmission that a small, boutique auto company can ill afford, so there’s that.
I have a 2021 Legacy Touring XT with the 2.4 turbo and the way it behaves with that CVT spoils an otherwise great car. Very uneven jerky/surging power delivery. The dealer says its running as it should and there are never any software updates to smooth it out. A good friend borrowed it recently and he noticed it so it's not just me. Basically, I'll never buy another Subaru with the turbo and CVT - including the Ascent.
we have a 2020 Onyx OB...very happy...except for the atrocious info system...reasonable mpg., and the oil change interval is ridiculous...after having oil analysis done from Blackstone Labs. Save some money, depending on your driving style. Thanks...the mpg turned us off, of the Ascend.
@@terence4427CVT isn’t bad except for the high amount of failures in early models, and other Subaru vehicles that have forced them to offer extended warranties.
@Jonathan-mp7xg Thats funny I had an Ascent that needed a new CVT at 7k and started slipping again at 20k. It’s a well documented issue, the reason other 3 rows are hard to find and selling over MSRP while the Ascent isn’t tells you all you need to know. Before the Ascent, Subaru was forced to extend CVT warranties to 100k on other models.
@Jonathan-mp7xg Doesn’t matter who makes it. We’re talking CVTs in Subarus being unreliable. 2 out of the 10 cars with the extended CVT warranties are turbo. The rest are NA. Subaru didn’t out of the goodness of their heart extend powertrain warranties on hundreds of thousands of vehicles. Consumer reports gave the Ascent a poor rating due to the multiple user complaints of CVT issues Your single vehicle sample size doesn’t compare, just like my own single example. Spend some time on Subaru forums and you’ll see it’s a common issue.
@Jonathan-mp7xg Sounds like you’re getting really frustrated by this whole thread. I’m offering my personal experience supported by Consumer reports (not a reputable source?), statistical evidence, Subaru’s move to extend powertrain warranties on 8 NA and 2 turbo engine attached CVTs. Always productive when the other person starts using “keyboard warrior” 👍🏼
I really don’t get what anyone would buy this car. It’s so dated both inside and out and you get so much more for the price when you buy pretty much any other 3 row.
Which vehicle do you "get so much more for the price"? What are the crash test results for those vehicles? People buy cars for a plethora of reasons and as far as I'm concerned there isn't one mid-sized SUV on the market that has the "wow" factor. They are all ridiculously overpriced and have led to massive inflation in this country.
@@terence4427I mean yes AND have you done the research and made the comparisons? A few other channels have and there’s value in this vehicle yes, AND it’s had a lot of issues with its reliability and it’s too small and the gas mileage really can’t match the highlander, like it would be more of a value to get the highlander. Just some things to think about. The value in Toyota tested and reliable and the amazing gas mileage and larger vehicle seems like it wins out and makes the OG poster have a strong argument against getting this vehicle. You kinda called out an anecdotal opinion but then gave one yourself 😅
@@LafemmebearMusic . The Ascent is currently recommended by CR snd has exceptional crash test results, and is very practical. I think it looks good but that's my opinion. We've owned two Toyota Highlander's and several Camry's over the years. Toyota's are very reliable and that's why people buy them. My wife traded in a Highlander for an Ascent after we test drove a ton of other midsized suv's. It's all about preference and we both prefer the Ascent over the Highlander.
Tbh show me a truck/SUV or sedan that would plow through deep snow like any Subaru. Then I’ll get your point. When buying a car you looking into the features that’s gona provided you for your daily driving. For me. I live in a place where winter is rough. Lots of snow. I’ll be driving my subaru like nothing through deep snow while watching, jeeps, tacomas, rav4s stuck on the side of the road 🤷🏻♂️. Yes driver and wheels have to do with it too. But to this day, I’ve never seen a subaru stuck in snow.
I wanted to buy a new Ascent for my growing family but they butchered the looks so bad (like they are doing with all the other Subies) that I'd never be caught dead in that monstrosity. I'll buy a used NORMAL looking one. The 2019-2022 version was so much better looking.
If you like even an ounce of “flair” then Subaru isn’t for you. 😂 Subaru wants you to fall asleep both driving in and looking at their vehicles. Yes, that includes the WRX.
Subaru, we need to talk about your flair. The grill is the minimum, but Hyundai for example has 37 pieces of flair and a terrific smile. People can get a car anywhere, mkay, but we want our vehicles to feel fun. You do want to express yourself, don't you?
I had an Ascent on loan while my Crosstrek was getting its sunroof fixed and honestly, this was my favorite Subaru. It drives nice, it’s roomy, and I love that you sit up. I love the turbo power. I know some think it’s laggy but, around town, it’s perfect because boost doesnt come on until you’re higher in the rev range so it’s nice and smooth at lower speeds. No, it won’t win any awards in style, efficiency, etc. but it’s a simple, reliable vehicle that I’m seriously considering!
I want a 5 person version so i can actually put stuff in the back with more hidden storage underneath. Subaru needs something to compete with the 4Runner.
They don’t, the numbers of sales don’t say that would make sense. The crosstrek is their biggest biggest selling vehicle by quite a large margin , the outback was a far away second. So that kinda says making the vehicle you’re suggesting wouldn’t make sense for them. Also even though we see alot of Subaru vehicles, overall it is a small brand without the RnD budget of Toyota , they can’t just have 6 suvs and only 3 sells well, like Toyota.
I appreciate Evie for talking about how the experience with these vehicles' infotainment screens is like with having low vision. She speaks for us low vision folk, and I'm grateful for the additional perspective.
The previous model look like it was a decade old when it came out and this one only looks about 5 to 6 years old😂.. . I guess that's an improvement
Spot on.
I own one and love it, but this is definitely accurate 😂
They definitely need to square it off (a la the new sante fe) and make a more aggressive front.
😂
@@hewydewy2164 I’m buying it because it’s not squared off like everything else. Doesn’t feel look or ride like an suv
The cruise control on Subaru's rock. It's adaptive so it adjusts to traffic and speed. It has a visual indicator on the bottom inch of the windshield that shows when you're tracking the car in front of you and generally gives me a sense of trust that the car know's what's going on. Surprised more reviewers don't mention this.
Because every modern vehicle has this feature.
@@sansin6250😂😂😂
There are a ton of features all or most modern vehicles have. They are still discussed. Cup holders, for example.@@sansin6250
We love ours, but they are so popular where we live that I've tried to enter the wrong car on more than one occasion.
Favorite thing about Subaru CVT system is cruise control on hills. Don’t have to worry about shutting it off because of a big downshift. It’s continuously gradual.
That's still super hard on it and your engine.
Interesting hearing a person liking a cvt , this is not a negative comment I’m literally surprised.
@@LafemmebearMusic - have had cvt’s in my last 4 vehicles. 1 failure that was replaced under warranty by Subaru that was already past warranty. Can’t complain. Only negative is I’m scared to tow long distance with one.
@@MeliorIlle - I’m not talking about steep sudden hills. I’m talking long gradual hills on the highway that a conventional automatic would have to downshift. If you understand how a cvt works then you would know that this is what it was made for and is not hard on it.
@@justinflott5133 It's hard on any transmission to be on cruise control on hills, especially CVTs.
Japanese designers were like "what do we know about Americans... yes, yes they are fat we covered that Mitsu San, but why are they fat? SUGAR SODAS! give those whales 18 cupholders for all their coca colas!" 😌
: > Bobba Tea enters the chat
I’m ready for the Subaru Ascent Wilderness.
Great video, Micah! We have a 2023 Ascent Onyx Limited and we’ve been very satisfied with it so far. We were drawn to the Ascent for its safety, value, and versatility (both in terms of the AWD system and interior space) and it’s lived up to expectations.
That’s the trim I would recommend
I own an Ascent and it is indeed a great vehicle.
That's a lot of car fully loaded for under 40K.
I used to see Subarus all the time when I lived in the mountains.
I see fewer living in Florida...except Crosstreks...they are everywhere.
That color combo is sweet....great color march Evie 👍
This car is not under 40K with all these options.
@@kart007k ...my bad...I meant 50K....still not bad for 3 row SUV
I see a lot of Outbacks around Daytona along with Crosstreks.
I don’t know about other places but in my city I don’t many Assents going down the road. In fact I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen one.
I love this channel ❤. You guys are such a sweet handsome family. Love the energy and the honesty on every car review. Keep up the good work ❤.
"...big enough to fit a whole purse-on.." classic
We are looking at cars now and the only thing my kids care about is if there are USB ports in the back seats 😂 I feel like there could be no legroom at all but as long as they can charge their tablet/phone they will be ok with the backseat
"I interact with nature, but I don't dominate nature" is an eloquent and concise summation of the car industry.
i hope to see the chevy trax review at some point . real curious to see what you guys think of it
I really wanted to buy the Subaru Ascent, but the gas mileage was horrible. I went for a RAV4 hybrid limited instead. I am getting just about 44mpg.
Great review with some personality!
Fantastic review as always guys!😸
Hey Micah, another great review of the Subaru ascent. That is what I own but the 2021 model with eyesight and the touring package. I like it so far and I do agree with you on some things that could be improved. You also mentioned that you do occasional helicopter videos maybe you need to change it to rarely do helicopter videos. Just kidding, take care and have fun.
I wonder why Subaru didn't just put in an 8 speed automatic transmission in this car instead of making a CVT that "shifts" like an 8 speed.
Well, Subaru doesn’t make a traditional 8 speed automatic transmission and there is a huge expense designing, engineering and manufacturing a new, domestically produced transmission that a small, boutique auto company can ill afford, so there’s that.
The relationship with Toyota they could easily use their 8 speed transmission.
Love your vids!!
I have a 2021 Legacy Touring XT with the 2.4 turbo and the way it behaves with that CVT spoils an otherwise great car. Very uneven jerky/surging power delivery. The dealer says its running as it should and there are never any software updates to smooth it out. A good friend borrowed it recently and he noticed it so it's not just me. Basically, I'll never buy another Subaru with the turbo and CVT - including the Ascent.
If the Acsent got 30 mpg city 30 hwy or a hybrid trim i would buy one mpg not high enough for me
Very capable SUV 👍🏼
we have a 2020 Onyx OB...very happy...except for the atrocious info system...reasonable mpg., and the oil change interval is ridiculous...after having oil analysis done from Blackstone Labs. Save some money, depending on your driving style. Thanks...the mpg turned us off, of the Ascend.
Does even the base model exist?
Love driving thru the old rim of the world road... Just get nervous when i pass by the scientology entrance 😂
Love Subaru vehicles
9:32 One of the things I hated most about the Ascent, so much work to keep straight on the highway.
With that colour kinda has a big mouth bass look..watch out Lexus Subaru is coming for that big grill trophy…
Please review Lexus LBX 2024 especially if its family friendly. Thanks from Australia 😊
They need to redesign this thing. Plus, I don't see much on the roads. Especially compared to the competition
I'd guess you're not from Oregon.
@@ornative7514 . Exactly because they're everywhere in our area.
Not planned! Just cute!
Not a fan of the exhaust look on the front, love the interior!
have the 23 in dark mahogany, love it
me too. I did 3k so far and really love that color as well as I enjoy the drive. a little issue is the fuel economy.
Does the infotainment not come with the auto brake hold and auto start/top shutoff on the default UI? Or do they have physical buttons on the Ascent?
No start/stop on the Ascent, and AVH is a physical button
Does Micah still work for KBB anymore, never see him there anymore?
I heard he was promoted.
Looking for a 3rd row suv and I love the looks of the Subaru but the CVT and steering may put me off of this car.
You actually get a lot of car for the money, and the CVT isn't bad at all.
@@terence4427CVT isn’t bad except for the high amount of failures in early models, and other Subaru vehicles that have forced them to offer extended warranties.
@Jonathan-mp7xg Thats funny I had an Ascent that needed a new CVT at 7k and started slipping again at 20k.
It’s a well documented issue, the reason other 3 rows are hard to find and selling over MSRP while the Ascent isn’t tells you all you need to know. Before the Ascent, Subaru was forced to extend CVT warranties to 100k on other models.
@Jonathan-mp7xg Doesn’t matter who makes it. We’re talking CVTs in Subarus being unreliable. 2 out of the 10 cars with the extended CVT warranties are turbo.
The rest are NA. Subaru didn’t out of the goodness of their heart extend powertrain warranties on hundreds of thousands of vehicles.
Consumer reports gave the Ascent a poor rating due to the multiple user complaints of CVT issues Your single vehicle sample size doesn’t compare, just like my own single example. Spend some time on Subaru forums and you’ll see it’s a common issue.
@Jonathan-mp7xg Sounds like you’re getting really frustrated by this whole thread. I’m offering my personal experience supported by Consumer reports (not a reputable source?), statistical evidence, Subaru’s move to extend powertrain warranties on 8 NA and 2 turbo engine attached CVTs. Always productive when the other person starts using “keyboard warrior” 👍🏼
Not sure how you get comfortable driving with passengers without extra perfumes.
Onyx and Limited seem to be the sweet spot. No more, no less....especially less. Never buy a base trim Subaru...ever.
I really don’t get what anyone would buy this car. It’s so dated both inside and out and you get so much more for the price when you buy pretty much any other 3 row.
Which vehicle do you "get so much more for the price"? What are the crash test results for those vehicles? People buy cars for a plethora of reasons and as far as I'm concerned there isn't one mid-sized SUV on the market that has the "wow" factor. They are all ridiculously overpriced and have led to massive inflation in this country.
@@terence4427I mean yes AND have you done the research and made the comparisons? A few other channels have and there’s value in this vehicle yes, AND it’s had a lot of issues with its reliability and it’s too small and the gas mileage really can’t match the highlander, like it would be more of a value to get the highlander. Just some things to think about. The value in Toyota tested and reliable and the amazing gas mileage and larger vehicle seems like it wins out and makes the OG poster have a strong argument against getting this vehicle. You kinda called out an anecdotal opinion but then gave one yourself 😅
@@LafemmebearMusic . The Ascent is currently recommended by CR snd has exceptional crash test results, and is very practical. I think it looks good but that's my opinion. We've owned two Toyota Highlander's and several Camry's over the years. Toyota's are very reliable and that's why people buy them. My wife traded in a Highlander for an Ascent after we test drove a ton of other midsized suv's. It's all about preference and we both prefer the Ascent over the Highlander.
Sometimes not everything is to be understood by everyone. . .
Tbh show me a truck/SUV or sedan that would plow through deep snow like any Subaru. Then I’ll get your point. When buying a car you looking into the features that’s gona provided you for your daily driving. For me. I live in a place where winter is rough. Lots of snow. I’ll be driving my subaru like nothing through deep snow while watching, jeeps, tacomas, rav4s stuck on the side of the road 🤷🏻♂️. Yes driver and wheels have to do with it too. But to this day, I’ve never seen a subaru stuck in snow.
The front view is awful
I wanted to buy a new Ascent for my growing family but they butchered the looks so bad (like they are doing with all the other Subies) that I'd never be caught dead in that monstrosity. I'll buy a used NORMAL looking one. The 2019-2022 version was so much better looking.
Not cute
*it’s difficult to afford* a new car in Bidens HORRIBLE ECONOMY 😢😢😢😢😢
😂😂😂
@@jamesnardini I agree ! He’s a funny old man 😂 still can’t believe he used China’s biological warfare for his mail-in ballots 🗳️ so odd huh?
Ur a conspiracy nut
🤔 not like I like that old dude. But tbh it never affected me whatsoever.
Bland and boring Subaru as always
The Legacy is the only decent looking Subaru these days. The rest of the models look like they got hit with the ugly stick.
Front ends on Forester and Ascent looks like they covered up a part of the headlights with plastic.
I like how it looks smaller than it is. Also, Subaru styling is so ugly that it's kind of timeless. 🤷
To each his own. Have had several thru the years, liked them all.
The Legacy is also very ugly
If you like even an ounce of “flair” then Subaru isn’t for you. 😂 Subaru wants you to fall asleep both driving in and looking at their vehicles. Yes, that includes the WRX.
Subaru, we need to talk about your flair. The grill is the minimum, but Hyundai for example has 37 pieces of flair and a terrific smile. People can get a car anywhere, mkay, but we want our vehicles to feel fun. You do want to express yourself, don't you?
@@BoopSnoot Brian for example, has 37 pieces of flair, and a terrific smile! 🤣
@@BoopSnoot Your reference tells me that you most likely had a myspace and had to rewind movies at some point. LOL
Very good vehicle. Just finished an 1800-mile trip thru Michigan driving it. No complaints.
You too can buy the All Newish, Certified Pre-Owned looking 2023 Subaru Ascent!
Got rid of our Ascent after 2 years for an Odyssey. Best decision I ever made (car-wise).
the oddesey is no joke
Until you have to drive in snow.
@@janoskovacs11 Which I don’t! Plus snow tires are awesome.
I really like the format of your reviews. Exactly what a buyer like me of a car like this is looking for.
I had an Ascent on loan while my Crosstrek was getting its sunroof fixed and honestly, this was my favorite Subaru. It drives nice, it’s roomy, and I love that you sit up. I love the turbo power. I know some think it’s laggy but, around town, it’s perfect because boost doesnt come on until you’re higher in the rev range so it’s nice and smooth at lower speeds. No, it won’t win any awards in style, efficiency, etc. but it’s a simple, reliable vehicle that I’m seriously considering!
I have a family member who had leased one and it is definitely not a reliable vehicle
Do yourself a favor and actually test drive other vehicles.. don’t just keep buying Subarus because you enjoy a Crosstrek.
Unfortunately it’s not rated high for reliability
Who cares drive what you like and can Afford, I own a 2020 touring no issues yet😂
@@LafemmebearMusicWho cares drive what you like and can Afford, I own a 2020 touring no issues yet😂
The nice thing about Subarus is they can take the wear and tear of everyday life. They're not pretty but they get the job done.
And other cars in the category
I want a 5 person version so i can actually put stuff in the back with more hidden storage underneath. Subaru needs something to compete with the 4Runner.
They don’t, the numbers of sales don’t say that would make sense. The crosstrek is their biggest biggest selling vehicle by quite a large margin , the outback was a far away second. So that kinda says making the vehicle you’re suggesting wouldn’t make sense for them. Also even though we see alot of Subaru vehicles, overall it is a small brand without the RnD budget of Toyota , they can’t just have 6 suvs and only 3 sells well, like Toyota.
*"sells itself"* absolutely
What about BMW, Mercedes Benz, Lexus, Infinity, Acura, Genesis, and etc...???
It's horrible. We are horrible. CVT, plastic chrome, plastic wood, plastic people with plastic emotions. Yay AI, bring it on....
Bought a new Telluride top of trim and the smell of plastic/solvent are not gone after three months while my Ascent did not have this issue at all.
Really Subaru