Congratulations!! I'm so happy for you!!!🙂😂 Oh my God!!! If you take care of it, you are going to have that car for a very long time. I had over 260,000 miles on my first Subaru (Outback 2011, purchased in 2012). I put 52,000 miles a year on that car. My current Subaru (a 2016 Outback Limited) has closed to 270,000 miles on it.
What has been your average fuel economy? Also what do you usually get in the city and highway? Looking at the ascent but firl economy has been a concern.
@@prettysheddy My fuel mileage depends on the season and where I drive. For most of my suburban and rural driving isn’t warm weather the average is around 23 mpg. In winter it drops by about 3 mpg.
+1 zero problems with my 2022 Ascent Touring after 3 years of ownership, during which it has been a great people/dog hauler with reasonable tow capability. Much better as a dog car than the Forester due to the third-row HVAC. We’ll see what it brings in future - I do worry a bit about durability of the 4-cylinder turbo engine- time will tell, but this is the first vehicle for which I purchased the extended warranty because I plan to own it for 10 years minimum. Mileage is definitely lower than I anticipated based on EPA ratings, but other than this the car has been super for me. I wish I could have purchased it with 18” wheels. And better lumbar support for the driver.
Really wanted the Pilot because we're long time Honda owners. After measuring the inside with a tape measure we found the third row in the Ascent is 1 inch wider and the distance behind the third row is also 1 inch longer than the Pilot. Pilot does have more third row headroom, so if adults in the back are a big deal then the Pilot might still be the better choice. For us it's just grandkids in the back so for that the Ascent is perfect. Biggest difference Alex didn't cover is Subaru offers automatic crash notification and emergency response all the way down to the Premium level, whereas Honda only offers that on Touring and Elite for $15K more. Equally priced we would have chosen the Ascent, saving $15K was a nice bonus. Biggest surprise is it drives like a V6, it doesn't feel like a turbo or CVT at all. Fuel economy from our Premium in the first 16K miles has been 25.5 overall measured at the pump. Keep in mind our Premium is rated higher than the model Alex tested, and we don't use remote stat even though the vehicle comes with it. Other than safety features, the other big difference for us was the small infotainment screen in the Pilot compared to the big screen in the Ascent that lets you display a large map, climate, and audio information all at the same time. Grand Highlander was tempting, but the price difference put it out of consideration as we would never recoup the $$ even with better economy with the hybrid version. As Alex mentioned, Subaru is legendary for off-road capability; no it's not a Jeep, but for what it's designed for it's hard to beat. Hopefully Subaru will use some of Toyota's hybrid technology in the years ahead. For now we're pretty happy with our 23 Ascent, even happier than we were with our 02, 04, 05, 06, and 12 Hondas (Civic, Accord, and 3 Odysseys).
Thank you for sharing this!!! I’m considering getting a Subaru ascent as my next car and need an AWD car. I currently have a civic and was looking at the new CRV but for the price of a new CRV it should come with a 3rd row ! I’ve always liked Subaru overall and was made fun of as it’s considered an old person car but this Ascent offers so much
The review is spot on, having driven my Limited Ascent for the last 6 months I like the ride, the feel and the comfort of the vehicle. I would love to see better gas mileage. I average 19.5 to 20 and I don’t drive this hard. For the price, this 4 wheel drive high safety rating SUV will be mine for a while. When they come out with the hybrid model i may have to look hard at that one
One of the under rated, yet really great features of my 2019 Ascent Touring is the rear -view camera built into the rear view mirror. With all seats up, or dog and boxes in the back that would block normal mirrors, I can easily see out the rear middle while driving or stopped. It is also height adjustable. The separate dash mounted front view camera is also a real asset when parking. After more than 4 years with the Ascent I am really pleased. My wife will be driving it if she ever wants to give up her 12 year old Outback
great value for people who want AWD and often available with discounts below MSRP, huge OTD price difference to many AWD competitors edit: didn't know about the great headlights even in base trim, makes the value even better
We love our 2023 Ascent Touring, it drives good, rides good, and ours is quiet. We do also like the wood grain as well! Tons of storage also. Ours was purchased with the optional wireless charger too which we love.
Really happy with our 21 Touring. They can be had for way less than advertised. Get the Costco deal. We paid $42.5K. I’m sure the 2024 models are as competitively priced. Really like the headlights. The rear view mirror that switches to video for when the vehicle is loaded with cargo is something I can’t live without now. Great 2nd row Cpt’s seats. Great ground clearance and the AWD system is top notch. OEM tires, not so great. Get some Michelin CrossClimate 2’s on the rims.
I've had a 2019 Ascent Limited with Tech Package (~$40k brand new) for five years and I can definitely say it's an underrated option. Everything is built super solid, there's no interior damage after five years of young kids and no rattles. The car is very comfortable especially on the highway, it simply eats miles. It drives smaller than any other SUV I've driven. I've had six adults in the car for an hour (a few over 6' tall) and there were no issues making sure everyone was comfortable by moving the seats. The CVT takes a bit to get used to, but it actually works really well with the turbo. Accelerating at a moderate pace keeps the revs to 2000 rpms and really accentuates the torque of the engine. Pulling a 20ft boat (nearly 5000lbs) is effortless. The only thing I would change is making it a hybrid, I get about 20mpg (lots of city driving). I would also like some of the features of the touring version such as cooled seats and the wood trim, but I didn't want to give up the bench. The Kia and Hyundai weren't available when I got the Ascent, but I still don't think I would have gotten one of those. I prefer the older-school tech and looks and I place more value on an interior that will hold up to abuse than an interior that looks pretty. I also had a bad experience with my 2015 Sonata, it basically fell apart after a few years, developing several rattles and worn switchgear such that the auto lights would randomly turn off, and that was before the engine blew up. All in all, I don't regret getting the Ascent for a single second, though I would definitely look at the hybrid Highlander if I were purchasing today.
Damn 😳 I know a few people with a Hyundai Sonata that have over 150K miles (one has around 230K miles) on the original engine and transmission and have had no issues to minor issues. But nothing major. It sounds like you are very rough with your vehicles.
@@Kenman884 every brand has class action lawsuits against them. Some more than others, Honda and Toyota have more against them than Hyundai and Kia. 🐸☕
@@DeadofWinter321 1) Gonna need a source. 2) Not every class action is created equal. 3) Hyundai had a class action lawsuit forcing them to pay for exploded engines and mine exploded. Nothing to do with how I drive my cars, which is slow and steady by the way. Kia and Hyundai simply are not there yet in reliability. Cope, fanboy.
Great review. I have owned an Ascent for five years and you nailed it. Two seats in back row and bench in second would have been brilliant. Very pleased with vehicle as a whole. Turbo is good, eight speed would have been better than cvt
Subaru seats on the upper trims are fantastic. I have a 2022 Highlander and one of my few complaints is the front seat comfort, especially the lack of an extending thigh cushion, even on the top trim. My parents have a loaded outback and the front seat comfort is amazing!
Thanks, Alex. I have a 2020 Ascent. I enjoy it every day. I think the greatest advantage of Subaru over all others in this segment is the boxer engine and symmetrical all wheel drive. No other suv has the accumulated experience that Subaru has on AWD worldwide. You and many people like Kia & Hyundai without having in mind the old-school/dated V6 engine with no hydraulic lifters, it sounds as an old coffee maker when cold., plus some other issues as the poor finish underneath.
Great, informative video! I’ve got a ‘22 Ascent and I love it! I actually get, or have gotten fairly often, 25-27 mpg on the highway. My city driving is between 18 & 20 mpg. Haven’t calculated combined, but it should be north of 21-22 mpg.
My 2022 gets 26mpg highway ( actual ) average 22mpg 16,000 miles on the car overall. ( $45,000 limited) western Pa. love this car. Traded my 2016 Yukon on this and I have no regrets.
Ironically, in Colorado the Ascent is rather easy to find (August 2023). It's not hard to find dealerships advertising prices below MSRP even for the middle trims. Maybe dealerships here get the lion's share of supply? I don't know. In any case, they seem more willing to deal on the Ascent. They even advertise prices below MSRP on Outback XTs, with the same turbocharged 2.4L H4.
Great review Alex! The top trims Ascent models in Southern California are going for $3-5k under MSRP - compared with about $1-2.5k off on the Pilot, and ~MSRP on the Palisade, and a little above MSRP on the Telluride (I won't even mention the Grand Highlander because we all know the markups on Toyotas lately). A fully loaded Ascent under $45k is pretty competitive...
Have had our Ascent Touring 2023 model and put ~12,000 miles so far. We cane from a 2020 Forester Touring so not a big learning curve. We constantly use all 3 rows with both kids and adults in all of them. No issues so far even for 1-2 hour trips. We are also able to fit a double stroller folded behind the 3rd row, and have bit of space left for groceries. The mileage does leave a lot to be desired, and I'm definitely disappointed with that. The driving dynamics is, for lack of better term, solid. I do applaud the Telluride and Palisade for having bit more space on the interior, but we have had a bad history with Hyundai (we sued for transmission / engine issues and won out of court few years back), so those two brands will never be part of our consideration anymore. Ascent is a very solid vehicle with a CVT that is really reliable. Tr690 has been in many Subaru vehicles for years so no concerns there. There are some who have had battery issues (Panasonic ones that come installed are not good), but we have had no such issues in either the Forester or the Ascent.
Wasn't expecting to buy one, but when a sell-u-ride was 10K over invoice and the Ascent Onyx was 5K under, well in February of '23 there were not a lot of choices out there. Like the interior better too as well as the old school speedometer.
In your comparison models at the end of the video, I also really like the Explorer. I would buy one if Ford could sort out their reliability problems. Ford also offers an optional bench seat for the 2nd row in all trims, so there's that.
I called Geico insurance comparing the Ascent with the Toyota Sienna hybrid (mini van). My insurance was $20/month higher for the Sienna. Right there, this can compensate for the higher MPG of the Sienna hybrid engine. The Ascent also has lower annual property taxes than the Sienna. It’s important to consider the entire host of car expenses before buying one. Sometime a hybrid engine isn’t necessarily the cheapest. 🤔 💭 Thanks for the detailed review and cool stats/graphs, Alex!
Front mounted intercoolers require larger turbos and suffer from more turbo lag. TMIC allows small twin scroll turbos to get consistent even boost and smaller displacement with cooling of the the air charge immediately before the throttle bottle. It’s a great recipe😊
I have been a toyota fan and owner for many years , I went with the ascent due to the price and probably the 2nd most reliable brand next to Toyota. The highlander and pilot just out priced themselves for what you get. At the end I just felt the ascent was the best bang for your Buck when a Awd was a must...
Im cross shopping other Subarus, mass market brands, luxury, mid-size, compact, full size trucks, mid size trucks, mid size sedans, compact sedans, new, used, EVs, and minivans. But I would also consider a hatchback.
Dear Subaru, Give it up already with your CVT. The fact that you programmed fake shifts into your own cvt implies that even you are fully aware of how much consumers dislike it.
I really like the wood look pieces. Got a Brilliant Bronze 2022 Touring and the exterior/interior colors are beautiful. Its my daily driver, so classy and elegant.
Your review is great. You are easy to understand, speak distinctly and explain things well. The only problem I have is that you speak too fast and it’s too hard to take it in before you’re onto something else. Otherwise great review.
I had outback before. Liked it but CVT. I think subaru should use standard 8 speed auto example to source from Toyota . I also like suspensión driving to camps. Very compliant over bumps. Last year I bought Toyota Sienna minivan. Way more practical than any suv and amazing MPG even in AWD trim . One disadvantage is slow acceleration and droning transmission if pushed hard . Quickly learned to drive gently to avoid the drone. Back to Subaru . I think it’s a very nice car but cvt
I'm sure there are reasons why Subaru didn't use Toyota's 8 speed automatic transmission. For a long time before switching to CVTs, they used a five speed automatic transmission.
Great review as always! I was a long time Subey driver until I got a 22 Pathfinder, so I was a little disappointed that there was no talk of it in the comparison; Nissan often seems to get left out of his discussion of competing models... I'd love to know Alex's opinions on comparing it to this guy.
I have one of the first Ascents ever produced - a top trim 2019 model year Ascent built in mid-2018. Very happy with it. Towing capacity is a bit low for me, so I'll be looking for something with higher towing capacity
For long-legged passengers, the Ascent has more leg room than either Highlander or Explorer. Explorer hits pressure point on one knee, Highlander hits pressure points on two knees, so royal pain on longer trips. Rarely mentioned, for sound deadening, the front driver and passenger door windows are double-pane. For some reason not the rear passenger windows. Roll down the glass, look at the top edge and you can see the split where the two panes are bonded. Also, even though it has an intercooler, the Ascent has turbo-lag. It doesn't take long to get used to it and plan accordingly.
@@tonyf9896 That is strange. The Ascent has initial lag and after that you won't feel any shifting unless you decide to try the paddle shifters. It gets up to speed pretty quickly. I've had the car nine months and still love it. I've had other cars that were fun but nothing I have enjoyed as much as this. It has a few quirks. One is when you turn the engine off while still in gear. Even if you put it in Park, a warning still says to turn off the engine, the bell goes ding! ding! and the door won't lock. Since the computer believes the engine is still running, you'll have to get back in, start the car then turn it off again while in Park this time. I guess it's good training for when AI takes over the World.
My wife hated the CVT on the Ascent. Same for lane keep assist. Wish its disable by default and can be enabled. Wish the suspension had little more travel since off pavement on a climb wheel spins on every dip. I really love the mpg and turning headlights. Love the 3rd row room as well. I cannot say how happy I am to see the ground clearance Ascent has, excellent for snowy Colorado. As for that 2000lbs towing can't owners just use an aftermarket cooler? Because I found that with my buddy's Honda Pilot AWD (based on owners manual '22) across the board its rated 3500lbs towing before ATF cooler installed by dealer. So for Ascent may be install a ATF cooler to base model and you get 5000lbs towing? Not maybe thats asking too much from the CVT. Also I haven't tested the "B" mode on long down hills. Not sure if it would fade the brakes vs on a standard automatic you can really use low gears to save the brakes.
@@0HOON0 I think the odd shifting feel. She told me "what is this?". She is a last minute / rushed driver so the way it shifts. Its definitely a personal preference.
@Jonathan-mp7xg yes there no gears just a steel belt. I mean the shift like feel with weird rpm changing. I wasn't a good feeling compared to 9 spd Pilot / 8spd Highlander/ Telluride. Driving the CVT Civic I didn't feel that feeling Subaru CVT gave. Again a personal choice, no hate towards it.
28:14 first time I am hearing about this - Must depend on the area, probaly only in California, Colorado and some other areas where Subaru are more popular than usual? In other areas where Subaru is less popular the Ascent flies under the radar of most shoppers, most people don't know it exists and don't consider it, so they are easy to find below MSRP (except for the base trim probably).
So regarding the CVT. I prefer this over a highlander I currently have as a loaner. The quicker 0-60 is done by using the unofficial launch control feature which to engage you hold brake and gas then release the brake.
Honestly....I own a 2021 Ascent Limited.....and it is absolutely amazing. I completely beieve that the KEY to this car.....is using 93 octane fuel, especially Sunoco, Shell or Chevron specifically. I just drove from Massachusetts back to Southwest Florida....about 1,800 miles....(at 65 to 80 mph.), using the cruise control. My car averaged 28 to 30 miles per gallon.....no problem. Around town.....24 to 25 is average. I expected to HATE the CVT transmission.....having been in the "Car" business for 40 years or so and having driven and appraised thousands of different cars over those years. I actually was pleasantly surprised......and I really like this CVT. Very smooth, and applies constant torque to all 4 wheels ....all of the time. This car is solid, comfortable, and drives great. Oh....and ZERO problems. What else is there. Just stop being cheap.....and pay the extra few bucks for better fuel. You'll be fine.
I have a 2021 Outback XT Limited and Subaru expressly states that using higher octane fuel provides no performance improvement because the ECU does not change the timing in response to higher octane fuels. I have tried both and have found no difference in fuel economy (or power). I have yet to break 28mpg on the highway and average about 24 around town😊
Money. Lots of money to lose. If the timing is not changing in any way when using higher octane fuel per Subaru, you will not see any performance increase from the higher octane fuel. As long as you are using high quality fuel to begin with (Shell, Chevron, Mobile, etc.) then regular grade should do the job just as well. Higher quality fuel results in better fuel economy and lower buildup over time, but higher octane isn’t necessarily “higher quality.”
Alex, In a world where one can buy or wait interminably for a 35 mpg Highlander Hybrid with an equally cramped third row, why would anyone want an Ascent? 🤔
Highlander has LESS space mark-ups vs discounts, HUGE OTD price difference waiting times vs immediately available AWD system power difference towing capacity seat comfort, ride comfort, suspension headlights ground clearance
You make some of the best auto videos out there . Too big and looks like all the other grande SUV’s. You know it, I know it , the American people know it, and nobody blinks an eye when they dish out 50 grand for one of these things.
Alex, I didn't see the Outback on the length chart - that would have been interesting to see. Or maybe the Outback is so much shorter than the other 3 rows on the chart that it wouldn't have fit.
How many miles are on this test car? There's a well-documented issue where the first 1-2k miles return terrible mileage, then it improves afterward. We saw exactly that in our 2021 - under 20 mpg, but now we get ~23-24 city and 30 on longer highway trips.
I really like the wood trim. It’s elegant and earthy at the same time. Much better than the scratch-able, tacky shiny black material. I hate that black stuff. My car has it and it scratches and gets every type of fingerprints.
Too bad they haven't ditched the CVT. From what I've heard the Ascents have the highest CVT failure rate of all their models. Just too heavy of a vehicle for a wimpy CVT to handle. Exactly why Nissan finally went back to a regular automatic in the Pathfinder.
Anyone remember the funky Subaru B9 Tribeca with its initially funky Alfa-like front end? Wasn't a class leader but it had personality, and the initial 3-litre flat six was revvy, if a little underpowered. Just a random thought.... though I wish this had a bit more personality like that.
Any update on the transmission issues? The forums are loaded with failed transmissions which was a big deal breaker even though this is one a bargain in the used market.
Drive one, in addition to the 2 failed CVT I had in my Ascent what I didn’t like was the twitchy steering wheel on the highway. Was always like keeping a marble on a plate to keep it tracking straight. So fatiguing on a highway trip
Had my Ascent since January 2019. No issues with the transmission. There have been some recalls issued, but my dealer has not needed to repair anything. Outside of regular maintenance the only thing I’ve paid for were a set of new tires. Never liked the OEM Falken tires. Pretty sure they were there just for gas mileage. Replaced them with a set of Michelin Cross Climate 2’s for Michigan winters. It’s not a flashy car as far as looks go. Give me 3 more inches of leg room in the 3rd row and a hybrid power train and I will definitely buy again.
My biggest issue with this is how long the car is for the short cabin. Here in New York, the longer your car is the harder it is to street park. This looks like it could easily be a foot shorter
A highland or pilot have virtual no trunk space with the 3rd row activated, the Ascent has a full trunk even with 3 rows active. That's the difference.
I just can't see Subaru remaining competitive as long as they keep living in the past with their electrification strategy - or lack thereof. The Solterra is essentially dead-on-arrival, and they stopped offering their only PHEV Crosstrek instead of improving upon it. I love Subaru's practicality and soft-roading capabilities, but outdoorsy cult-like brand loyalty alone won't keep them competitive in this day and age.
@@ALMX5DP I think it’s due to their cult like grasp over the outdoorsy market share and the surge in post pandemic demand to be outdoors in general. Not sure if sustainable long term though.
You say that but I went by Subaru Saturday and there were 4 ppl making purchases. Not many dealerships able to do that in this market. Practical and affordable is what’s going to win in this day in time
I agree...my wife's Crosstrek comes off lease in a couple of months and for the first time in a long time, we are not shopping Subaru because we want a plug-in hybrid...I have responded to their surveys about hybrids and I think they are aware of the problem this will create in the future...mpg in the low 20's just doesn't cut it anymore.
@sam-yau Funny you say this because I just got my wife a 2023 Ascent in the last month and each time I was at the Subaru dealership there was at least one other person buying a vehicle. Subaru is growing because they make good vehicles for the prices that they charge. Proud to be a first time Subaru owner.
While Subaru marketing says the Ascent tows 5,000lbs, the fine print in the manual states 1,000lbs max without trailer brakes, and I think that's a very important point for consumers. I owned a 2021 Ascent and a small boat on a trailer lacking brakes... don't own the Ascent any longer. I also found the CVT felt too rubbery
OK, but most trailers in that size range have brakes I have an 18' boat with a one axel aluminum trailer and it has brakes. Probably weighs about 3,800 to 4,000 pounds with a full tank of gas.
When this Subaru came out in 2018 it was unthinkably expensive for the time at an unbelievable 50K. There are other cars that were priced similarly high for the time Atlas being one of them at also near 50K. Such cars did not go up in price much over the years since they were highly overpriced to begin with.
I have the 2022 onyx edition , it had low quality glass windshield, after 25,000 miles the brake rotors are warped, the cruise control stopped working , and the 20 inch wheels were not good on rough terrain i got 18 inch instead. And subaru decided to stop putting yokohama tires on the car and the new tires only last 25,000 miles Otherwise i like the car room inside and it has fair power with turbo . Not worth $42,000 though
Alex, have you noticed a change in buying habbits due to the high apr we're all locked into? Any word on companies making cheaper cars (lilke the versa and rio?)
I have an '18 Outback 3.6R (which I love but it's thirsty) and would like something bigger so I have been looking at an Ascent Limited 8-pass and a Highlander Hybrid Limited. To get the same luxuries on the Highlander, you are stuck with captain's chairs and a tiny 3rd row, which is not the case with the Ascent. I am pro bench seat all the way. The Ascent's overall reliability is a concern, though, and it was eye opening after joining an Ascent FB group. Early transmission issues aside, there was a lot of little (to major) build quality issues that seem to diminish the overall experience. I may wait to see what the next gen Outback and Forester are like (hopefully hybridized) before trading in.
They need to use some of the space under the hood to fit a high efficiency hybrid system. The current MPG is pitifully. With the demographic of Subaru’s buyers MPG is a big issue.
Subaru uses them because way-back-when it was somewhat easier to make a boxer air cooled engine than a V. There is a slight advantage in terms of certain vibration characteristics, but aside from that there isn't a benefit. There's no benefit as far as AWD goes and the lower center of gravity is largely canceled out by higher weight and a front heavy weight balance.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide The only "benefit" to longitudinal awd (Subaru) is that there is less efficiency gain from decoupling one axle from the system. The power has to make a 90 degree turn on both Subaru axles vs just the rear on a transverse system (Toyota). So most transverse awd systems drop the rear axle during normal driving conditions. New technology has all but eliminated the delay transverse setups used to have in power delivery to the rear axle. For today's vehicles, Alex's response is more accurate than mine.
Alex, hang on. At 33:19 you say the Pilot's 3rd row is "not as generously sized as it once was..." By what metric? Are you talking width, legroom, what? I thought the new Pilot was larger back there than the previous generation! At least that's what all the reviewers have been saying (except you just now.) So I'm honestly confused about that. Any clarification would be gladly welcomed. Thanks! P.S. I comment multiple times because I have heard it helps the TH-cam algorithm. Hopefully that's true ;-)
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Just got an Outback Wilderness and I love it! My first new car purchase ever.
Congratulations!! I'm so happy for you!!!🙂😂
Oh my God!!! If you take care of it, you are going to have that car for a very long time.
I had over 260,000 miles on my first Subaru (Outback 2011, purchased in 2012). I put 52,000 miles a year on that car.
My current Subaru (a 2016 Outback Limited) has closed to 270,000 miles on it.
Congrats and best of luck with it!
@@adriancooper78 That's awesome! I plan to keep it indefinitely!
My 2019 Ascent has nearly 60,000 miles and has been dead reliable. No problems of any kind. The recalls found no issues.
same, but I only have 35,000 miles on it
What has been your average fuel economy? Also what do you usually get in the city and highway? Looking at the ascent but firl economy has been a concern.
@@prettysheddy My fuel mileage depends on the season and where I drive. For most of my suburban and rural driving isn’t warm weather the average is around 23 mpg. In winter it drops by about 3 mpg.
+1 zero problems with my 2022 Ascent Touring after 3 years of ownership, during which it has been a great people/dog hauler with reasonable tow capability. Much better as a dog car than the Forester due to the third-row HVAC. We’ll see what it brings in future - I do worry a bit about durability of the 4-cylinder turbo engine- time will tell, but this is the first vehicle for which I purchased the extended warranty because I plan to own it for 10 years minimum. Mileage is definitely lower than I anticipated based on EPA ratings, but other than this the car has been super for me. I wish I could have purchased it with 18” wheels. And better lumbar support for the driver.
Really wanted the Pilot because we're long time Honda owners. After measuring the inside with a tape measure we found the third row in the Ascent is 1 inch wider and the distance behind the third row is also 1 inch longer than the Pilot. Pilot does have more third row headroom, so if adults in the back are a big deal then the Pilot might still be the better choice. For us it's just grandkids in the back so for that the Ascent is perfect. Biggest difference Alex didn't cover is Subaru offers automatic crash notification and emergency response all the way down to the Premium level, whereas Honda only offers that on Touring and Elite for $15K more. Equally priced we would have chosen the Ascent, saving $15K was a nice bonus. Biggest surprise is it drives like a V6, it doesn't feel like a turbo or CVT at all. Fuel economy from our Premium in the first 16K miles has been 25.5 overall measured at the pump. Keep in mind our Premium is rated higher than the model Alex tested, and we don't use remote stat even though the vehicle comes with it. Other than safety features, the other big difference for us was the small infotainment screen in the Pilot compared to the big screen in the Ascent that lets you display a large map, climate, and audio information all at the same time. Grand Highlander was tempting, but the price difference put it out of consideration as we would never recoup the $$ even with better economy with the hybrid version. As Alex mentioned, Subaru is legendary for off-road capability; no it's not a Jeep, but for what it's designed for it's hard to beat. Hopefully Subaru will use some of Toyota's hybrid technology in the years ahead. For now we're pretty happy with our 23 Ascent, even happier than we were with our 02, 04, 05, 06, and 12 Hondas (Civic, Accord, and 3 Odysseys).
Thank you for sharing this!!! I’m considering getting a Subaru ascent as my next car and need an AWD car. I currently have a civic and was looking at the new CRV but for the price of a new CRV it should come with a 3rd row ! I’ve always liked Subaru overall and was made fun of as it’s considered an old person car but this Ascent offers so much
The review is spot on, having driven my Limited Ascent for the last 6 months I like the ride, the feel and the comfort of the vehicle. I would love to see better gas mileage. I average 19.5 to 20 and I don’t drive this hard. For the price, this 4 wheel drive high safety rating SUV will be mine for a while. When they come out with the hybrid model i may have to look hard at that one
One of the under rated, yet really great features of my 2019 Ascent Touring is the rear -view camera built into the rear view mirror. With all seats up, or dog and boxes in the back that would block normal mirrors, I can easily see out the rear middle while driving or stopped. It is also height adjustable. The separate dash mounted front view camera is also a real asset when parking. After more than 4 years with the Ascent I am really pleased. My wife will be driving it if she ever wants to give up her 12 year old Outback
great value for people who want AWD and often available with discounts below MSRP, huge OTD price difference to many AWD competitors
edit: didn't know about the great headlights even in base trim, makes the value even better
Very good review...you know your stuff! It is great to have someone who knows their vehicle when doing a video!!!!! Thank You
We love our 2023 Ascent Touring, it drives good, rides good, and ours is quiet. We do also like the wood grain as well! Tons of storage also. Ours was purchased with the optional wireless charger too which we love.
Take a shot every time Alex mentions how much he likes the fake wood trim.
Don’t or you’ll be as drunk as I was when I fell I love with the faux wood!
@@AAutoBuyersGuide😂
Really happy with our 21 Touring. They can be had for way less than advertised. Get the Costco deal. We paid $42.5K. I’m sure the 2024 models are as competitively priced. Really like the headlights. The rear view mirror that switches to video for when the vehicle is loaded with cargo is something I can’t live without now. Great 2nd row Cpt’s seats. Great ground clearance and the AWD system is top notch. OEM tires, not so great. Get some Michelin CrossClimate 2’s on the rims.
Great price for a Touring. When I purchased mine the Costco discount was a whopping $100. Really surprised to see what you paid.
Brown leather and brown imitation wood looks like the library room of a university professor’s house
Sounds like heaven!
Needs a small cigar room. 😂😂
Sounds like a good thing.
I am officially old because I used to HATE wood/faux wood in cars. Now... I'm starting to see the appeal.
Nothing wrong with a little bit of wood
I've had a 2019 Ascent Limited with Tech Package (~$40k brand new) for five years and I can definitely say it's an underrated option. Everything is built super solid, there's no interior damage after five years of young kids and no rattles. The car is very comfortable especially on the highway, it simply eats miles. It drives smaller than any other SUV I've driven. I've had six adults in the car for an hour (a few over 6' tall) and there were no issues making sure everyone was comfortable by moving the seats. The CVT takes a bit to get used to, but it actually works really well with the turbo. Accelerating at a moderate pace keeps the revs to 2000 rpms and really accentuates the torque of the engine. Pulling a 20ft boat (nearly 5000lbs) is effortless. The only thing I would change is making it a hybrid, I get about 20mpg (lots of city driving). I would also like some of the features of the touring version such as cooled seats and the wood trim, but I didn't want to give up the bench. The Kia and Hyundai weren't available when I got the Ascent, but I still don't think I would have gotten one of those. I prefer the older-school tech and looks and I place more value on an interior that will hold up to abuse than an interior that looks pretty. I also had a bad experience with my 2015 Sonata, it basically fell apart after a few years, developing several rattles and worn switchgear such that the auto lights would randomly turn off, and that was before the engine blew up. All in all, I don't regret getting the Ascent for a single second, though I would definitely look at the hybrid Highlander if I were purchasing today.
Have 2019 also. Exact same good experience. 21+ mpg
Damn 😳 I know a few people with a Hyundai Sonata that have over 150K miles (one has around 230K miles) on the original engine and transmission and have had no issues to minor issues. But nothing major. It sounds like you are very rough with your vehicles.
@@DeadofWinter321 Lol tell that to the class action lawsuit.
@@Kenman884 every brand has class action lawsuits against them. Some more than others, Honda and Toyota have more against them than Hyundai and Kia. 🐸☕
@@DeadofWinter321 1) Gonna need a source. 2) Not every class action is created equal. 3) Hyundai had a class action lawsuit forcing them to pay for exploded engines and mine exploded. Nothing to do with how I drive my cars, which is slow and steady by the way. Kia and Hyundai simply are not there yet in reliability. Cope, fanboy.
Great review. I have owned an Ascent for five years and you nailed it. Two seats in back row and bench in second would have been brilliant. Very pleased with vehicle as a whole. Turbo is good, eight speed would have been better than cvt
Subaru seats on the upper trims are fantastic.
I have a 2022 Highlander and one of my few complaints is the front seat comfort, especially the lack of an extending thigh cushion, even on the top trim.
My parents have a loaded outback and the front seat comfort is amazing!
Thanks, Alex. I have a 2020 Ascent. I enjoy it every day. I think the greatest advantage of Subaru over all others in this segment is the boxer engine and symmetrical all wheel drive. No other suv has the accumulated experience that Subaru has on AWD worldwide. You and many people like Kia & Hyundai without having in mind the old-school/dated V6 engine with no hydraulic lifters, it sounds as an old coffee maker when cold., plus some other issues as the poor finish underneath.
Not trying to dis!, love the Ascent, but the 2.4T doesn't have hydraulic lifters either.
Alex is the AnandTech of car reviews. Simply amazing!
Great, informative video! I’ve got a ‘22 Ascent and I love it! I actually get, or have gotten fairly often, 25-27 mpg on the highway. My city driving is between 18 & 20 mpg. Haven’t calculated combined, but it should be north of 21-22 mpg.
a benefit of top-mount is having the intercooler closer to the turbo
My 2022 gets 26mpg highway ( actual ) average 22mpg 16,000 miles on the car overall. ( $45,000 limited) western Pa. love this car. Traded my 2016 Yukon on this and I have no regrets.
I got the Ascent Limited for the smoother ride. After back surgery, my Jeep Grand Cherokee just wasn't cutting it. So far, very happy with it.
Ironically, in Colorado the Ascent is rather easy to find (August 2023). It's not hard to find dealerships advertising prices below MSRP even for the middle trims. Maybe dealerships here get the lion's share of supply? I don't know. In any case, they seem more willing to deal on the Ascent. They even advertise prices below MSRP on Outback XTs, with the same turbocharged 2.4L H4.
Subaru has 2 SUV model types. An Outback and a mini me (Crosstrek) and the Ascent and another mini me ( Forester)
Great review Alex! The top trims Ascent models in Southern California are going for $3-5k under MSRP - compared with about $1-2.5k off on the Pilot, and ~MSRP on the Palisade, and a little above MSRP on the Telluride (I won't even mention the Grand Highlander because we all know the markups on Toyotas lately). A fully loaded Ascent under $45k is pretty competitive...
Have had our Ascent Touring 2023 model and put ~12,000 miles so far. We cane from a 2020 Forester Touring so not a big learning curve.
We constantly use all 3 rows with both kids and adults in all of them. No issues so far even for 1-2 hour trips.
We are also able to fit a double stroller folded behind the 3rd row, and have bit of space left for groceries.
The mileage does leave a lot to be desired, and I'm definitely disappointed with that. The driving dynamics is, for lack of better term, solid.
I do applaud the Telluride and Palisade for having bit more space on the interior, but we have had a bad history with Hyundai (we sued for transmission / engine issues and won out of court few years back), so those two brands will never be part of our consideration anymore.
Ascent is a very solid vehicle with a CVT that is really reliable. Tr690 has been in many Subaru vehicles for years so no concerns there.
There are some who have had battery issues (Panasonic ones that come installed are not good), but we have had no such issues in either the Forester or the Ascent.
It is a bad idea to put the cup holder on the back of the console. Yes, i agreed with you. Kids will kick it out.
The Ascent looks more like a pregnant Forester.... 😅 Although I definitely prefer the plastic wood interior trim over awful piano black trim.
It really does look more like a bigger Forester vs Outback. The interior also has a more Forester look and feel vs the Outback.
The family resemblance continues OUTBACK. I see what you did there
Teehee.
Wasn't expecting to buy one, but when a sell-u-ride was 10K over invoice and the Ascent Onyx was 5K under, well in February of '23 there were not a lot of choices out there. Like the interior better too as well as the old school speedometer.
Always appreciate your review alex. I have never gone wrong using your review for purchase.
A new 2024 Ascent now calls my driveway Home.
my best friend also has a '24 Limited, it drives smaller than it is, and is actually sportier than my '24 Forester Sport!
The trim is great, the "infotainment center" is awful, your review is AWESOME!
In your comparison models at the end of the video, I also really like the Explorer. I would buy one if Ford could sort out their reliability problems. Ford also offers an optional bench seat for the 2nd row in all trims, so there's that.
I called Geico insurance comparing the Ascent with the Toyota Sienna hybrid (mini van). My insurance was $20/month higher for the Sienna. Right there, this can compensate for the higher MPG of the Sienna hybrid engine. The Ascent also has lower annual property taxes than the Sienna. It’s important to consider the entire host of car expenses before buying one. Sometime a hybrid engine isn’t necessarily the cheapest. 🤔 💭 Thanks for the detailed review and cool stats/graphs, Alex!
Front mounted intercoolers require larger turbos and suffer from more turbo lag. TMIC allows small twin scroll turbos to get consistent even boost and smaller displacement with cooling of the the air charge immediately before the throttle bottle. It’s a great recipe😊
This is the best & most detailed explanation of the Ascent that I have ever heard!! You said it all! Thanks!!
I have been a toyota fan and owner for many years , I went with the ascent due to the price and probably the 2nd most reliable brand next to Toyota. The highlander and pilot just out priced themselves for what you get. At the end I just felt the ascent was the best bang for your Buck when a Awd was a must...
The chrome moustache, fake chrome exhaust in the front...(wtf?) gotta go, stellar review as usual!
Im cross shopping other Subarus, mass market brands, luxury, mid-size, compact, full size trucks, mid size trucks, mid size sedans, compact sedans, new, used, EVs, and minivans. But I would also consider a hatchback.
Dear Subaru,
Give it up already with your CVT. The fact that you programmed fake shifts into your own cvt implies that even you are fully aware of how much consumers dislike it.
It’s for the politicians not for the consumers. Keeps mpg fleet average higher
I really like the wood look pieces. Got a Brilliant Bronze 2022 Touring and the exterior/interior colors are beautiful. Its my daily driver, so classy and elegant.
Your review is great. You are easy to understand, speak distinctly and explain things well. The only problem I have is that you speak too fast and it’s too hard to take it in before you’re onto something else. Otherwise great review.
Love the Nappa leather
I agree, that second row cupholder placement is terrible!
Great review and very informative. This is one of the most thorough, reviews I have seen ever seen.
Still loving my pre nose job Ascent. If Subaru ever builds a hybrid wilderness edition Ascent then they can take my money.
Love that brown leather, wood trim mix 👍 Many thx for interesting video 👍
I had outback before. Liked it but CVT. I think subaru should use standard 8 speed auto example to source from Toyota . I also like suspensión driving to camps. Very compliant over bumps. Last year I bought Toyota Sienna minivan. Way more practical than any suv and amazing MPG even in AWD trim . One disadvantage is slow acceleration and droning transmission if pushed hard . Quickly learned to drive gently to avoid the drone. Back to Subaru . I think it’s a very nice car but cvt
I'm sure there are reasons why Subaru didn't use Toyota's 8 speed automatic transmission. For a long time before switching to CVTs, they used a five speed automatic transmission.
My first new Subaru Accent SUV I can buy.
Great review as always! I was a long time Subey driver until I got a 22 Pathfinder, so I was a little disappointed that there was no talk of it in the comparison; Nissan often seems to get left out of his discussion of competing models... I'd love to know Alex's opinions on comparing it to this guy.
in the size chart the Pilot is wrong, probably previous gen, current Pilot is longer
I have one of the first Ascents ever produced - a top trim 2019 model year Ascent built in mid-2018. Very happy with it. Towing capacity is a bit low for me, so I'll be looking for something with higher towing capacity
Quality for a practical price
if 19mpg, then why not just put 3liter engine? equals to 20mpg and nothing to worry
For long-legged passengers, the Ascent has more leg room than either Highlander or Explorer. Explorer hits pressure point on one knee, Highlander hits pressure points on two knees, so royal pain on longer trips. Rarely mentioned, for sound deadening, the front driver and passenger door windows are double-pane. For some reason not the rear passenger windows. Roll down the glass, look at the top edge and you can see the split where the two panes are bonded. Also, even though it has an intercooler, the Ascent has turbo-lag. It doesn't take long to get used to it and plan accordingly.
Test drove the 2024 pilot. First gear has high RPM jump then lag. Weird.
@@tonyf9896 That is strange. The Ascent has initial lag and after that you won't feel any shifting unless you decide to try the paddle shifters. It gets up to speed pretty quickly. I've had the car nine months and still love it. I've had other cars that were fun but nothing I have enjoyed as much as this. It has a few quirks. One is when you turn the engine off while still in gear. Even if you put it in Park, a warning still says to turn off the engine, the bell goes ding! ding! and the door won't lock. Since the computer believes the engine is still running, you'll have to get back in, start the car then turn it off again while in Park this time. I guess it's good training for when AI takes over the World.
I can’t believe the Highlander is still the only hybrid option. They’re the way to go for these family haulers that no one ever takes off-road.
I think there's the Explorer hybrid, but fuel economy is lacklustre at best. There's also the Sorento hybrid, but that's smaller than this.
Great review as always Alex. Subaru is building some great cars these days.
Not being able to get a second row bench seat in higher level trims is a deal breaker.
My wife hated the CVT on the Ascent. Same for lane keep assist. Wish its disable by default and can be enabled. Wish the suspension had little more travel since off pavement on a climb wheel spins on every dip. I really love the mpg and turning headlights. Love the 3rd row room as well. I cannot say how happy I am to see the ground clearance Ascent has, excellent for snowy Colorado. As for that 2000lbs towing can't owners just use an aftermarket cooler? Because I found that with my buddy's Honda Pilot AWD (based on owners manual '22) across the board its rated 3500lbs towing before ATF cooler installed by dealer. So for Ascent may be install a ATF cooler to base model and you get 5000lbs towing? Not maybe thats asking too much from the CVT. Also I haven't tested the "B" mode on long down hills. Not sure if it would fade the brakes vs on a standard automatic you can really use low gears to save the brakes.
My mom loves the CVT for some reason. I guess it really suits some people's driving style. What makes your wife hate it?
@@0HOON0 I think the odd shifting feel. She told me "what is this?". She is a last minute / rushed driver so the way it shifts. Its definitely a personal preference.
@Jonathan-mp7xg yes there no gears just a steel belt. I mean the shift like feel with weird rpm changing. I wasn't a good feeling compared to 9 spd Pilot / 8spd Highlander/ Telluride. Driving the CVT Civic I didn't feel that feeling Subaru CVT gave. Again a personal choice, no hate towards it.
@@LionRunner CVT on the Civic vs Ascent are two entirely different in my opinion.
28:14 first time I am hearing about this - Must depend on the area, probaly only in California, Colorado and some other areas where Subaru are more popular than usual? In other areas where Subaru is less popular the Ascent flies under the radar of most shoppers, most people don't know it exists and don't consider it, so they are easy to find below MSRP (except for the base trim probably).
The black out area around Eyesight sure looks like and Easter egg...the face of a fine dog looking right!! Subaru loves doggos!!
So regarding the CVT. I prefer this over a highlander I currently have as a loaner. The quicker 0-60 is done by using the unofficial launch control feature which to engage you hold brake and gas then release the brake.
Wow! GREAT review…my wife and I were looking at the Toyota Highlander, Volvo V60 and Honda Pilot, but this Ascent looks impressive!
We are debating the same cars haha
Honestly....I own a 2021 Ascent Limited.....and it is absolutely amazing. I completely beieve that the KEY to this car.....is using 93 octane fuel, especially Sunoco, Shell or Chevron specifically. I just drove from Massachusetts back to Southwest Florida....about 1,800 miles....(at 65 to 80 mph.), using the cruise control. My car averaged 28 to 30 miles per gallon.....no problem. Around town.....24 to 25 is average. I expected to HATE the CVT transmission.....having been in the "Car" business for 40 years or so and having driven and appraised thousands of different cars over those years. I actually was pleasantly surprised......and I really like this CVT. Very smooth, and applies constant torque to all 4 wheels ....all of the time. This car is solid, comfortable, and drives great. Oh....and ZERO problems. What else is there. Just stop being cheap.....and pay the extra few bucks for better fuel. You'll be fine.
I have a 2021 Outback XT Limited and Subaru expressly states that using higher octane fuel provides no performance improvement because the ECU does not change the timing in response to higher octane fuels. I have tried both and have found no difference in fuel economy (or power). I have yet to break 28mpg on the highway and average about 24 around town😊
@@jeffreyspencer4005 So...what have you got to lose? Try it.
Money. Lots of money to lose. If the timing is not changing in any way when using higher octane fuel per Subaru, you will not see any performance increase from the higher octane fuel. As long as you are using high quality fuel to begin with (Shell, Chevron, Mobile, etc.) then regular grade should do the job just as well. Higher quality fuel results in better fuel economy and lower buildup over time, but higher octane isn’t necessarily “higher quality.”
@@crazytrain591Except....I consistently get higher average mileage city and highway....than what the Sticker says. I'll take it.
@@rayjensen4480 does that not happen with regular octane 87 fuel?
Alex, In a world where one can buy or wait interminably for a 35 mpg Highlander Hybrid with an equally cramped third row, why would anyone want an Ascent? 🤔
Because you love the look of a double-size Outback?
What will be the price and availability differences between them?
@@AAutoBuyersGuide 😉
1) The Ascent has a smoother ride over bad roads.
2) More capable in deep snow.
3) $7-8k cheaper similarly optioned. (In my area of the country)
Highlander has LESS space
mark-ups vs discounts, HUGE OTD price difference
waiting times vs immediately available
AWD system
power difference
towing capacity
seat comfort, ride comfort, suspension
headlights
ground clearance
Yay, audio works now! 🎉
🎉 I have no idea how TH-cam did that yesterday but it was a total cluster!
You make some of the best auto videos out there . Too big and looks like all the other grande SUV’s. You know it, I know it , the American people know it, and nobody blinks an eye when they dish out 50 grand for one of these things.
Alex, I didn't see the Outback on the length chart - that would have been interesting to see. Or maybe the Outback is so much shorter than the other 3 rows on the chart that it wouldn't have fit.
How many miles are on this test car? There's a well-documented issue where the first 1-2k miles return terrible mileage, then it improves afterward.
We saw exactly that in our 2021 - under 20 mpg, but now we get ~23-24 city and 30 on longer highway trips.
YOUR BIGGEST KENYAN FAN RIGHT HERE, AS USUAL, 31/08/2023
It will be better for Subaru to have a regular V6 engine and transmission instead of the Turbo 2.5 liter engine and CVT transmission
Problem with this suv is the mpg. According to consumers you get less than advertised mpg. Otherwise i would consider one.
I really like the wood trim. It’s elegant and earthy at the same time. Much better than the scratch-able, tacky shiny black material. I hate that black stuff. My car has it and it scratches and gets every type of fingerprints.
2nd Time is a Charm
Too bad they haven't ditched the CVT. From what I've heard the Ascents have the highest CVT failure rate of all their models. Just too heavy of a vehicle for a wimpy CVT to handle. Exactly why Nissan finally went back to a regular automatic in the Pathfinder.
Nissan and CVT's have a tortured history!
Anyone remember the funky Subaru B9 Tribeca with its initially funky Alfa-like front end? Wasn't a class leader but it had personality, and the initial 3-litre flat six was revvy, if a little underpowered. Just a random thought.... though I wish this had a bit more personality like that.
Any update on the transmission issues? The forums are loaded with failed transmissions which was a big deal breaker even though this is one a bargain in the used market.
Drive one, in addition to the 2 failed CVT I had in my Ascent what I didn’t like was the twitchy steering wheel on the highway. Was always like keeping a marble on a plate to keep it tracking straight. So fatiguing on a highway trip
Had my Ascent since January 2019. No issues with the transmission. There have been some recalls issued, but my dealer has not needed to repair anything. Outside of regular maintenance the only thing I’ve paid for were a set of new tires. Never liked the OEM Falken tires. Pretty sure they were there just for gas mileage. Replaced them with a set of Michelin Cross Climate 2’s for Michigan winters. It’s not a flashy car as far as looks go. Give me 3 more inches of leg room in the 3rd row and a hybrid power train and I will definitely buy again.
My biggest issue with this is how long the car is for the short cabin. Here in New York, the longer your car is the harder it is to street park. This looks like it could easily be a foot shorter
A highland or pilot have virtual no trunk space with the 3rd row activated, the Ascent has a full trunk even with 3 rows active. That's the difference.
I just can't see Subaru remaining competitive as long as they keep living in the past with their electrification strategy - or lack thereof. The Solterra is essentially dead-on-arrival, and they stopped offering their only PHEV Crosstrek instead of improving upon it. I love Subaru's practicality and soft-roading capabilities, but outdoorsy cult-like brand loyalty alone won't keep them competitive in this day and age.
Maybe but I think their market share has only gotten better over the past decade or two.
@@ALMX5DP I think it’s due to their cult like grasp over the outdoorsy market share and the surge in post pandemic demand to be outdoors in general. Not sure if sustainable long term though.
You say that but I went by Subaru Saturday and there were 4 ppl making purchases. Not many dealerships able to do that in this market. Practical and affordable is what’s going to win in this day in time
I agree...my wife's Crosstrek comes off lease in a couple of months and for the first time in a long time, we are not shopping Subaru because we want a plug-in hybrid...I have responded to their surveys about hybrids and I think they are aware of the problem this will create in the future...mpg in the low 20's just doesn't cut it anymore.
@sam-yau Funny you say this because I just got my wife a 2023 Ascent in the last month and each time I was at the Subaru dealership there was at least one other person buying a vehicle. Subaru is growing because they make good vehicles for the prices that they charge. Proud to be a first time Subaru owner.
“3 rows of Labrador carrying”
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Savage! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thank you, good sir, for the laughs… 🥰🙏🤣🤣🤣
The Turbo 4cyl Highlander had must higher Torque… I don’t to lose power and apparently I will with this vehicle
While Subaru marketing says the Ascent tows 5,000lbs, the fine print in the manual states 1,000lbs max without trailer brakes, and I think that's a very important point for consumers. I owned a 2021 Ascent and a small boat on a trailer lacking brakes... don't own the Ascent any longer. I also found the CVT felt too rubbery
OK, but most trailers in that size range have brakes I have an 18' boat with a one axel aluminum trailer and it has brakes. Probably weighs about 3,800 to 4,000 pounds with a full tank of gas.
I like the way you present.
When this Subaru came out in 2018 it was unthinkably expensive for the time at an unbelievable 50K. There are other cars that were priced similarly high for the time Atlas being one of them at also near 50K. Such cars did not go up in price much over the years since they were highly overpriced to begin with.
The bummer: Subaru Ascent owner’s manual says not to use any weight distribution hitch for towing. It’s better to make this point aware.
The wood trim is a nice departure from piano (scratch-magnet) black.
I have the 2022 onyx edition , it had low quality glass windshield, after 25,000 miles the brake rotors are warped, the cruise control stopped working , and the 20 inch wheels were not good on rough terrain i got 18 inch instead. And subaru decided to stop putting yokohama tires on the car and the new tires only last 25,000 miles
Otherwise i like the car room inside and it has fair power with turbo .
Not worth $42,000 though
Alex, have you noticed a change in buying habbits due to the high apr we're all locked into? Any word on companies making cheaper cars (lilke the versa and rio?)
It doesn’t seem like it
I have an '18 Outback 3.6R (which I love but it's thirsty) and would like something bigger so I have been looking at an Ascent Limited 8-pass and a Highlander Hybrid Limited. To get the same luxuries on the Highlander, you are stuck with captain's chairs and a tiny 3rd row, which is not the case with the Ascent. I am pro bench seat all the way. The Ascent's overall reliability is a concern, though, and it was eye opening after joining an Ascent FB group. Early transmission issues aside, there was a lot of little (to major) build quality issues that seem to diminish the overall experience. I may wait to see what the next gen Outback and Forester are like (hopefully hybridized) before trading in.
The same exact year and engine I have. Yes it’s thirsty, but I love knowing I have that power just in case. 😅
I wish the turbo and 360 cam made it to the forester.
i love the front design.... gorgeous.....
I like the “wood” trim a lot.
They need to use some of the space under the hood to fit a high efficiency hybrid system. The current MPG is pitifully. With the demographic of Subaru’s buyers MPG is a big issue.
We own an Ascent, so it's the best.
Can you please do a comparison video between Cadillac Escalade and Range Rover SE LWB? I really would like to see your views. Thank you!
Great suggestion!
Look forward for your review because have plans to buy either one of it but need one more advise from experience reviewer. Thanks!
Alex I know my request is very unlike but please do a review on the audio a4 all road
I would think the intercooler is up top because their low profile H-4 has lots of room above it.
Why does every Subaru looks like they are 10 years old
These third rows are just silly. There's no way minivans will go away forever. It's a pendulum.
Maybe for you
What is the benefit of a boxer engine? Why does no one else use them?
1. Lower center of gravity.
2. Longitudinal drivetrain has some benefits for the AWD setup.
The list of disadvantages is long.
@@0HOON0 thanks
Subaru uses them because way-back-when it was somewhat easier to make a boxer air cooled engine than a V. There is a slight advantage in terms of certain vibration characteristics, but aside from that there isn't a benefit. There's no benefit as far as AWD goes and the lower center of gravity is largely canceled out by higher weight and a front heavy weight balance.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide thanks for replying
@@AAutoBuyersGuide The only "benefit" to longitudinal awd (Subaru) is that there is less efficiency gain from decoupling one axle from the system. The power has to make a 90 degree turn on both Subaru axles vs just the rear on a transverse system (Toyota). So most transverse awd systems drop the rear axle during normal driving conditions.
New technology has all but eliminated the delay transverse setups used to have in power delivery to the rear axle.
For today's vehicles, Alex's response is more accurate than mine.
Alex, hang on. At 33:19 you say the Pilot's 3rd row is "not as generously sized as it once was..." By what metric? Are you talking width, legroom, what? I thought the new Pilot was larger back there than the previous generation! At least that's what all the reviewers have been saying (except you just now.) So I'm honestly confused about that. Any clarification would be gladly welcomed. Thanks! P.S. I comment multiple times because I have heard it helps the TH-cam algorithm. Hopefully that's true ;-)