Introduction
The midsize crossover market is teeming with choices, making it difficult to remember all your options. Subaru aims to stand out with its stylish yet affordable 22024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition. With rising prices among rivals, is this the best stylish and affordable three-row crossover you can buy? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the 2024 Subaru Ascent keeps it simple with a single powertrain option: a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. All models come standard with a CVT and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive. The fuel economy stands at a competitive 21 mpg combined. Later in the review, we will take it for an extensive test drive to see how it performs on the road.
2024 Subaru Ascent Exterior Design
The 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition is the most stylish in the lineup, featuring numerous black accents and a more aggressive front fascia. Starting at around $40,000, the Onyx Edition includes standard features like full LED adaptive headlights, daytime running lights, and fog lamps. It also boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it practical for various terrains.
2024 Subaru Ascent Interior and Comfort
Inside, the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition continues its stylish theme with StarTex leatherette seats featuring a two-tone design and contrast stitching. Higher trims, like the Onyx Edition Limited, offer additional equipment. Standard features include a smart entry system, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen with Subaru’s Star Link infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Second and Third Row
The second row offers 38.6 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom, providing decent passenger space. The third row, accessible through sliding second-row seats, offers 31.7 inches of legroom and 36 inches of headroom, making it suitable for kids and smaller adults. The Ascent can be configured with either captain’s chairs or a bench seat, allowing for seven or eight passengers.
Subaru Ascent 2024 Cargo Space
The 2024 Subaru Ascent offers 17 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 44 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. While it may not match the cargo capacity of some rivals, it still offers ample space for most needs.
Safety and Technology
Subaru has equipped the Ascent with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a new wide-angle camera for active safety systems. All trims come with standard features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims add rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.
Driving Experience
On the road, the 2024 Subaru Ascent 2.4L turbocharged engine provides robust acceleration, while the CVT ensures smooth power delivery. The ride quality is impressive, absorbing bumps and offering a quiet cabin experience. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver.
The 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition combines style, affordability, and a host of features, making it a compelling choice in the crowded midsize crossover market. With its strong value proposition, it’s an excellent option for families seeking a versatile and stylish three-row SUV.
Call to Action
If you’re in the market for a stylish and affordable three-row midsize crossover, the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition deserves a closer look. Visit your nearest Subaru dealership for a test drive today!
2024 Subaru Ascent specifications:
Subaru equips every 2024 Subaru Ascent with a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that delivers 260 hp. and 277 lb-ft of torque to the standard all-wheel-drive system via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The transmission feels relaxed and composed, which helps the Ascent get off the line without requiring much throttle input.
This three-row Subaru accelerates as quickly as we’d expect for its class, reaching 60 mph in a respectable but not thrilling 7.1 seconds. Using Subaru’s steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, we recorded the best time to control the eight simulated ratios programmed into the CVT.
While the Ascent doesn’t perform like a sports car, this feature should entertain driving enthusiasts who ditched their WRX for something more practical.
Most people who drive this SUV every day won’t use the manual gear selection and will still find the Ascent smooth, quiet, and predictable. For these buyers, EPA numbers matter more than our track data.
The 2024 Subaru Ascent’s 19 mph city/25 highway ratings are in line with other all-wheel drive competitors: it beats the Kia Telluride, matches the Honda Pilot, and falls short of the Toyota Highlander. The total range is 405 miles, which is enough for long trips over rough terrain.
The Ascent’s brake pedal feels solid, but our track testing showed Subaru’s tire selection to be a letdown. The stopping distance was acceptable for the segment, but we didn’t feel the rubber bite under hard braking. The tires also lack the lateral grip of sports cars, but the Ascent can be quite fun to drive if you keep it within its modest capabilities.
The steering is light and precise, making maneuvers in parking lots or on city streets effortless. The suspension is tuned quite softly, so somebody is rolling around corners, but the Ascent comfortably soaks up most road imperfections. Rest easy behind the wheel of the 2024 Subaru Ascent and enjoy a relaxing and peaceful drive.
Upscale but flawed interior
Other three-row SUVs boast more futuristic interiors, but the 2024 Subaru Ascent’s interior feels upscale, especially in Touring trim with leather seats and Slate Nappa trim. Our test car came equipped with faux wood accents that look more convincing than expected thanks to the open-pore trim. We also love the floor mats, which have a fun speckled pattern that looks premium yet outdoorsy.
Thoughtful touches such as trays running the length of the dashboard provide additional storage space for passengers’ belongings. We especially liked the small shelf to the left of the steering wheel, large enough to hold a phone or remote garage door opener. Cupholders (and there are many) are well distributed throughout the cabin and large enough to accommodate insulated water bottles.
For second-row passengers, there are captain’s chairs trimmed in the same rich leather as the front ones. The rear doors open wide, making it easy to get in and out of the SUV. Subaru equips the middle row with two USB ports, air conditioning controls, and heated seats.
As much as we love the second row, getting into the third row can be a challenge. The lever that folds the captain’s chairs is accessible only from the outside of the second-row seats, which don’t automatically slide forward like other models in the three-row SUV segment. During an hour-long drive with a car full of adults, we eventually decided to use the center aisle to get into the back seat.
When passengers squeeze into the third row, most people above average height find it a bit cramped. Tall passengers may hit their heads on the ceiling, and the D-pillar makes the rear conservatory even more cramped.
With each car seat adjusted to fit my 5-foot-9 frame, I can sit with plenty of legroom in each row, but three tall adults sitting side-by-side on the back bench would be uncomfortable. Subaru has placed two USB ports in the rear, but only on the right side of the row, so passengers will have to carry a long cable if they’re sitting on the left side of the Ascent.
There’s barely enough room behind the third row for more than three grocery bags. The Ascent is exceptionally spacious when used as a midsize SUV with the rear seats folded down, but other models on the market offer more room when using all three rows.
Technology and Security
Our 2024 Subaru Ascent Touring test vehicle was equipped with all the best equipment the automaker has to offer. At first, the 11.6-inch infotainment display located in the center of the dashboard looks massive and impressive. But once you start swiping your finger around the large touchscreen, it quickly becomes apparent that the graphics are slow and look dated.
The buttons and controls around the display are round, thick, and made of glossy black plastic. Together with the cheap-feeling display, the center stack undermines the premium feel of the cabin. Thankfully, once you launch Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the system becomes a little easier on the eyes.
The standard Harman Kardon audio system at least sounds clear and full, distributing music evenly throughout the cabin via 14 speakers. In front, the driver will be taken care of in any weather by heated and ventilated seats, as well as a heated steering wheel.
Subaru equips the Ascent with the EyeSight package of active driver assistance features, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, cornering adaptive headlights, and automatic high beams.
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system are also included in the Touring model. The camera system isn’t the highest resolution we’ve seen in this segment, and the rear camera is particularly blurry.
We think Subaru tunes its adaptive cruise control system for natural acceleration and braking, and Lane Centering mode allows the Ascent to comfortably center itself by tracking the car ahead rather than lane lines.
This can cause problems if, say, the car in front makes a bad move or leaves its lane; at one point, an Ascent with EyeSight enabled attempted to follow the vehicle in front out of its lane. Passive lane-keeping tends to be aggressive, so if you plan to drive the car manually, we recommend turning this feature off.
Crash safety is one of Ascent’s best qualities. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, which recently updated its testing standards to tighten them for 2024. The Ascent received top marks in all crashworthiness categories and for active safety technology. Its cornering adaptive headlights also received top marks.
2024 Subaru Ascent specs and announces pricing:
The 2024 Subaru Ascent comes standard with the latest version of EyeSight driver-assist technology. The enhanced system works smoother and in a wider range of conditions. The model line also now comes standard with a wide-angle mono camera that works in conjunction with the EyeSight system’s stereo cameras.
Models equipped with blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert with lane change assist have automatic emergency steering, a safety feature that works in conjunction with EyeSight pre-collision braking to help the vehicle avoid a collision when traveling under 50 mph.
Quantum Logic Surround Sound Speaker System – A convenient feature that amplifies the driver’s voice to third-row passengers for improved in-car communication.
The system uses images from four on-board cameras and combines them to create a single image that provides a bird’s-eye view of the entire surroundings of the vehicle.
Dual-function X-Mode comes standard on the Onyx Edition, Limited and Touring. It features Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, with additional settings optimizing all-wheel drive performance for adverse weather and road conditions.
The three-row SUV received the 2024 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the Ascent has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick (2018-2023).
The 2024 Subaru Ascent also received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) highest rating of five stars in its overall vehicle score.
The Ascent has the lowest five-year cost of ownership in its class for three consecutive years, according to Kelley Blue Book. According to Motor Trend, the Ascent is ranked top in its class.
The introductory starting price for the 2024 Subaru Ascent is $34,195. The 2024 Ascent includes a variety of standard features, such as steering responsive LED headlights with high beam assist, rear seat reminder, front tri-zone and rear automatic climate control, automatic power door locks, power windows, and power side mirrors, a security system with engine immobilizer,
A rear vision camera, USB-A and USB-C input/charging ports in the front center console, a USB-C charging port in the rear center console, raised roof rails, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a silver finish, and 19 cup holders.
A standard boxer engine is paired with a high-torque Lineartronic. This powertrain has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the most ever in a Subaru. Hill descent control provides excellent all-weather and trail capability.
Standard Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) helps keep your vehicle stable while towing. The TSA system uses a yaw sensor to monitor trailer sway and applies brakes to individual wheels to help stabilize your vehicle and trailer.
Ascent Premium starts at $36,795 The Premium trim includes all of the base’s standard equipment and adds the All-Weather package with blind-spot detection with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert,
Automatic emergency steering, body-colored side mirrors, privacy glass in the rear window, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle, independent automatic temperature control for the second row,
The 2024 Subaru Ascent Premium is offered in seven- or eight-passenger configurations. SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services and Wi-Fi Hotspot are available with a subscription on Premium and above trim levels.
A $1,460 Convenience package for the eight-passenger Premium includes keyless access with push-button start, a power liftgate, reverse automatic braking, and an auto-dimming mirror with Home Link. These features are standard on the seven-seater Premium.
Ascent Onyx Edition
The 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition, priced at $41,595, has exclusive exterior elements in a black finish and 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior seats are wrapped in grey Subaru Startex. The water-repellent material features black accent trim throughout the cabin, while the seats, dash, door panels, and leather-wrapped steering wheel are highlighted with striking green stitching.
Based on the seven-seater Premium trim, the Onyx Edition adds dual-function X-Mode, reverse automatic braking, a heated steering wheel (with 360-degree coverage), LED fog lamps, a panoramic power moon roof, and a cargo cover.
Standard convenience features include an auto-dimming mirror with Home Link., a power liftgate, and keyless access with push-button start. The Onyx Edition is only offered in a seven-passenger configuration.
Ascent Limited Starting
The well-equipped Limited includes all the premium features and adds keyless access with push-button start, reverse automatic braking, Driver Focus distraction reduction system, and auto-dimming mirror with Home Link.; dual-function X-Mode; power tailgate with vehicle lock button and dual USB-An input/charging ports in the third row.
The 2024 Subaru Ascent Limited’s interior is upgraded with leather-trimmed upholstery, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with four-way lumbar power and two-position memory, an adjustable driver’s seat cushion extension, a four-way power passenger seat, exterior power mirrors with driver’s seat position memory and two-position memory that syncs with the second-row sunshades.
The Limited adds second-row outboard heated seats and a heated steering wheel with 360-degree coverage for comfort on cold days.
Externally, the Limited features LED fog lamps, chrome-accented lower door cladding, body-colour side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels in a dark grey machine finish. The Limited is available in seven- or eight-seat configurations.
STARLINK 11.6-inch multimedia navigation system, Harman Kardon premium audio with a 792-watt equivalent amplifier and 14 speakers, a power panoramic moon roof, and a retractable cargo cover costs $3,550.
2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Limited
Priced at $46,595 The Onyx Edition Limited includes the key features of the Limited and adds Cabin Connect, Surround View Monitor, STARLINK 11.6-inch multimedia navigation system, Harman Kardon premium audio with a 792-watt equivalent amplifier and 14 speakers, a power panoramic moon roof and a retractable cargo cover.
The Onyx Edition Limited features the same exterior and interior elements as the Onyx Edition and is only available in a seven-seater configuration.
Ascent Touring
Is priced at $48,495 The top-of-the-line Ascent Touring comes with all the features of the Limited and adds Cabin Connect and Surround View Monitor, an 11.6-inch multimedia navigation system, a Harman Kardon Quantum Logic surround sound system with 14 speakers, a power panoramic moon roof, rain-sensing wipers, a smart rearview mirror, a 180-degree front view camera, and a retractable cargo cover.
The unique interior features matte-finish wood grain accent trim and Java Brown perforated Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery with tan stitching. Select exterior colors also offer Slate Black perforated Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery with silver stitching.
Three-mode ventilated driver and passenger seats are also standard. The Touring is only offered in a seven-passenger configuration.
The Ascent is manufactured at Subaru of Indiana Auto Motors (SIA) Zero Waste facility in Lafayette, Indiana, along with the Cross Trek (2.5 liters), Legacy, and Outback.
M Model/Trim
A p Applicable No Option Code MSRP Suggested retail price +
Destination and
delivery
A Fragrance
8 passengers 01 $34,195 $35,490
A Fragrance Premium
8 passengers 11 $36,795 $38,090
A Fragrance Premium
8 passengers 12 $38,255 $39,550
A Fragrance Premium
7 passengers 12 $38,255 $39,550
Ascent Onyx Edition
7 passengers 22 $41,595 $42,890
A Fragrance Limited
8 passengers 21 $41,895 $43,190
A Fragrance Limited
8 passengers 23 $45,445 $46,740
A Fragrance Limited
7 passengers 21 $41,895 $43,190
A Fragrance Limited
7 passengers 23 $45,445 $46,740
Ascent Onyx Edition Limited
7 passengers 31 $46,595 $47,890
An Aroma Touring
7 passengers 41 $48,495 $49,790
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Zero Landfill Sites in Camden, New Jersey, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers worldwide in the United States.
All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill facilities, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive is the only U.S. automotive manufacturing plant designated as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, the company’s vision to show love and respect for all people and support communities and customers nationwide.