The 2023 Subaru Ascent is going to be ready for the mid-cycle redesign, the Japanese company confirms. However, there are n too many details about the upcoming SUV, the largest one in the family. We could see this coming when the 2022 YM arrived without significant changes, and the vehicle is already four years in the market. 2023 comes with a larger portion of updates.
The front fascia with headlights and bumpers is under the revisit. The Ascent will remain an eight-seater, and higher-end versions will drop the seating capacity to seven. The company doesn’t want to share details about the engine upgrades. A turbocharged flat four stays under the hood. However, the 2023 Subaru Ascent will need reinforcement. The Japanese company established a few partnerships recently, and a kind of V6 might appear under the bonnet of the new SUV. What’s more, we can find rumors about the Ascent Hybrid model. That is unofficial information. On the other hand, we know the Wilderness package will become a part of the lineup in the upcoming season.
2023 Subaru Ascent: What’s New?
It is hard to say when the company is not unveiling details. Also, prototypes are not on the streets yet. Since the SUV is the same as the one that appeared in 2018, designers will have to revisit the front and rear end, as well as the cabin. More aggressive hood and headlights will make the 2023 Ascent sportier than before. Then, the interior needs an update as well. Both the features list and the layout should be refreshed. Finally, expect new colors in the palette.
Engines, Specs, Hybrid System
A 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is a flat-four configuration, popular Boxer. Subaru is well-known for this setup, turbocharged or not. Another trademark of the Japanese company is the 4×4 drive, standard on every vehicle they produce. For the 2023 Subaru Ascent, the largest model in the lineup, the potent unit is tuned to 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. Those are underachieving numbers. But, the company relies on other factors, such as the unique driving experience no other 4×4 SUV can offer on and off the road. A flat-four engine can tow as much as some other SUVs with V6. A towing capacity of 5,000 pounds is the class average.
Fans and companies are thinking about other solutions as well. The 2023 Subaru Ascent Hybrid is a likely outcome. The Japanese carmaker wants to jump on the bandwagon since there are more and more three-row SUVs with hybrid configurations. Toyota Highlander is a leader in the segment with impressive gas mileage. A six-pot unit is an interesting speculation. However, there are no official announcements from Subaru. Intels from the company report that the new engine is under development, but they don’t have details on what kind of a unit is being prepared.
New Model: 2023 Subaru Ascent Wilderness
The only thing we know about the 2023 Subaru Ascent is the plan of adding the Wilderness edition to the lineup. Well, it was not a big-brainer. As soon as it become available on the Forester, we all knew the off-road package is not going to be exclusive for the compact SUV. The biggest model in the lineup will be the most interesting, that is for sure.
The 2023 Subaru Ascent Wilderness is not going to be just a carry over from its sibling. The off-road orientation will be the same. But, the three-row Ascent will need a different setup to support a bigger body. Unique shocks and suspension are the key. Subaru is well-known for its driving mechanics, but this is a whole new level. A good base is available and that is why experts are sure the Japanese company is not going to fail.
2023 Subaru Ascent Release Date and Price
Since we are in 2022, the first official info about the upcoming changes is expected soon. Sales are not starting before the final quarter. The base price will be a bit higher. Even if it hits $35,000, it won’t be too high. Have in mind the AWD is standard. Limited and Touring are the high-end options for now. The 2023 Ascent Wilderness will be probably the new most expensive package, with a price tag above $50,000.
Has the Driver Focus feature been a success on Forester? Will it be added to Ascent for MY2023?