The 2023 Subaru Ascent costs $1,150 to $2,850 more than the outgoing 2022 model, depending on the trim level. In exchange, the all-new Ascent comes with an interior and exterior refresh and a longer list of standard tech.

The Ascent currently holds the title of

Subaru’s largest SUV

available. This sole three-row SUV has grown in popularity with families who are always on the go. While the 2022 Subaru Ascent may have been nearly identical to its predecessor,

Subaru

gave the incoming 2023 model a significant refresh. This includes a fresh new look, new content, and a laundry list of new standard features, although you do have to content with a higher price tag in return.

Now the biggest questions are what changes have been made and whether the 2023 Ascent is really worth the sticker shock—especially if you’re looking to add a new Subie to your family. Not to worry—we’ll look at the difference in pricing, fuel efficiency, safety features, and available upgrades for this mid-size SUV to help you pick between the two model years.

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2023 Subaru Ascent vs. 2022 Subaru Ascent: what’s the difference?

The Ascent currently reigns as Subaru’s largest vehicle offering, with three rows of seating fitting up to eight passengers. The Ascent is larger in length, width, and height when compared to its ute siblings, the

Outback

and

Forester

. It competes directly with other three-row SUVs like the

Hyundai Palisade

and the

Jeep Grand Cherokee

So what’s the deal with the new changes in the 2023 model? We’re excited to say there’s a significant refresh in all aspects of the Ascent. While the cost has increased by around 3% to 6%, this Subie also has much more to offer when it comes to looks and features.

Want to see a more detailed comparison? Let’s dive in.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2023 Subaru Ascent has gone up by $1,150 to $2,850 depending on the trim level you pick. The table below is a breakdown of the price differences at each trim level.

Model	2023 MSRP	2022 MSRP
Subaru Ascent Base	$35,120	$33,970
Subaru Ascent Premium	$37,720	$35,920
Subaru Ascent Limited	$42,820	$40,720
Subaru Ascent Touring	$49,420	$46,570

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Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Ascent: which is better?

General specs

While this price difference may come as a shock, there is good reason. However, looking at the general specs won’t tell you much, as both model years are using the exact same powertrain: both turbocharged H4 with the same transmission, drivetrain, and towing capacity.

In terms of going off-road, the two model years are tied—they might have AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, but these SUVs are only suitable for very light off-road terrains. If the off-road capability is high on your wishlist, you’re better off looking at another Subie like the Forester or Outback, which are built to handle rougher terrains.

	2023 Subaru Ascent	2022 Subaru Ascent
Engine (same for all trims)	2.4-liter turbocharged H4 engine (260 horsepower)	2.4-liter turbocharged H4 engine (260 horsepower)
Transmission	CVT (standard)	CVT (standard)
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive (AWD)	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Maximum towing capacity	5,000 lbs	5,000 lbs

Fuel economy

While the 2023 and 2022 Ascent models share the same powertrain, we expect the fuel economy ratings to differ slightly since the new Ascent sports minor changes to its exterior and more tech features. Your exact fuel efficiency will still depend partly on how you drive and where you drive, but the EPA-estimated mileage ratings for both years are as follows:

2023 Subaru Ascent

Base and Premium trim: 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined

Limited and Touring trim: 19 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined

2022 Subaru Ascent

Base and Premium trim: 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined

Limited and Touring trim: 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined

The EPA for both model years is essentially the same—with the 2023 model being slightly less fuel efficient. This is likely due to the upgraded tech and additional features which would require more power.

MORE: Is a Subaru hybrid worth it?

Safety ratings

The 2023 and 2022 Subaru Ascent have both scored five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2022 model year has also earned the 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

This doesn’t come as a surprise, as both Ascent model years are equipped with plenty of standard safety features in both model years. The base model comes standard with Subaru’s Eyesight driver assist technology which includes key features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning, lane-keeping assist, curve-adaptive headlights, and forward automatic emergency braking.

Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking features become available starting with the Premium trim.

The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology has been enhanced in the 2023 model with a wide-angle mono camera. The updated systems now operate more smoothly under a greater range of conditions An optional 360-degree overhead view camera is also available in the newest Ascent.

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Styling and interior changes

The higher price tag of the 2023 Subaru Ascent is justified as the automaker has overhauled existing features for an updated driving experience. Below is a comparison of the features between the two model years:

	2023 Subaru Ascent	2022 Subaru Ascent
Exterior	New grille design, revised lighting elements, more aggressive front bumper cover	Virtually the same as the 2021 Subaru Ascent
Infotainment system	Vertical 11.6-inch touchscreen	6.5-inch display (optional 8.0-inch display)
Connectivity	Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard). Subaru Starlink Connected Services and Wi-Fi hotspot are available with a subscription	Corded Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard). Subaru Starlink Connected Services and Wi-Fi hotspot are available with a subscription
Interior technology	New Cabin Connect that allows driver to speak to the last row of passengers (optional)	N/A
Seating	7- or 8- passengers	7- or 8- passengers
Driver’s seat	Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, 8-way heated power seats (Premium trim and above)	Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, 8-way heated power seats (Premium trim and above)
Convenience	Keyless entry with push-start button (Premium trim and above)	Keyless entry with push-start button (Premium trim and above)

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The top-of-the-line

Touring

trim will give you all the luxury features that take your experience to the next level. On top of all the standard features of the Premium trim, the Touring also has an exclusive black grille, interior wood grain accents, LED fog lights, dual-function X-mode, and a power rear gate. You’ll also find additional features including a 12-way power driver's seat with 4-way power lumbar and two-position memory, 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, panoramic moonroof, and heated second-row seats.

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Onyx Edition

The 2023 Onyx Edition has a few more tricks up its sleeves compared to its predecessor. Not only do you get exclusive black-finish exterior elements and 20-inch alloy wheels, but it also adds standard convenience features such as the dual-function X-MODE, LED fog lights, panoramic moonroof, and a cargo cover. It also features onboard navigation, a hands-free power liftgate, and a heated steering wheel.

The Onyx Edition Limited trim comes standard with the new surround view monitor system, DriverFocus distraction mitigation system, 12-way power driver’s seat with a 4-way power lumbar, adjustable driver’s seat cushion extension, 4-way power front passenger seat, and more.

MORE: Subaru Ascent third-row review

2023 Subaru Ascent vs. 2022 Subaru Ascent: which should you buy?

If you’re deciding between the 2023 and 2022 Subaru Ascent, go for the newer model. Unless you’re planning to get the base trim, it is worth paying extra to score more standard features that will enhance your driving experience.

However, if you’re set on getting an SUV with lower car insurance premiums, go with the 2022 Ascent. The only downside is that you’ll lose out on features such as Cabin Connect, wireless connectivity, and the 2023 model’s snazzy new facelift.

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