If you have a Subaru Ascent

[Anonymous]

I’ve seen this car mentioned many times on 3 row SUV threads. People seem to really like it.

Could you please talk about some of the specific things you like about it?

[Anonymous]

It had the best third row of those that we looked at, which were the Ascent, Highlander, and RX (so those last two are obviously similar). The third row in the Highlander was a joke. I like the interior. It felt much nicer and up to date than the Platinum Highlander. I also bought in summer 2019, so I’m
comparing Ascent to the older Highlander. The technology was much better, too, although I assume the newer Highlander has caught up and at least has apple carplay. DH constantly comments on how comfortable the seats are as compared to his car. It doesn’t feel huge (I switched from a Sienna). I don’t love the acceleration (I’ve mentioned it in similar threads, too). I just don’t find it to be smooth.

[Anonymous]

How huge does the Ascent feel compared to the Outback or Forester? I love my Outback, but the third row would be helpful now that my kids are getting are older and are likely to be carpooling to extracurriculars next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How huge does the Ascent feel compared to the Outback or Forester? I love my Outback, but the third row would be helpful now that my kids are getting are older and are likely to be carpooling to extracurriculars next year.

I'm interested in this too, thinking about upgrading my forester. Anyone know?

[Anonymous]

It looks and feels like an overgrown Outback. I have read some criticism online that the engine is lacking for a car the size of the Ascent.

Kia Telluride should be added to your list to test drive. Seen a lot of those lately.

[Anonymous]

I upgraded to a 2020 Ascent from a 2018 Forester last summer. I loved my Forester and miss how easy it was to park. Love the extra space and 3rd row in the Ascent - not that we have used it for carpooling because of Covid but I am happy to have the option.
About the engine being too small - it does seem like it struggles to get up steep hills but I drove it to Wintergreen and in the mountains and it did just fine. Acceleration on flat ground does not seem to be problematic at all.

[Anonymous]

We just bought a 2021 Ascent - I love it. Granted our other car is a 2013 CR-V but the Ascent is just so nice! I don't find acceleration to be an issue at all. For us, we were down to VW Atlas and the Ascent and the Ascent has a much nicer interior to me, as well as a better pickup feel and more fun to drive. I like that the AWD is standard - it feels like it grips the road much better and is a major improvement to the CR-V when driving in bad weather. I also think it drives more like a smaller SUV compared to a large SUV, which was a plus to me. The visibility is also pretty great for a mid-size SUV. Highly recommend test driving one - I was about sold on the Atlas and then did a complete switch once I test drove the Ascent. We've only had it since November, but no regrets.