With the addition of a new Onyx Edition Limited trim for 2023, the number of Subaru Ascent trim levels grows to six variants: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, and Touring. All trims feature the same powertrain, with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine sending 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through a CVT.
The entry-level trim has a decent features list, with 18-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, three-zone climate control, an 11.6-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, and four USB ports around the cabin. The seats are upholstered in cloth in Base trim. The Base Ascent can only be had in eight-seater form, while Premium and Limited trims offer the choice between seven- and eight-seater configurations. The standard safety kit is comprehensive, with all trims featuring forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control with automatic lane-keeping, and a rear-view camera.
The equipment list grows longer as the trim grade goes up, with available but model-dependent additions including a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind-spot monitor, and evasive emergency steering assistance, a powered tailgate, keyless entry with push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear automatic emergency braking, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated second-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, water-repellent simulated leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats and a 180-degree front camera are also available at the top of the range.
The Onyx Edition Limited receives further enhancements such as driver's seat memory and a powered passenger seat, integrated navigation, a Harman Kardon audio system upgrade with 14 speakers, and a 360-degree camera system.
The first upgrade package for the Subaru Ascent is available for the mid-level Premium trim with eight seats. The Convenience Package includes a power rear liftgate, keyless access with push-button start, an auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror, and reverse automatic braking. It adds $1,460 to the vehicle's price, but it offers fair value for money to make a Premium-trim Ascent a little bit more premium - it comes standard on the seven-seat version onwards.
The Limited trim level can be optioned with the Technology Package, which adds a surround-view camera, the Harman Kardon audio system upgrade, a panoramic sunroof, a cargo area cover, and the navigation-enabled infotainment system. This package costs $3,550, and is almost worth it for the audio system upgrade and the surround-view monitor alone.