Subaru has long held a reputation for producing vehicles that are versatile and dependable. Their all-wheel-drive systems provide confidence in various weather conditions, their safety ratings are consistently high, and the brand has historically appealed to those with an active, outdoorsy lifestyle. Models like the Outback and Forester became synonymous with practical, family-oriented transportation.
Recognizing the growing demand for larger SUVs with three rows, Subaru leveraged its expertise in creating family-friendly vehicles, drawing on the lessons learned from the Tribeca and incorporating features that made the Outback and Forester so popular. The result was the Subaru Ascent, a three-row SUV designed to cater to the needs of modern families. With a price range starting from $34,000 and reaching just under $48,000 for the Touring edition, the Ascent offers standard all-wheel drive and a host of features that make it a compelling choice, particularly for families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Image: Front view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition in a review setting, highlighting its family SUV design.
Falling in Love with the Spaciousness, Driveability, and Family Focus of the Subaru Ascent
When the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition arrived for a test drive, its size was initially imposing. Compared to a smaller SUV, the Ascent appeared quite large. However, once behind the wheel, this initial impression quickly changed. The Ascent felt surprisingly manageable from the inside, offering a sense of nimbleness that belied its exterior dimensions.
The steering wheel felt comfortable and responsive, the turning radius was impressively tight, and the climate controls were conveniently located and easy to use within the infotainment system. Visibility was excellent, contributing to a confident driving experience, and the driver’s seat provided a comfortable and supportive position. The expansive 54-inch sunroof significantly enhanced the feeling of spaciousness and openness within the cabin, creating a more enjoyable environment for both driver and passengers.
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Designed with Families in Mind: The Subaru Ascent’s Kid-Friendly Features
Image: Interior view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition during a test drive, emphasizing the spacious front cabin and user-friendly controls.
The Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition tested was configured with second-row captain’s chairs, which significantly improved access to the third row and created a more open feel in the rear passenger area. Installing child car seats was remarkably straightforward thanks to the user-friendly LATCH system. The lower anchor points were easily accessible and simple to engage, while the upper tethers on the seatbacks were also conveniently located and effortless to use.
In contrast to some vehicles where locating and accessing car seat anchors can be a struggle, the Ascent made the process quick and painless. Both forward-facing and rear-facing car seats were securely installed in under two minutes without any assistance, a testament to the Ascent’s family-oriented design. Even with car seats installed, there was ample room in the footwells for items like a purse, children’s toys, and a diaper bag, without even needing to utilize the cargo area.
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Integrated Sunshades: A Blessing for Rear Passengers
Image: Close-up of child car seats installed in the second row of the 2024 Subaru Ascent, showcasing the ease of installation and family-friendly features.
The increased ceiling height in the Ascent made getting children in and out of their car seats much easier compared to smaller vehicles. The large rear windows were a hit with young passengers, providing excellent outward visibility. However, direct sunlight can often be a problem for children in car seats. The Ascent’s built-in manual sunshades proved to be an invaluable feature in this regard.
These sunshades effectively blocked out harsh sunlight, keeping rear passengers comfortable and content. The panoramic sunroof was another feature that delighted young passengers, offering an expansive view of the surroundings and making car rides more engaging. The combination of large windows, sunroof, and sunshades created a pleasant and adaptable environment for children in the back seats.
Read More: Subaru and National Parks: A Shared Passion for the Great Outdoors
Water-Repellent Seats: A Must-Have for Families with Young Children
Image: Interior detail of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx, highlighting the built-in sunshade feature for rear windows, enhancing passenger comfort.
For families with toddlers prone to spills, the “StarTex” water-repellent seats in the Subaru Ascent are a significant advantage. While spills like juice still require cleaning, the material proved to be much easier to wipe clean compared to traditional cloth seats. This durability and ease of cleaning are essential for maintaining a presentable interior in a family vehicle.
Beyond just stain resistance, the enhanced visibility from the passenger seats also proved to be a benefit for passenger comfort. In smaller vehicles, longer drives can sometimes lead to restlessness in children. However, in the Ascent, the improved visibility seemed to keep passengers more engaged and comfortable, resulting in calmer and more peaceful journeys, even for extended periods.
Read More: Top 3-Row SUVs Under $40,000: Ideal for School Carpools and Family Adventures
Exceptional Cargo Space: Mind-Blowing with the Third Row Folded
Image: Rear seats of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx, showing the durable and easy-to-clean “StarTex” water-repellent seat material, ideal for families.
With the third row of seats folded down, the Subaru Ascent boasts an impressive cargo capacity. Even with a double stroller already in the back, there was still ample room for a substantial grocery haul. The 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space provided more than enough room for a large Costco run, demonstrating the Ascent’s practicality for everyday family needs.
The sheer volume of space available with the third row down is truly remarkable, making the Ascent a highly versatile vehicle for families who frequently transport large items or require significant cargo capacity for trips and activities. This cargo space is a major selling point for those who prioritize practicality and utility in their SUV.
Image: Open cargo area of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx, showcasing the vast storage space available with the third row seats folded down.
Third-Row Considerations: Space Limitations and Cargo Trade-offs
Image: Rear exterior view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition, highlighting its three-row SUV design and spaciousness.
While the cargo space is exceptional with the third row down, it does become significantly reduced when the third row is in use. With all three rows of seats occupied, the cargo area shrinks to 17.6 cubic feet. This space is sufficient for a stroller but leaves little room for much else. For families regularly using all three rows, cargo space can become a limiting factor.
To maximize cargo capacity when using the third row, one option is to fold down a portion of the third-row seating (if configured with split-folding seats) to create a balance between passenger space and cargo room. Alternatively, for families who frequently need to transport both a full complement of passengers and cargo, considering a roof-mounted cargo box might be a worthwhile solution. Additionally, the third row is best suited for children or smaller adults, as adults may find it less comfortable for longer journeys.
Surprisingly Quick Performance for a 3-Row SUV
Image: Third-row seating area of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx, illustrating the space available for passengers and the potential limitations for adult comfort on long trips.
All Subaru Ascent models are equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine producing 260 horsepower. While this horsepower figure might not seem exceptionally high for a vehicle of this size, the Ascent’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributes to surprisingly agile performance. The combination of the turbocharged engine and CVT allows the Ascent to accelerate and pass with confidence.
Despite its size, the Ascent feels responsive and capable in various driving situations. The reviewer noted being impressed by the vehicle’s ability to quickly pass other vehicles on the highway without feeling strained or underpowered. For drivers who appreciate a degree of performance, the Ascent offers a pleasant surprise, delivering more power and responsiveness than one might expect from a three-row SUV in its class.
Reconnecting with Adventure: The Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition
Image: Front angle view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx, emphasizing its powerful engine and capable SUV stance.
The Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition proved to be more than just a practical family vehicle; it also rekindled a sense of adventure. During a drive through the Mt. Hood National Forest, the Ascent’s capabilities and Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive system inspired confidence to explore off the beaten path. Even in rainy and muddy conditions, the Ascent felt sure-footed and capable.
This experience highlighted the Ascent’s ability to cater to both everyday family needs and more adventurous pursuits. It served as a reminder that even with the responsibilities of family life, it’s still possible to embrace spontaneity and explore the outdoors. The Ascent’s blend of practicality and capability makes it a versatile companion for families with an active lifestyle.
Image: Side profile of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx in an outdoor setting, illustrating its adventurous spirit and all-weather capability.
Minor Drawbacks: Second-Row Seating Configuration and Interior Color
Image: Close-up of the Subaru logo on the steering wheel of the 2024 Ascent Onyx, symbolizing the brand’s reputation for reliability and adventure.
While largely impressed with the Ascent Onyx Edition, there were a couple of minor aspects the reviewer would change. Fuel economy was acceptable, averaging around 19 mpg in city driving and closer to 25 mpg on the highway. The width of the driver’s area initially felt a bit broad, making it slightly challenging to find a comfortable armrest position, but this was easily adjusted by repositioning the steering wheel.
The main preference for change would be the second-row seating configuration. While the captain’s chairs in the test vehicle were appreciated for their ease of access to the third row, they reduced the overall passenger capacity from eight to seven. For larger families or those who frequently transport more passengers, the bench seat option in the second row would be preferable. Additionally, the black interior of the Onyx Edition, while stylish, tended to show dust and dirt more readily, particularly with children in the car.
Image: Interior view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx, focusing on the black interior with neon green stitching, and highlighting the Onyx Edition’s styling.
The Verdict: Value and Family Appeal in the Subaru Ascent Onyx
Image: Dashboard and infotainment system of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx, showcasing the user-friendly interface and modern features.
The Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition, with an MSRP of $42,795 as tested, represents a compelling value proposition in the three-row SUV segment. Considering the extensive list of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, steering assist, and lane departure warning, along with amenities like a heated steering wheel, generous cargo space, wireless smartphone integration, StarLink connectivity, and Subaru’s renowned reliability, the Ascent offers a lot for the price.
The Ascent’s strongest endorsement came from the reviewer’s children, who genuinely loved the vehicle. Their enthusiastic reaction and sadness at its departure spoke volumes about the Ascent’s family-friendly appeal. Ultimately, the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition proves to be a well-rounded and highly desirable SUV for families seeking space, safety, capability, and value.
Image: Front three-quarter view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition, portraying its overall design and value in the 3-row SUV market.
By Kristen Brown
A dedicated automotive enthusiast and mother based in Oregon, Kristen Brown combines her passion for cars with her real-world experience as a parent. Her reviews offer a relatable and insightful perspective for families navigating the car-buying process.
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