Subaru has long been synonymous with versatility and reliability. Renowned for their all-wheel-drive systems conquering diverse terrains from snowy roads to muddy trails, and consistently high safety ratings, Subaru has cultivated a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Models like the Outback and Forester have become iconic “mom cars,” celebrated for their practicality and dependability.
As the demand for larger vehicles grew, Subaru responded with the Ascent, a 3-row SUV that blends the beloved features of the Outback and Forester into a more spacious package. With a starting price of $34,000 and reaching just under $48,000 for the top-tier Touring edition, the 2024 Subaru Ascent offers standard all-wheel drive and a host of family-friendly features, making it a strong contender in the competitive SUV market, especially for those who prioritize adventure and practicality.
Image: Front side view of a dark gray 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition, showcasing its robust design and signature Subaru grille, ideal for families seeking adventure.
Spacious Interior and Surprisingly Easy Handling of the 2024 Ascent
Stepping into the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition for a test drive, the sheer size was initially imposing, especially when compared to smaller SUVs. However, any intimidation quickly dissipated from behind the wheel. The Ascent feels remarkably nimble and manageable from the driver’s seat.
The steering is responsive and well-weighted, offering an impressive turning radius for a vehicle of its size. Crucially, the climate controls are intuitively positioned on either side of the infotainment screen, ensuring easy access without distraction. Visibility is excellent all around, and the driver’s seat provides a comfortable and commanding position. The expansive 54-inch sunroof dramatically enhances the sense of spaciousness and openness within the cabin, making every journey feel brighter and more enjoyable.
Image: Interior view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition during a test drive, highlighting the spacious cabin, comfortable driver’s seat, and easy-to-reach controls, emphasizing its user-friendly design.
Designed with Families in Mind: The 2024 Ascent’s Kid-Friendly Features
The Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition model tested featured second-row captain’s chairs, a configuration that significantly improves access to the third row and creates a more open feel in the back. For families with young children, the ease of car seat installation is a major highlight. The LATCH system in the Ascent is exceptionally user-friendly. The lower anchor points are not only easy to locate but also effortless to engage with and secure. Similarly, the upper tethers on the seatbacks are readily accessible and simple to use.
Compared to some vehicles where locating and accessing car seat anchors can be a struggle, the Ascent simplifies the process significantly. Installing both forward-facing and rear-facing car seats was remarkably quick and straightforward, taking just minutes without any frustration. Even with car seats installed, the Ascent offers generous footwell space, easily accommodating items like purses, diaper bags, and children’s toys without encroaching on trunk space.
Image: Close-up of child car seats securely installed in the second row of the 2024 Subaru Ascent, demonstrating the spaciousness and ease of installation for families with young children.
Built-in Sunshades and Panoramic Windows: Keeping Little Passengers Happy in the Ascent
Getting children in and out of car seats is also made easier by the Ascent’s ample ceiling height, a welcome feature for parents. The large windows in the rear are a definite hit with kids, offering excellent visibility. Recognizing the need to shield children from harsh sunlight, Subaru has thoughtfully included integrated sunshades in the Ascent. These manual sunshades are a game-changer for sensitive passengers, providing instant relief from direct sunlight and enhancing comfort on longer journeys.
The expansive sunroof further adds to the rear passengers’ enjoyment, providing an even wider view of the surroundings. Children are sure to appreciate the increased natural light and the ability to gaze at the sky, making car rides more engaging and less monotonous.
Image: Interior shot of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx, showcasing the built-in sunshade pulled up in the rear passenger window, a practical feature for family comfort and sun protection.
Durable and Easy-Clean Seats: The Ascent’s Water-Repellent Upholstery
For families with toddlers and young children, spills are an inevitable part of car journeys. The 2024 Subaru Ascent addresses this concern with “StarTex” water-repellent seats. This upholstery is a blessing for parents, offering enhanced resistance to spills and stains. While tougher stains may still leave a slight residue, cleanup is significantly easier compared to traditional cloth seats. This feature helps to keep the interior looking cleaner for longer, a major advantage for busy families.
Beyond stain resistance, the Ascent’s passenger visibility also contributes to a more pleasant experience for children. The improved view can help reduce motion sickness and feelings of confinement, particularly on longer trips. The comfortable and spacious environment can lead to calmer and happier passengers, making family travel less stressful for everyone.
Image: Rear seats of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx, highlighting the durable “StarTex” water-repellent upholstery, designed for easy cleaning and family-friendly practicality.
Impressive Cargo Capacity: Storage Solutions in the 2024 Subaru Ascent
When it comes to cargo space, the 2024 Subaru Ascent truly shines, especially with the third row folded down. Offering a generous 75.6 cubic feet of space in this configuration, the Ascent can easily handle large grocery hauls, luggage for family trips, and bulky sports equipment. Even with a double stroller in the back, there’s still ample room for groceries and other everyday essentials.
The ease of configuring the cargo area adds to the Ascent’s practicality. Folding down the third row is simple and creates a vast, flat loading floor. This expansive space makes the Ascent incredibly versatile for families with diverse needs, from daily errands to weekend adventures.
Image: Open cargo area of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx with the third row folded down, showcasing the vast storage space capable of handling strollers, groceries, and family gear.
Third-Row Considerations: Balancing Passenger and Cargo Space in the Ascent
While the Ascent excels in cargo space with the third row down, it’s important to acknowledge the trade-offs when all three rows are in use. With the third row up, cargo space is reduced to 17.6 cubic feet, which is sufficient for some essentials but limited for larger items. In this configuration, a stroller might take up most of the available space.
For families regularly needing to transport more than five passengers, strategic packing or the use of a roof cargo box might be necessary, especially for longer trips. Additionally, while the third row is functional, it’s best suited for children or smaller adults, particularly on extended journeys. Adult passengers might find the third row a bit cramped for longer periods.
Image: Rear exterior view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition, illustrating the vehicle’s size and the available cargo space with the third row potentially in use.
Agile Performance: The 2024 Ascent’s Surprisingly Quick Engine
Under the hood, every 2024 Subaru Ascent is equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 260 horsepower. While this horsepower figure might seem modest for a nearly 4,000-pound SUV, the Ascent’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) works wonders in maximizing its responsiveness and agility. The combination delivers surprisingly brisk acceleration and confident passing power.
The Ascent feels far from sluggish; instead, it offers a level of performance that belies its size. The CVT ensures smooth and efficient power delivery, contributing to a pleasant driving experience both in city traffic and on the open highway. For drivers who appreciate a vehicle with adequate power, the Ascent provides a satisfying balance of performance and practicality.
Image: Front view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx, emphasizing its modern design and the powerful yet efficient engine that provides surprising agility for a family SUV.
Rekindling Adventure: The 2024 Ascent’s Subaru DNA
The Subaru Ascent’s all-wheel-drive capability and robust nature extend beyond just practical family transportation; it also taps into Subaru’s adventurous spirit. The Ascent is capable of handling various road conditions, inspiring confidence in less-than-ideal weather and on unpaved roads. This capability opens up opportunities for exploring beyond the typical paved routes and venturing into nature.
The Ascent can serve as a comfortable and capable basecamp for outdoor adventures, encouraging families to explore hiking trails, campgrounds, and scenic drives. It embodies the Subaru ethos of enabling an active lifestyle and fostering a connection with the outdoors, even for families with young children.
Image: The 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx parked in a scenic outdoor setting, highlighting its all-wheel-drive capability and adventurous spirit, ideal for families who love to explore.
Minor Considerations: Bench Seats and Interior Color in the Ascent Onyx
While the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition offers a compelling package, there are a couple of minor considerations. Fuel economy is reasonable for its class, averaging around 19 mpg in city driving and closer to 25 mpg on the highway. The width of the driver’s area might feel slightly broad for some, but adjusting the steering wheel position can easily mitigate this.
A more significant point for some families might be the choice between captain’s chairs and a bench seat in the second row. While captain’s chairs offer easier third-row access, they reduce overall passenger capacity from eight to seven. For larger families, the bench seat configuration might be preferable. The Onyx Edition’s black interior with neon green accents, while stylish, might show dirt and dust more readily, particularly with children. However, this is a common challenge with darker interiors in family vehicles.
Image: Interior detail of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx, showcasing the black “StarTex” seats with neon green stitching and the spacious cabin design.
Verdict: The 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Delivers Exceptional Family Value
The 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition, with an MSRP of $42,795 as tested, represents excellent value for money in the 3-row SUV segment. It comes generously equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and steering assist, along with desirable comforts such as a heated steering wheel, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and Subaru’s StarLink connectivity. Coupled with Subaru’s renowned reliability and the Ascent’s spaciousness and family-friendly design, it presents a compelling proposition.
The ultimate testament to the Ascent’s appeal is the enthusiastic reaction it evokes from families. The Ascent is more than just a practical SUV; it’s a vehicle that resonates with both parents and children, making family journeys more enjoyable and less of a chore. For families seeking a capable, spacious, and well-equipped 3-row SUV, the 2024 Subaru Ascent is definitely worth serious consideration.
By [Expert Automotive Content Creator]
Automotive expert with years of experience in car reviews and family vehicle assessments.
Mentioned In This Article: 3-row SUV Subaru Subaru Ascent More About: Car Reviews SUVs
