Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited. If you're in the market for a spacious, reliable, and stylish SUV, this might just be the ride you've been searching for. We'll cover everything from its key features and performance to its interior comfort and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited

The 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited stands out as a compelling option in the competitive three-row SUV segment. It's designed for families who need ample space, all-weather capability, and a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Subaru has built a solid reputation for safety and reliability, and the Ascent Onyx Limited builds upon that foundation with a host of appealing features. This trim level adds a distinctive aesthetic with its blacked-out exterior accents, giving it a more aggressive and modern look compared to other Ascent models. Beyond its appearance, the Onyx Limited boasts a range of upgrades, including enhanced interior materials, advanced technology, and additional convenience features. Whether you're tackling daily commutes or planning a weekend adventure, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited aims to provide a comfortable and confident driving experience. It’s a vehicle that understands the needs of a modern family, blending practicality with a touch of sophistication. Let's delve deeper into what makes this SUV a noteworthy contender in its class, exploring its performance, interior, technology, and overall value proposition. Understanding these aspects will help you determine if the Ascent Onyx Limited aligns with your specific needs and preferences. So keep reading as we unpack all the details.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes the 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited tick. This SUV is packed with features designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, you'll find a robust 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers a solid 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The turbocharger ensures that the Ascent doesn't feel underpowered, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), the Ascent offers smooth and responsive acceleration. The CVT is designed to maximize fuel efficiency while providing seamless gear transitions. Of course, it wouldn't be a Subaru without its signature symmetrical all-wheel drive, which provides excellent traction and stability in various road conditions. Whether you're dealing with rain, snow, or gravel, the Ascent's AWD system inspires confidence. Fuel economy is decent for a three-row SUV, with EPA ratings of around 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. These numbers are competitive within its class, making the Ascent a practical choice for families who need a spacious vehicle without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The engine and transmission work together seamlessly to deliver a balanced driving experience, making the Ascent a comfortable and capable choice for everyday use. Subaru's commitment to reliability is also evident in the powertrain, ensuring that the Ascent is a dependable companion for years to come.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the Ascent Onyx Limited, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail and the quality of materials. The Onyx Edition features exclusive black upholstery with contrasting stitching, giving the interior a sporty and sophisticated feel. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a breeze. With three rows of seating, the Ascent can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers. The second-row seats can be configured as either a bench or captain's chairs, depending on your preference. Captain's chairs provide easier access to the third row and offer a more spacious feel for second-row occupants. The third row is surprisingly spacious for adults, making it a practical choice for families with older children or frequent carpools. Tri-zone automatic climate control ensures that everyone stays comfortable, no matter where they're sitting. The Ascent also offers plenty of cargo space, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a massive 86.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This makes it easy to haul groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Other interior features include a panoramic sunroof, which lets in plenty of natural light, and a heated steering wheel, which is a welcome addition on cold mornings. Overall, the interior of the Ascent Onyx Limited is designed to provide a comfortable, functional, and stylish environment for both drivers and passengers.

Technology and Safety

The 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited is equipped with a wide array of technology and safety features. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Ascent also includes a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to stay connected on the go. A premium Harman Kardon sound system delivers crisp and clear audio, enhancing the overall driving experience. In terms of safety, the Ascent comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. This suite of features includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. These technologies work together to help prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard on the Onyx Limited, providing an extra layer of protection. The Ascent has earned excellent safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, giving you peace of mind knowing that you're driving a safe and reliable vehicle. Other safety features include a rearview camera, automatic high beams, and a tire pressure monitoring system. With its comprehensive suite of technology and safety features, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited is designed to keep you and your passengers connected, entertained, and protected.

Driving Experience

Behind the wheel, the 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited offers a confident and comfortable driving experience. The turbocharged engine provides ample power for acceleration and passing, while the CVT delivers smooth and seamless gear transitions. The symmetrical all-wheel drive system ensures excellent traction and stability, even in adverse weather conditions. The Ascent handles well for a large SUV, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. The cabin is relatively quiet, with minimal wind and road noise. Visibility is excellent, thanks to the large windows and elevated seating position. The Ascent is also easy to maneuver in tight spaces, thanks to its responsive steering and available parking sensors. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Ascent provides a composed and confident driving experience. The adaptive cruise control system is particularly useful on long trips, maintaining a safe following distance and reducing driver fatigue. The lane keep assist system helps to keep you centered in your lane, further enhancing safety and convenience. Overall, the driving experience of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited is characterized by its comfort, capability, and confidence-inspiring performance.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited.

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Excellent traction in all weather conditions.
• Comprehensive Safety Features: EyeSight driver-assist system provides peace of mind.
• Comfortable Ride: Smooth and composed driving experience.
• Stylish Design: Onyx Edition adds a distinctive aesthetic.

Cons:

• CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not prefer the feel of a CVT.
• Fuel Economy: While decent, it's not the best in its class.
• Infotainment System: Can be a bit slow to respond at times.

Final Verdict

The 2023 Subaru Ascent Onyx Limited is a compelling choice for families seeking a spacious, safe, and capable SUV. Its standard all-wheel drive, comprehensive safety features, and comfortable ride make it a standout in its class. While the CVT transmission and infotainment system may not be perfect, the overall value proposition is hard to beat. If you're in the market for a three-row SUV, the Ascent Onyx Limited is definitely worth considering. It offers a blend of practicality, style, and performance that is sure to impress. So go ahead, take it for a test drive and see if it's the right fit for you and your family!