2024 Subaru Ascent Edmunds Expert Review: Is This Minivan the Right Family Hauler?
The 2024 Subaru Ascent positions itself as the practical middle ground between a traditional three-row SUV and a purpose-built minivan, offering a blend of accessibility, safety, and capability. Edmunds' expert review highlights its standout symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and generous standard safety suite as core strengths. This analysis delves into the vehicle's real-world usability, dissects its powertrain performance, and evaluates whether its compromises are justified for families seeking versatility without embracing the minivan identity.
Under the hood, the Ascent relies on a refined and adequately powerful turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine. Edmunds' testing revealed the unit produces a respectable 260 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, numbers that translate into confident passing power and adequate towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This powertrain is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a choice that delivers smooth power delivery and reasonable fuel economy for its class, though it may disappoint enthusiasts seeking a distinct gearshift feel. The engine's placement low in the chassis contributes to the Ascent's inherently balanced driving dynamics, a hallmark of Subaru's design philosophy.
The Ascent's primary competitive edge lies in its versatility and thoughtful design. Unlike many three-row SUVs that prioritize maximum cabin space by sacrificing usability, the Ascent incorporates several clever features that enhance its daily functionality.
- Seating Configuration: The standard three-row setup accommodates up to eight passengers comfortably. However, the standout feature is the available second-row bench seat, which allows for a 50/50 split, creating flexibility for both cargo and passenger needs.
- Seamless Load Floor: With all three rows folded flat, the Ascent creates a remarkably flat and expansive cargo area, measuring an impressive 78.9 inches wide. This transforms the vehicle into a genuine hauler for large items like furniture, bicycles, or kayaks.
- Hands-Free Power Tailgate: A practical and often-used feature, the tailgate opens and closes with a simple wave of the foot beneath the rear bumper, a significant convenience when juggling children or groceries.
Edmunds noted that the infotainment system, while functional, presents a learning curve. The rotary controller, while innovative, can be less intuitive than a traditional touchscreen, requiring drivers to adapt to its tactile feedback. Additionally, the physical buttons for critical functions like the lane-centering system and adaptive cruise control, though well-placed, may feel dated compared to the fully digital interfaces found in some competitors. The build quality is generally high, with materials that feel durable and supportive, though some hard plastics are evident in lower-viewing areas.
Safety is an area where the 2024 Subaru Ascent does not merely compete—it excels. Standard on all trims is Subaru's renowned EyeSight driver assistance technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering, pre-collision braking, and sway warning. This comprehensive suite provides a robust foundation of safety that is difficult to find in rivals at a similar price point. In rigorous testing, the Ascent has earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, cementing its reputation as a secure environment for families.
To provide a more concrete perspective, here is a breakdown of the 2024 Ascent's trim levels and their key differentiators.
- Base Touring: The essential entry point, offering the core EyeSight safety suite, keyless entry with push-button start, and an 8-inch infotainment screen.
- Premium: A significant step up, adding features like leather-trimmed seating surfaces, a power liftgate, and advanced safety technologies such as driver monitoring and enhanced blind-spot detection.
- Limited: Focuses on comfort and luxury, including ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a head-up display.
- Touring: The top-tier model, which includes all the premium features of the Limited trim, plus a panoramic moonroof, wireless charging, and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.
The value proposition of the Ascent is a central theme in Edmunds' analysis. While the base price is competitive within the three-row SUV segment, the cost of reaching the top trim levels approaches that of luxury-brand minivans. This raises the question of whether the additional features justify the significant price jump. For buyers who prioritize capability and all-weather confidence, the lower trims offer exceptional value. Those seeking a more refined experience may find the upper trims align better with their expectations, though the premium price tag places it in direct competition with more expensive alternatives.
The 2024 Subaru Ascent is not a vehicle that tries to be everything to everyone. It is a dedicated family transporter that prioritizes safety, practicality, and all-weather confidence above fleeting trends or raw performance. As Edmunds concluded, its greatest strength is its ability to seamlessly integrate into a multifaceted lifestyle, handling the school run, cross-country road trips, and trips to the home improvement store with equal aplomb. For the pragmatic buyer who values substance over style and requires genuine versatility, the Ascent remains a compelling and highly worthy contender in its class.
