Understanding “Luxury” in an SUV Context

When we talk about “luxury” in an SUV, it’s not just about a fancy badge. It’s about a combination of factors that enhance the driving and ownership experience. Think about:

• Comfort and Refinement: Plush seating, quiet cabin, smooth ride.
• Advanced Technology: User-friendly infotainment, premium audio, driver-assist features.
• High-Quality Materials: Soft-touch surfaces, elegant trim, thoughtful design.
• Spaciousness and Versatility: Ample room for passengers and cargo, flexible seating.
• Safety: Top-tier safety ratings and innovative safety technologies.

Subaru has always prioritized safety and capability. With the Ascent, they’ve successfully layered on a significant dose of comfort and premium appointments, aiming to compete with more established players in the three-row SUV segment.

The Subaru Ascent: Subaru’s Answer to Luxury SUV Demand

For a long time, Subaru’s SUV lineup was dominated by the Forester and Outback, both excellent vehicles but not typically categorized as “luxury.” However, as the market for larger, more family-oriented SUVs grew, Subaru introduced the Ascent. This three-row SUV was designed from the ground up to offer more space, more comfort, and more premium features than anything Subaru had offered before.

The Ascent aims to provide a near-luxury experience at a more accessible price point. It’s for the buyer who appreciates Subaru’s core values – like Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and exceptional safety – but desires a more sophisticated and comfortable ride for their family.

Key Features That Make the Ascent Feel Luxurious

Let’s dive into what makes the Subaru Ascent stand out and feel more luxurious than you might expect. It’s in the details, the thoughtful design, and the impressive array of available features.

1. Interior Comfort and Materials

Step inside the Ascent, and you’ll notice a significant step up from other Subaru models. Higher trim levels, like the Limited and Touring, offer:

• Leather-Trimmed Seating: Supple, comfortable leather seats are available, often with heating and ventilation for the front passengers.
• Memory Settings for Driver’s Seat: No more readjusting your seat every time you get in.
• Soft-Touch Surfaces: Many touchpoints throughout the cabin are made with premium materials, reducing the hard-plastic feel common in less upscale vehicles.
• Spacious Cabin: With three rows of seating, the Ascent offers ample room for up to eight passengers. Even the third row is surprisingly usable for adults on shorter trips, a rarity in this class.
• Panoramic Moonroof: Available on higher trims, this floods the cabin with natural light, making it feel even more open and airy.

2. Advanced Technology and Infotainment

Subaru has equipped the Ascent with a robust tech suite designed to keep everyone entertained and informed. The centerpiece is Subaru’s STARLINK™ infotainment system, which is generally praised for its user-friendliness.

• Large Touchscreen Display: Available 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration comes standard on most trims.
• Built-in Navigation: For those who prefer not to rely solely on their phones.
• Premium Audio System: Higher trims often feature a Harman Kardon® premium audio system, delivering crisp and powerful sound.
• Rear-Seat Entertainment: While not a standard feature, some older models or specific packages might have offered rear-seat entertainment options, adding to the family-friendly luxury.
• Driver Assistance Features: Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is a major selling point. It includes features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Lane Keep Assist, all contributing to a safer and more relaxed driving experience.

3. Performance and Ride Quality

While not a sports car, the Ascent provides a comfortable and capable driving experience, enhanced by Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive system.

• 2.4-liter Subaru BOXER® Engine: This turbocharged engine delivers a good balance of power (260 horsepower) and efficiency for its size, making highway passing and merging feel confident.
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Standard on all Ascent models, this system provides excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions, a key Subaru advantage that adds to a sense of security and refinement.
• Smooth Ride: The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections well and providing a quiet cabin, even at highway speeds.

4. Safety: A Hallmark of Subaru

Luxury isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about peace of mind. Subaru consistently earns top safety ratings, and the Ascent is no exception. Its comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features provides a secure environment for all occupants.

• IIHS Top Safety Pick: The Ascent has frequently been recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its excellent crash protection and advanced safety features.
• Subaru’s EyeSight® Suite: As mentioned, these advanced driver-assist systems are crucial for preventing accidents and reducing driver fatigue.
• Robust Construction: Subaru vehicles are built with their Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame, designed to absorb and redirect impact energy.

You can learn more about Subaru’s commitment to safety on their official Subaru Ascent Safety page.

Subaru Ascent Trim Levels: A Look at the “Luxury” Tiers

The Ascent is available in several trim levels, each offering a different level of luxury and features. Here’s a general overview of how they progress:

As you can see, even the mid-range trims start to offer significant comfort and convenience features that elevate the experience, pushing the Ascent into more luxurious territory.

Comparing the Ascent to Traditional Luxury SUVs

It’s important to set expectations. The Subaru Ascent isn’t trying to be a Lexus RX or an Audi Q7. Those brands operate in a different price bracket and focus on different aspects of luxury, often with more powerful engines, more exotic materials, and a more performance-oriented driving dynamic.

However, the Ascent competes very effectively with other mainstream three-row SUVs that offer a premium feel, such as:

• Honda Pilot (especially higher trims)
• Toyota Highlander (especially higher trims)
• Kia Telluride / Hyundai Palisade (known for their strong value and upscale interiors)
• Ford Explorer (higher trims)

Where the Ascent often shines is in its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and its exceptional safety ratings, which are typically standard across the board, not just on expensive options. This makes its “luxury” proposition even more compelling for buyers who prioritize those aspects.

For a deeper dive into how it stacks up, check out reviews from reputable automotive sources like Car and Driver or MotorTrend.

Is the Subaru Ascent the Right “Luxury” SUV for You?

The question of whether the Subaru Ascent is a “luxury SUV” is subjective and depends on what you prioritize. If you’re looking for the pinnacle of opulent materials, handcrafted interiors, and ultra-high-performance engines, you might need to look at dedicated luxury brands.

But, if you’re seeking a:

• Safe and Reliable Family Hauler: Subaru’s reputation precedes it.
• Comfortable and Quiet Ride: The Ascent delivers a refined experience.
• Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and gear.
• Advanced Technology: Modern infotainment and driver aids.
• All-Weather Capability: Standard AWD is a huge plus.
• Premium Feel Without the Premium Price Tag: The Ascent offers excellent value.

…then yes, the Subaru Ascent is absolutely a stunning choice that offers a luxurious experience within the mainstream SUV market. It’s a testament to Subaru’s ability to evolve and meet the changing needs and desires of its customers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Subaru have a luxury SUV?

Yes, the Subaru Ascent is Subaru’s largest SUV and offers premium features and a comfortable, refined experience that many consider luxurious, especially in its higher trim levels.

What is the most luxurious Subaru model?

The most luxurious Subaru model is generally considered to be the top-trim level of the Subaru Ascent, specifically the Touring trim, which includes features like premium leather, ventilated seats, and a high-end audio system.

Is the Subaru Ascent considered a luxury vehicle?

While not a traditional luxury brand like Lexus or BMW, the Subaru Ascent offers a high level of comfort, technology, and premium materials, particularly in its Limited and Touring trims, placing it in a “near-luxury” or “premium mainstream” category.

What are the main competitors to the Subaru Ascent?

Key competitors to the Subaru Ascent include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Ford Explorer, especially when considering three-row SUVs with a focus on family and comfort.

Does the Subaru Ascent come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a standard feature on all Subaru Ascent models, which is a significant advantage for buyers seeking capability and security in various driving conditions.

What engine powers the Subaru Ascent?

The Subaru Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER® engine that produces 260 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

How many passengers can the Subaru Ascent seat?

The Subaru Ascent can seat up to eight passengers in its three-row configuration. Some configurations offer second-row captain’s chairs, which reduce seating capacity to seven but can enhance second-row comfort.