So, what are the differences between the 2022 and 2023 Subaru Ascent?

Subaru’s five-door mid-size crossover recently got a pretty generous update, giving it a new look, new features, new content and new ways to experience life on the road in the Ascent. Of course, to many people from one year to the next they probably all look the same, given that the nameplate is still fairly new, and what’s a one year difference between two models? Well, there are some pretty significant differences between the 2022 Subaru Ascent and its 2023 successor. So if you were looking to find a Subaru Ascent for sale from your local dealer or online retailer, you can check the differences before you make your purchase. Let’s take a closer look at both years.

Transition from 2021 to 2022

Before we get into what the differences are between the 2022 and 2023 models, we first need to understand what changed from 2021 to 2022. The Ascent has only been on the market since 2018, so it’s a fairly new nameplate in the car. industry. The annual updates have been incremental rather than large-scale, given that it still sits as a midsize crossover in the ever-expanding SUV market.

That being said, the 2021 Ascent has added some very generous and well-appreciated quality-of-life upgrades in the form of steering-responsive LED headlights standard on all trims, as well as some new exterior colors. New safety technology is also standard, along with tire pressure monitoring sensors. This helped give the 2022 model year a good launching pad to work from when it came to new features.

However, the 2022 model year didn’t add as many new features as you might think; it was actually saved for the next model year. Instead, the focus was on the 2022 model year new edition of Onyx, which was added to the trim line for the year, with a new black body color along with 20-inch black wheels. Basically, some minor changes to increase the value of the Ascent from the perspective of potential buyers.

Lots of upgraded features

When it comes to changes from the 2022 model year to 2023, we’re looking at a whole different game. Subaru decided to focus on revising many of the Ascent’s features as well as updating the nameplate with a new look. Additionally, updates for the 2022 model year were carried over to 2023. This included the Onyx Edition, which had built-in navigation, a hands-free power liftgate, a heated steering wheel, a retractable trunk, and a standard panoramic sunroof.

But it’s not just that the 2023 model year moves from 2022 that makes it exciting; it’s also about what new features it adds to the lineup. For example, Subaru completely changed the infotainment package for the Ascent, installing an all-new 11.6-inch Subaru STARLINK multimedia system on the center console. It’s a massive upgrade over the top-of-the-line 8-inch HD digital touchscreen currently available on the 2022 model. This means you get an impressive 30% more screen real estate to work with the touchscreen on the new Ascent.

Additional upgrades for the 2023 Ascent include standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. There are no cords. It’s also a trim-wide feature, instead of only being available on select trims. Now available is a surround-view camera that provides a 360-degree overhead view, as well as the latest version of EyeSight: Subaru’s driver assistance technology, which includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pre-collision braking and automatic emergency steering, giving you maximum confidence on the road.

Another innovative addition to the 2023 Ascent is Cabin Connect. Third row passengers may have difficulty hearing what the driver is saying due to the mix of music and people talking. Cabin Connect allows the driver or front passenger to activate the overhead microphones to talk to everyone in the car through the rear speakers. This is a must for parents who need to talk to their children in the back seat without turning around or taking their attention away from the road.

A sharp, modernized look for 2023

An update is one thing, but a change can be quite another. Not every change can be considered an upgrade, depending on how you look at it. In fact, one of the main changes for Ascension 2023 it’s all about the look of the car. Subaru hasn’t done anything completely surprising, like redesigning every aspect of the Ascent’s profile. Instead, they took a modest approach with the 2023 Ascent, making the front and rear fascias much more attractive.

Those looking for a bargain or looking for a Subaru Ascent for sale will find it hard to pass up the 2023 model given the changes. It might just be the front and rear panels, but the redesign offers a sharper, more modern look that’s sure to turn heads on the road. The chrome surround on the Ascent is now blacked out on the front grille, giving the mid-size crossover a much more menacing look. A sportier lower front bumper with air ducts has also been implemented, giving the entire front end a more aerodynamic look, along with a new fog lamp housing.

Speaking of aerodynamics, the sleek hood and LED arrow lights give the Ascent a fairly aggressive visual presence and a bolder look compared to the 2022 model. The rear fascia has also undergone a lot of tweaking, almost to the point where you might not even know it’s the same car except for the badging. All-new C-shaped LED taillights match the theme of the now very angular aerodynamic front fascia, creating a distinctively modern look.

The fresh redesign of 2023 is worth your attention

You can see the Subaru Ascent come into its own as a nameplate with each model year. The changes from 2021 to 2022 weren’t massive, but you can see Subaru showing more confidence in the Ascent’s stance, presence and styling with the 2023 model. We can almost see where they’re going with the car and what market they want to target with its more stylish exterior and very noteworthy interior upgrades, perfect for a large family or individual vehicle.

Will the average SUV buyer looking for a Subaru Ascent for sale be swayed to purchase a 2023 model? Time will tell; however, all the changes are for the better: better aerodynamics, better styling, advanced technology and improved comfort features. It’s just a natural progression of the nameplate’s evolution to offer more and better features, many of which are now standard equipment.

It’s safe to say that the 2023 Subaru Ascent does everything right in terms of what you’d like to see in the new model year when it comes to improvements. Obviously, not every model year the Ascent will get these updates. Still, the fact that Subaru is pushing for these changes so soon after the model’s debut is certainly encouraging. It’s clear that the manufacturer believes in the Ascent’s future, and after examining the improvements made to the 2023 model, we can see why.