Subaru announces Canadian pricing for the 2023 Ascent

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Subaru has announced Canadian pricing for its refreshed 2023 Ascent. While the SUV doesn’t start under $40,000 anymore, it’s still pretty affordable when compared to the starting prices of the base models of similar three-row SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride. With a mid-cycle refresh for 2023, the Japanese automaker aims to climb up the list of popular three-rows and lift more customers into the driver’s seat.

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The 2023 Subaru Ascent now starts at $40,995 for the base Convenience trim, an increase of $3,700 for the 2022 Convenience. The Ascent gains a new front fascia incorporating a bolder grille, redesigned LED headlights, and a more aggressive front bumper cover that features new lower-edge air ducts to improve aerodynamic flow under the vehicle. The C-shaped taillights are also updated. An 11.6-inch infotainment system is standard, as is wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto (take that, pesky cables!). Brand new for this year is a washer for the rear camera.

A bump up in price gets you the Touring that starts at $45,495, offered with Captain’s chairs or bench seating at no additional cost. The Touring adds LED fog lights, a panoramic power moonroof, and more. Step up to the Onyx trim ($47,295) for exclusive black-finish exterior elements and badging. The Limited trim starts at $50,895, once again offered with Captain’s chairs or bench seating at no additional cost, but also adds leather-trimmed upholstery and heated second-row seating. The top-of-the-line Premiere trim starts at $53,995 and features an exclusive exterior and unique interior that incorporates a woodgrain-pattern matte finish.

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Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is updated through a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. All 2023 Ascents receive a wide-angle mono camera that works together with the dual-camera EyeSight system to recognize pedestrians and bicycles when the vehicle enters an intersection at low speed.

Every 2023 Ascent gets an eight-way power driver seat, tri-zone front and rear automatic climate control, heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, automatic power door locks, power windows and side mirrors, multi-function display, security system with engine immobilizer, USB-A and USB-C input/charge ports in the front and rear sections of the centre console, raised roof rails, and 19 cupholders.

Comparing the 2023 Subaru Ascent’s starting price to the 2023 Kia Telluride ($49,995), the Hyundai Palisade ($44,204), and the VW Atlas ($44,632), and the Ascent seems to be descending the pricing ladder in hopes of rising sales. WE’ll know soon enough; the 2023 Ascent is expected to climb into showrooms this fall.