Subaru can’t seem to do any wrong as the company has achieved ten years of consecutive growth in the United States. That’s a notable achievement, but the company’s success rate with three row crossovers has been disappointing to say the least.
It’s been several years since the last remaining Subaru Tribecas trickled off dealer lots and a number of things have changed since then. Consumers can’t seem to get enough crossovers nowadays and modern Subarus are big improvements over the ones offered just a few years ago.
The new Subaru Ascent appears to continue this trend as Consumer Reports says the model offers a cushy ride that actually handles bumps better than some luxury crossovers. Of course, the Ascent isn’t about performance and that clearly shows during the driving experience. The organization says the crossover has lackluster handling and feels larger than it actually is.
Things are better in the cabin as the Ascent offers good visibility and a relatively quiet interior that feels “plush” in higher trims. The model also benefits from straight forward controls and a roomy interior that can fit up to eight-passengers with “head and legroom to spare.” Of course, the latter statement comes with a few caveats as the third row is best left to small children and teenagers.
Consumer Reports doesn’t talk too much about the Ascent’s performance but the crossover has a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that develops 260 hp (193 kW / 263 PS) and 277 lb-ft (375 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a continuously variable transmission that performs “admirably” as it mimics an automatic gearbox better than most other CVTs.
In the end, the organization comes away pretty impressed as they describe the Ascent as “heavy hitter” that will be a worthy competitor to the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.