Subaru’s three-row SUV, with has impressive all-around performance. The Ascent’s smooth ride, functional interior, and slick power delivery helped lift it to success.
The Ascent has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in a segment where V6s dominate, which might seem to be a disadvantage on paper. But in real-world driving, the SUV feels zippier and more satisfying than its numbers suggest it should be. Plus, its 22 mpg overall is comparable to its rivals.
The plush ride is impressive, even bettering some luxury cars. However, we noticed significant body lean through turns, but the SUV feels safe and remains under control even under duress.