CORRECTION- At 8:30 I mistakenly say Ascent seats 6 or 7. It has belts for 7 or 8. Brain fart there. But considering the space in the 3rd row, I'll argue that realistically I'm kind of right. Thanks to Chris Laughton pointing out my gaffe.

@georgedoolittle7574

7 ай бұрын

My pick for best vehicle of 2023. Looking forward to see how Ford Explorer for Model Year 2025.

No engine start-stop? Bless you, Subaru.

Your reviews are the best - no weird bromances and no weird plots. Factual yet entertaining

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

Martin refuses to have a bromance. I'm okay with that.

@LongIslandMopars

7 ай бұрын

​@@DrivenCarReviewsAs are we. Thanks for being normal, Tom.

@devynm1309

7 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews Lol!

@skylarmccune9242

6 ай бұрын

Was that a reference to Throttle House?

You’re still one of, if not the best reviewer. Thanks for all you and Martin do.

Actually Subaru knows very well why a start/stop function simply doesnt fit to a turbo engine! Turbo engines need a small idel period before they shut down for the Turbos shake this device needs time to deposit lubricant on its axle otherwise will cook and will suffer soon a sudden death! Subaru uses Turbos long before downsizing became a neccesity to help emgines reduce emissions. they do know what they re doing!

@toronado455

7 ай бұрын

no. there's a different reason. otherwise Subaru would have omitted auto stop/start from their other turbo models. but Outback turbo has the auto stop/start, so it can't be absent from Ascent for the reason you state.

@K03sport

7 ай бұрын

​@@toronado455 ... only wish the car would remember when you turn it off so you don't have to turn it off each time you drive. now that is frustrating....

@toronado455

7 ай бұрын

@@K03sport government regulations. the end user is only permitted to defeat the system on a per startup basis. the vehicle must be configured to achieve the EPA numbers by default. Any change would be considered tampering with emissions equipment by the auto manufacturer and subject to fines just like VW was with Dieselgate.

8:35- quick note: seating capacity is 7/8, not 6/7.

You have the best reviews….. simple and straightforward and easy to understand with out the high tech lingo ….. 👍👍👍

Tom you’d do well in bar trivia! Thanks for the great video.

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

True. My wife is always looking at me sideways when using my command of useless knowledge (while thinking I can't ever remember what I'm doing tomorrow).

Good video! I'm enjoying my 2023 8 seater limited Ascent!

@vedder10

7 ай бұрын

I have a 2020 Subaru Onyx XT and it drives like a car. Turning radius is excellent and maneuverability through tight parking lots is great. Do you get that same feeling with the Ascent? I was thinking of an Ascent as my next Subaru. Have had two Outbacks so far.

@Itsjrob_

Ай бұрын

Do the captain seats go all the way down ?

Great review! I think your videos are a great guide for what to test drive.

I've seen a few of these around and it seems pretty decent. I'm sure in top trims it joins a pretty crowded selection of competition, but in lower trims, it seems to be pretty good value. If you don't need the largest vehicle and just want something this size, it's likely a pretty good option.

Accessible oil filter is a great idea. Wish more carmakers did that.

Good work Martin!

This Ascent is one of the more pleasing-to-the-eye Subies, IMO. The interior looks very nice, but the omission of a hands-free liftgate is inexcusable. Tom, would you have any guess as to how much more it would cost manufacturers to design a vehicle with 2 or 3 more inches of headroom? You know, like the Olds Vista Cruisers from years gone by? Judging by how homely some vehicles are today, I doubt that would upset the family oxcart! Happy New Year! to you and your wife, and to Martin Campbell 🥂

I worked for Subaru Canada and had the Ascent for a week. I was more than happy to give it back lol. The CVT lag, turbo lag and jumpy throttle made it almost unbearable. I ended up throwing it into manual mode and keeping the revs above 2k to keep the turbo spooled. Never got above 16 MPG

In New England, we have Subarus like CNN has "Breaking News." For the value, AWD, reliability, safety. They're not pretty, but neither am I. Thanks Tom!

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

My daughter's fiancé who works at CNN got a good laugh at that comment.

happy new year Tom... I still think it needs a (functional) hood scoop to set it apart from all other 7-passenger land missiles (except Durango that as a fake scoop)... with both a Subaru and Mazda in the garage, I'm leaning towards the CX-90 to replace the CX-5. A double Subaru garage is okay, just not sure I'm on board w/the Ascent's configuration; will depend on the test drive

It is worth mentioning the price - if AWD is a must, Ascent, or any Subaru, is a much better deal to get that without paying extra. The jerkiness of the throttle smooths out after the first oil change.

My first car was a brand new, fully loaded 1969 VW Beetle in British Racing Green. Came with a metal Sun Roof, wood racing steering wheel, wooden gear shift knob, all kinds of chrome accents and a Blaupunkt AM, FM, SW radio. I paid extra for shoulder harnesses. Of all the cars I’ve owned this is the only car I ever really loved.

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

KZread says you've been subscribed for 6 years. Cool!

@vinalboy

7 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews I used to follow you in the NYT’s and when you left the Times I found you on KZread. Love your reviews. Happy New Year

The captain seats don’t go all the way down ?

It's a good machine , I did the test drive before, but its 360° camera doesn’t work properly. There are some grafics like 3D rendering " video games" turning dark sometimes.

Unless you're going into Suburban/Expedition territory, a 3rd row will always be a compromise. The two things I'd miss the most is the lack of a V6, and rear quarter windows that open. When I have kidlets in the 3rd row and they are looking queasy, and I can open the rear quarter windows with one of the power window buttons to get some much needed air (A/C doesn't seem to help), that's a bonus since it cuts down on messy 'Aisle 9' cleanups. Great review. Looking forward to an Ascent Wilderness edition.

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

Two words for you- Mini. Van.

@jbountalas

7 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews got one. Dodge GC Crew Plus. My adult daughter calls it ‘the bus’, and I just own it. Flat 8 ft load floor, power flip out rear quarter windows, overhead storage bins, primitive but cool.

No.. the regular Highlander has less room. I traveled in the back seat and felt cramped. I did not go in the third seat but I watched another adult doing it. Not as easy to get into. I own an Ascent and it is easier to move around. Love the doors. They open wide if I want but easy to get out of if not opening all the way. I have the 7 seater and bought an extra console for the middle. Yes… more cup holders!!! Don’t even need the ones on the floor! Also, our kids are gone, but we have 8 grandchildren. It turned out to be a good size for us.

@Ninety9924

6 ай бұрын

Yes, the regular Highlander has a smaller 3rd row, unfit for any adult. The 3rd row in the Ascent is usable for short trips.

Tom, I hope you'll let us know what Martin ends up choosing. Thanks for the review. For us, this is too small, but on the other hand I bought a 2015 Outback and it was big enough at the time. Go figure. Our other car is a 2001 Suburban that is in desperate need of being replaced, so I too am shopping the three-row market.

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

Sounds like you're in need of a minivan!

Wife looking at Subarus but I think not that one she'll keep looking. We have a big Hyundai Hybrid she really likes it but we'll keep looking. She might buy later this Spring/Summer depending on price.

Thanks!

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

Thanks AirSplash! You. Are. Awesome.

Greetings and thank you, Tom. You provided a great overview of my possible future vehicle. Of course, we are looking at the Toyota Highlander. Question/Comment: I don't think the third row is designed for adults. I'm unsure why folks talk about the third row on an SUV/Crossover this size. Now, if we are talking about a Chevy Taho or Toyota Sequoia, a third row would related to adults. I'm thinking of using the third row for kids and not adults. What are your thoughts? Thanks again, Tom. Have a great day in the great Northwest. I sure miss it. Mike

@DrivenCarReviews

6 ай бұрын

Correct, Highlander backseat is cramped. It’s fine for kids, but if yours are like mine, they tend to grow grow up. There’s always Grand Highlander. Definitely check out Palisade and Telluride. I also hear that the new Chevy traverse is quite good. Best of luck!

Subaru makes good vehicles, although I'm biased. I'm a Subaru owner. I wish I had 250hp (I have 200hp) but what I do have is a 5-speed manual. I wish Subaru would make it available in other models because I won't buy a Cvt. I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season. 🙈🙉🙊

How likely is Subaru going to add a Wilderness Edition to the Ascent?

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

There has been no official word. But it seems like Subaru would be leaving money on the table if it didn’t develop one. My predictions would be for the 2025 model year. Just a guess on my part.

Another comparison that is not mentioned, Ford Explorer. (And the Timberline trim is their more off-road “ready” for their 6-7 passengers).

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

Yeah, kind of. Explorer is sort of its own animal. It's actually a rear drive vehicle, with available AWD. The others start with front drive. But yes, should be on the test drive list.

Good review. A couple comments. You’ve mentioned in the past that you too were looking for a new car (besides Martin), so what’s happened with that plan Tom? And trailer hitch mount cargo boxes are far better than roof mounts in my opinion. Better for gas mileage and sheer accessibility.

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

I’ve narrowed it to two EVs. More on that later. I get the trailer hitch preference but access to the hatch also sucks. Kinda no win.

@tommihelich2613

7 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews Yakima system swings out of way for easy access to hatch. Plus you can configure it for bikes or cargo or both and still have the swing out feature. Yeah, it costs money but at least I don’t need a step ladder to get stuff out of an overhead box

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

My brother had one of those for his Flex. Troublesome on any kind of skeet grade. Swapped it out for a Rocket Box. Everyone is different.

@tommihelich2613

7 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviewsinteresting. I haven’t had mine on a steep grade to swing. Something to look out for.

@tommihelich2613

7 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviewsI can see that on a Flex. They’re like a tall station wagon with hardly any ground clearance compared to an SUV.

I test drove one when they first came out. Thought it was very nice. Then the rumors of poor quality started to emerge.

Very interesting that Subaru got rid of engine stop/start here. Restarts with their boxer engines were clunky and it was an area of complaint. I own a 2019 Outback. Personally, I will never buy another Subaru because the seats are so uncomfortable. If you're thinking of buying one, sit for a long while and see what it does to your back. 😑

@kevinW826

7 ай бұрын

My wife and I bought a used 2019 Crosstrek last month and its seats are super comfortable. I have driven outback’s and the seats are nice and supportive. I guess each person is different and picky

@kevinbprice7448

7 ай бұрын

That's interesting bc our 2017 outback limited is extremely comfortable for us. We swapped to it from a Toyota camry which was a killer for my legs and back - and I'm only 5'9".

@haze1123

7 ай бұрын

Yes, you may have discovered that everyone is different. I think if someone likes lots of firm lumbar support up high on your back, they will like Subaru seats. I need very flat seat backs with no lumbar, and this is not possible with Subaru seats. If you Google "subaru seats uncomfortable" you will see that many people have the same problem as me.

@haze1123

7 ай бұрын

This is the issue I had. It's very common. I removed the lumbar plate just like this guy did. Subaru seats are not right. kzread.info/dash/bejne/kWaou69yeby0mso.html

@ttom2460

4 ай бұрын

You can clearly see engine push start/stop.

Are you going to review the new Hyundai Santa Fe?

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

As soon as I can get my hands on one.

It’s a big Forester

Scoche?

Auto start and stop is located on the screen. It is there. You can turn it on and off.

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

I directly asked the folks at Subaru. This is their reply- #2 Ascent does not have start/stop.

@hershlawfirmpc

7 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews surprising. I have the Outback Wilderness. It was buried in screens until the July 2023 update, which put it on the main screen. Same engine as the ascent

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

@@hershlawfirmpc Right? It's the reason I contacted Subaru.

@Ninety9924

6 ай бұрын

No Ascent does not have it, period.

These things have had tons of problems since they came out.

@Ninety9924

6 ай бұрын

Reliability has steadily improved and since 2022 it has been recommended by Consumer Reports.

@MeliorIlle

6 ай бұрын

CR is owned by car companies now, it doesn't mean anything. LOL at claiming a vehicle is reliable because it's done "well" for a year.@@Ninety9924

Another SUV. Maybe someday we’ll drive cars again. 😢 I think I’ll hop in my manual Civic and drive to Ikea. 😀 Shifting all the way…

@Druezer

7 ай бұрын

I don’t mind the bromances but I can’t bear the not funny skits. But yeah, Tom’s reviews are top tier.

Have enjoyed your reviews for years always great. I really like Subaru too, but this thing is ugly looks like a warthog. What in the world were they thinking?

The Kia Telluride is more popular, but moneywise you are probably better off with a used Chrysler Pacifica with a V6, not the very unreliable hybrid version.

Wow the Toyota grand higghlader Max hybrid gets more gas mileage For the Same price ???? That’s amazing

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

Also, amazing? The price difference of over $10,000.

@reserva120

7 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews :) that a boy, now you're on track...! cheers, Allan

The front end reminds me of a cockroach. And that's a bad thing.

Gets families to trailheads? Because an Odyssey cannot? Another useless three row crossover with cramped third row.

@0HOON0

7 ай бұрын

The Ascent will get to more trailheads in my area than an Odyssey.

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

Since you never seem to like any vehicle I test, I'm curious what you drive.

@TinLeadHammer

7 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews VW GTi Mk7 with 6-speed manual.

Such a bland vehicle.

You talk about giving up creature comforts to save money. It is a damn vehicle…transportation not a living room. Do not need all that added stuff to go to the grocery store..shows how people,fall for all the added stuff they do not need. Just an ego trip..

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

A large sunroof is an ego trip? I spend as much time in cars as I do my living room and I like the light the glass panel provides. And I listen to the bulk of my music in the car. There are certain things I (and others) want from a vehicle. Buy the car that works for you.

@robertpettigrew3862

7 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviewsSince you live in Seattle where light is at premium and clouds more than plentiful sunroof may be an attractive add on….. just do not open it as you will get wet .In full disclosure I live in Detroit that gets about the same amount of cloudiness as Seattle. Have a car with a sunroof and never slide the sun shade back. Maybe your eyes need to be checked..🤔