The Subaru Ascent has carved a niche for itself as the go-to vehicle for families seeking a reliable, safe, and adventure-ready SUV. Subaru, a brand synonymous with all-wheel-drive capability and high safety ratings, has long appealed to those with an active lifestyle. While models like the Outback and Forester have traditionally been considered the quintessential “mom cars,” the Ascent steps into the larger, three-row SUV category without losing the brand’s core values. Starting at a competitive price point between $34,000 and $48,000 for the top-tier Touring edition, the 2024 Subaru Ascent offers standard all-wheel drive and a host of features that make it a compelling option for families, especially those who prioritize outdoor adventures.
Image alt text: Front profile of a 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition in a driveway showcasing its bold grille and headlight design.
Spacious, Easy to Drive, and Designed with Kids in Mind: My Experience with the Subaru Ascent
Initially, the sheer size of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition, which arrived for my test drive, was a bit daunting. Coming from a 2011 Forester, the Ascent appeared significantly larger. However, once behind the wheel, this initial intimidation quickly dissipated. The Ascent felt surprisingly manageable and nimble from the driver’s seat.
The steering was responsive and well-weighted, the turning radius was impressively tight for a vehicle of its size, and the climate controls were intuitively placed and easily accessible alongside the infotainment system. Visibility was excellent, and the driver’s seat offered a comfortable and commanding position. The expansive 54-inch tinted sunroof amplified the sense of spaciousness and airiness within the cabin.
Related: How Does the Ascent Compare to the 2025 Subaru Forester?
Image alt text: Interior view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition driver’s seat and dashboard highlighting the spacious cabin and user-friendly controls.
Built for Families: The Subaru Ascent Prioritizes Child-Friendly Features
The Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition I tested featured second-row captain’s chairs, a configuration that significantly enhances access to the third row and creates a more open feel in the back. Installing child car seats was remarkably straightforward thanks to the easily accessible LATCH system anchors. Both the lower anchors, which were simple to locate and engage with, and the upper tethers on the seatbacks were user-friendly.
In contrast to my personal Forester, where locating the anchor points is often a struggle, resulting in frustrating car seat installations, the Ascent made the process incredibly quick and painless. I managed to install both front-facing and rear-facing car seats in under two minutes, without any assistance. Beyond the ease of car seat installation, the Ascent offered ample space in the footwells, comfortably accommodating my purse, kids’ toys, and a diaper bag without encroaching on the cargo area.
Related: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Review: The Best Outdoor Companion
Image alt text: Close-up of the second-row captain’s chairs in the 2024 Subaru Ascent demonstrating the ample space for child car seats and easy access to LATCH anchors.
Integrated Sunshades: A Blessing for Sunny Days with Kids
Getting my two young daughters in and out of their car seats was noticeably easier in the Ascent due to the increased ceiling height compared to my own vehicle. The girls were particularly fond of the large windows in the rear of the Ascent. My two-year-old, while enjoying looking out the window, is sensitive to sunlight and often expresses her displeasure with the sun.
However, the Ascent’s integrated manual sunshades proved to be a game-changer. Throughout our time in the Ascent, she didn’t complain about the sun once. Another hit with her was the sunroof. While she also enjoys the sunroof in my Forester, the Ascent’s larger panoramic sunroof offered an even more expansive view of the scenery during our drives through Central Oregon. She enthusiastically requested to have the “winnow” opened every time we entered the car.
Read More: Are You Passionate About National Parks? You and Subaru Have Something in Common
Image alt text: Interior shot of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition’s rear passenger window showcasing the built-in sunshade pulled up for sun protection.
Durable and Family-Friendly Interiors: Water-Repellent Seats
With two toddlers prone to spills, the “StarTex” water-repellent seats in the Subaru Ascent were an invaluable feature. While juice spills still left a slight residue, cleanup was significantly easier compared to the cloth seats in my Forester, which bear the permanent marks of countless toddler mishaps.
My older daughter also appreciated the enhanced visibility as a passenger in the Ascent. In my car, she typically becomes restless and vocal about wanting to get out of her car seat after about 30 minutes. However, in the Ascent, she was content and comfortable enough to remain in the car for up to two hours before expressing any desire to get out. Similarly, my youngest daughter spent a significant portion of our journeys asleep, a rare occurrence for her.
Read More: The Best 3-Row SUVs Under $40,000 for Back to School Carpools, Family Travel and Daily Driving
Image alt text: Rear seats of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx showcasing the StarTex water-repellent upholstery and spacious legroom.
Impressive Cargo Space: Even with a Double Stroller
Prior to a grocery run at Costco, I had taken the girls for a walk by the river, leaving our double stroller in the back of the Ascent. With no family nearby to assist with childcare, I typically keep the third row folded down. Initially, I was concerned about whether there would be sufficient cargo space for both the stroller and a large grocery haul.
However, simply pushing the stroller against the second row was enough to reveal the generous 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which easily accommodated all my groceries. The space was so abundant that I could have comfortably sat cross-legged inside the cargo area with the tailgate closed, with room to spare. The amount of space in a vehicle that felt so maneuverable on the road truly impressed me.
Image alt text: Open liftgate of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx revealing the expansive cargo area with the third row folded down, highlighting its storage capacity.
Third-Row Considerations: Space and Storage Limitations
The cargo capacity does decrease noticeably when the third row is in use. With the third row up, the 17.6 cubic feet of space could only accommodate the stroller and very little else. For families regularly needing to transport more than two children, the Ascent can still work. Utilizing a single seat in the third row and folding down the other side provides a balance of passenger and cargo space.
However, with all three rows occupied, third-row passengers should be advised to carry their belongings with them, as storage space behind the third row becomes limited. A rooftop cargo box could be a worthwhile addition for families who frequently require maximum passenger and cargo capacity. Additionally, the third row might not be the most comfortable for adults on longer journeys. I found myself needing to sit sideways to find a comfortable position.
Image alt text: Rear exterior view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition emphasizing the third-row seating and rear design.
Surprisingly Quick Performance for a 3-Row SUV
All Subaru Ascent models are equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 260 horsepower. While this horsepower figure might not seem particularly high for a nearly 4,000-pound SUV, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributes to the Ascent’s surprising agility. I was genuinely taken aback by how effortlessly the Ascent accelerated to pass a Mustang GT 500 while going 35 mph in a 55 mph zone. The Ascent never felt strained, slow, or sluggish during this maneuver.
For someone who appreciates a vehicle with responsive power, I was impressed by the unassuming performance of the Subaru Ascent. It delivers ample power when needed, making it a confident and capable performer in various driving situations.
Image alt text: Front three-quarter view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition showcasing its sporty front fascia and alloy wheels.
Reigniting the Spirit of Adventure with the Subaru Ascent Onyx
I drove the Ascent from Bend, Oregon, to Ridgefield, Washington, for a media event with the Northwest Automotive Press Association. To expedite the journey, I chose a route through the scenic Mt. Hood National Forest. On the return trip, I encountered a significant rainstorm. With few other vehicles on the road, I felt inspired to explore a campground situated alongside a creek, just off the main road.
Initially, thoughts of muddy conditions and an empty campground crossed my mind, almost prompting me to continue driving. However, glancing at the Subaru logo on the steering wheel, I reasoned that if any vehicle could handle mud and rain, it would be the Ascent. I ventured into the campground, immersing myself in the sights and sounds of the Pacific Northwest, taking photographs, and embracing the muddy terrain.
This impromptu detour evoked memories of pre-children days when I would frequently seek out similar spots in my Forester, scouting potential camping locations for future trips with my husband. The Ascent Onyx served as a reminder that these kinds of adventures are still attainable, even with two young children, and motivated me to prioritize exploring more often.
Image alt text: The 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition parked on a dirt road in a forest setting, highlighting its adventurous spirit and all-wheel-drive capability.
One Minor Change for Moms: Second-Row Bench Seating
While I found the fuel economy to be acceptable (averaging around 19 mpg in city driving and close to 25 mpg on highway drives), and the width of the driver’s area, while initially noticeable, was easily addressed by adjusting the steering wheel position, there was one aspect of the Onyx Edition I would reconsider.
Ultimately, I would likely opt for the second-row bench seating instead of the captain’s chairs. Although the captain’s chairs provided convenient access to the third row and a more spacious feel, they reduce the overall passenger capacity from eight to seven. The Onyx Edition boasts distinctive blacked-out exterior accents, wheels, and badging, along with a black interior featuring “StarTex” seats and neon green stitching.
While the blacked-out aesthetic is visually appealing, the black interior seemed to show dirt and dust rather easily. The rear seats appeared to accumulate dirt and crumbs from the kids within minutes. Of course, any interior color would likely show evidence of children, but the black seemed to amplify it. If I were to own the Onyx Edition, I anticipate dedicating some weekend time to cleaning up shoe prints and crumbs.
Image alt text: Interior view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition showcasing the black StarTex seats with neon green stitching and the spacious second row.
Value and Kid-Approved: The Subaru Ascent Onyx Delivers
On the day the Ascent was scheduled to be returned, my oldest daughter expressed genuine sadness at seeing the “big car” leave. She cried and pleaded with the driver not to take it away. Even weeks after its departure, she still looks towards the driveway and asks when the “big car” will be coming back home.
The Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition I tested carried an MSRP of $42,795, which, in my opinion, represents excellent value for what you receive. Considering the comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and steering assist, along with a heated steering wheel, generous cargo space, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration, StarLink connectivity, and Subaru’s renowned reliability, the Ascent feels and presents itself as a vehicle exceeding its price point.
However, the most compelling endorsement came from my children’s enthusiastic affection for the Ascent, solidifying my own positive impression of this family-oriented SUV.
Image alt text: Angled front view of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition parked on a paved road, highlighting its overall design and road presence.
By Kristen Brown
Brown is an Oregon-based automotive enthusiast and mother with a deep passion for car mechanics. She brings extensive first-hand experience and expertise to her automotive reviews.
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