Okay, here’s a summary of the Subaru Ascent review, capturing the main points:
Subaru Ascent: A Competent, Comfortable, and Safe Large Crossover, but Not a Star
The review presents the Subaru Ascent as a solid, functional, and safe large three-row crossover. Its key strengths are highlighted:
- Three-Row Comfort: It’s praised for its comfortable ride, especially over bumps, and the overall experience of driving and being passengers.
- Safety Features: The suite of safety technologies (Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, Eye Sign Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert) is noted as comprehensive and potentially beneficial, although the review also points out that some features (like the Lane Keep Assist) can feel overly aggressive.
- Reliability & Safety: As expected from Subaru, it’s seen as reliable and safe.
- All-Wheel Drive: Symmetrical AWD is highlighted as a significant advantage, particularly in snowy or slippery conditions.
- Value: It’s presented as a good value proposition for the price.
However, the review also identifies several weaknesses and criticisms:
- Underwhelming Performance: The powertrain (CVT and engine) is described as weak, unexciting, and lacking true performance. It’s noted as sounding noisy under acceleration.
- Interior Quality/Controls: While functional, the interior is criticized for feeling somewhat dated, particularly with the infotainment system and the placement/feel of the controls (climate controls are specifically mentioned as being in awkward spots). It lacks the luxury and refinement of direct competitors.
- Aggressive Safety Alerts: Some of Subaru’s safety features, like the Lane Keep Assist, are described as overly sensitive or aggressive, potentially annoying drivers.
- Competition: The review bluntly states that the main problem for the Ascent is the intense competition. Vehicles like the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-90 offer better features, technology, luxury, and in some cases, better warranty/service deals. Subaru’s Ascent is seen as simply not being good enough to stand out in this crowded segment.
- Price: While not explicitly stated as expensive, the review implies that buying an Ascent might not be the most cost-effective choice given the feature-rich and often cheaper options from competitors.
Overall Conclusion:
The Ascent is presented as a decent, comfortable, and safe vehicle that fulfills its basic crossover role well. It’s a reliable choice, particularly for families prioritizing safety and AWD, and for drivers who prefer a straightforward, non-complicated ride. However, it’s not considered exceptional or exciting. Its main drawback is that it doesn’t excel enough to justify its price or to compete effectively with the more feature-packed and luxurious offerings from its rivals in the large three-row crossover segment
