It is interesting one of the points that you made in this video. The point of people commenting about how Subarus fail in offroad situations. I have grown up in the offroad world, starting out with my 78' Blazer that my dad and I built together. I cannot tell you how many people I came across with amazing offroaders completely stuck or broken down in only semi-difficult situations. Is does not matter how great a vehicle is at doing something, you absolutely have to know what you are doing to be successful. You can get anything stuck or cause anything to fail if you are unaware of the proper driving habits or limitations of your vehicle. I have owned Subarus since the 1990's and driven them in pretty much every situation short of straight rock crawling and I have yet to encounter a failure or breakdown of any sort. I have definitely made mistakes as a driver and gotten into bad situations that I needed help getting out of. I learned from those and adjusted my driving behaviors to avoid those mistakes again. But the vehicles themselves have never failed me. Subarus have really impressive systems in them and they are comfortable on the highway and offroad as well extremely safe. Take care of your Subaru vehicle and it will definitely take care of you.

Hello! I offered you our 2023 Ascent last year to test, but you couldn't due to insurance reasons. So I'm really glad to see you finally getting one to test. And I hope you test it a lot more offroad and in snow, and more difficult road situations, because it's very capable! In the past 24k miles on our 2023 Subaru Ascent Limited my family of 6 (2 adults, 4 kids ages 10 and under, one of which is a 1 year old) have driven hundreds (thousands?) of miles offroad. We took our whole family and our 60 lb dog on a 3,400 mile trip last October, 16 days of camping and mostly offroading through the BDR trails of Utah and WA, including Moab, UT, Bethel Ridge WA, and many more areas. And it handled beautifully! After that trip we have zero doubts about it's capability and comfort for our larger family. This year we are planning another 3,000 miles trip through more of Utah's BDR and Colorado BDR, plus finishing off WA BDR offroad trails this year. We frequently (as in, almost every single weekend) take our Ascent with all 6 members of our family into the cascade mountains and Mt Rainer area in all kinds of offroad conditions from mud, steep/deep puddles, rocks, deep snow, etc. We have only been stuck a couple of times in the deep snow (18+"), but that was mainly a tire issue (spinning tires, no traction). Something I wanted to mention in reply to your video above, the Ascent provides 100% of the engine torque at 2k RPM's. This is worth noting because it means the RPM's are never very high in any kind of driving condition, unlike other SUV's that require high rpm's to put the power down. Also, we've pushed our Ascent VERY HARD in rough conditions and not once ever had AWD issues. Never overheated. The engine, transmission, and AWD system has never failed us. It's one of the only AWD systems that I can trust to safely get my family from point A to point B through offroad conditions any time I ask it to. Something else worth noting. In all the offroading we've done in numerous states, we have never seen a Honda, VW, Hyundai, Kia, etc. What we do see is always Toyota, Jeep, Subaru and Ford (specifically only the bronco) and the occasional Chevy truck. I think that pretty much confirms that despite other brands offering 'offroad' focused options and vehicle trims, people don't actually trust them enough to take them offroad. Subaru's ARE that trusted vehicle people take offroad and the Ascent is one of them.

Had a 2020 Ascent, really enjoyed it. So much so, we traded it for a 2023 last year, and like it even more. Great vehicles, and appreciate the subtle improvements in the refreshed model. Great size for our family of four, strong value in the Premium trim, and an excellent all-around vehicle. Appreciate how safe Subarus are as well, especially as my wife's daily driver.

Great vid, as always!!! I've got over 10,000 miles off roading my Ascent all over the country, and also never had my AWD fail or shut down. Heck, I've off roaded my Ascent in all four of this country's major deserts, and we spent hours off roading the Arches NP 4x4 Trail and had no problems.

Love my '23 limited, does everything I need and brings some peace of mind with great IIHS and NHTSA scores.

Loved my 2020 so much we just went and got a 2024. 85k on the 2020 without a hiccup - smooth, quiet, comfortable and such a good value. Got the same setup as this one reviewed for a cool $44.5k - a lot of vehicle for the money these days

On our 8th Subaru in the family, and have had excursions into snow that was difficult and near stuck to the point of rocking for near ten minutes. No issues with the awd system... not even once. Love the review! I'm currently driving the 23 version of this vehicle.

Glad to know the Xmode on a larger vehicle still works as intended. Would like to see more videos of this system pushed even further (if subaru will let you) in an Ascent since its a huge part of why people would buy this over other cars in the segment. Also would love to see a long roatrip video with this vehicle, perhaps a touring trim.

You love Subarus and you live where I live and that’s why I love you and your vids. Thank you for having Subarus back. You’re 100% they don’t fail and over heat like others. They just go. 🎉🎉😊

Why do all these manufacturers keep putting big rims on their more off-road focused trims? That is so counter-intuitive. This thing should have no more than 18" rims.

Really enjoyed this test! We have a 2020 and love it. It’s been wonderful for all kinds of trips and weather. Approaching 90k now.

Thank you! I have the 22 limited. I am very happy with it.

A base 2021 Ascent (with a few subtle mods) changed me over from being a lifelong Honda and Mazda owner. Subarus for my family for life.

I really wish Subaru would add a Wilderness trim to the Ascent. Oh, well waiting for more information on the new Toyota Land Cruiser while lusting for the new Lexus GX550 Overtrail.

Agreed with you Ryan we need a Wilderness version of the Ascent

Awesome vid & honest on point review!👏🏽👌🏽👍🏽💯

what area were you driving through around the 13 - 14 min part of video? Someplace in Washington? 🌟🌲good video!

just now watching it.. LETS GO!! love these videos

Really enjoyed your review. You're good at what you do. I just ordered the Ascent Premium Trim because it was least expensive in comparison to the competitors. And now after learning about it from reading and watching videos like yours, I am very excited to receive my car which is on a neighboring Island. (Oahu to Maui). God Bless.

Hi! Very interesting like always :) Do you consider a Nissan Rogue E-power test? This is quite rare sistem (serial hybrid) and they claim a very quick transfert between front and rear.

Thanks for the very professional review. Subscribed 🙂

22’ Crosstrek 6 speed manual here. Your videos have inspired me to go out and drive my own Subaru offroad. What I want to know is how Subaru tunes the brake vectoring in the Crosstreks that don’t have the CVT or X-Mode. My car has a button that makes the traction control slightly more lenient with wheel spin. Kind of like an X-Mode type 2. I’ve done some articulation testing with my car, and it does seem to shift power around like it’s in X-Mode, but there is no mode selector involved.

I went with 23 Ascent Touring and like it a lot but seeing your Lexus GX video yesterday I may consider making a change later in the year to that or the Land Cruiser if checks enough boxes

as usual, another review knocked out of the park. 👍

Very informative and helpful videos with this guy. Good job 👍. I agree in underneath plate protection, more aggressive tires and clearance but, other than that Subaru ❤ 👏

Excellent review. Considering this and a Honda Pilot as my next vehicle.

I have a 2021 ascent limited, 1.5" lifted with wildpeak a/t tires. Basically it can go anywhere if ground clearance allows. I did stuck on snow once when high centered, all 4 wheels cannot touch the ground. I dug the snow at the center out and finally drove away. I want to lift it more but I need to tow an RV trailer. I added a thick skidplate, so I ahve the chance to back up the car without damaging when hitting something at the bottom.

I got the 2024 Onyx, love the extra space and the car looks gorgeous

Love that comment,”practical testing.” So much inflammatory stuff is people putting a vehicle in a situation outside of its designed intent.

Absolutely love my Ascent 🎉

Hey Ryan, I love your videos and have been a subscriber for years but I would like ask a favor. Being a new Passport Trailsport owner I knew going into ownership that this vehicle would not be, left stock, a beast off road (yes I did watch TFL overheat the AWD on the Trailsport). I get that nor am I upset at the trail test you did but if you did in fact remove some dirt where the Passport got stuck, any chance we could give it a second shot? Maybe a viewer in your area could bring one through? I just feel like in your test the low front aero guard and the angle of entry on that turn basically had the Passport driving into and not over the earth. We are just getting over a crazy winter here in eastern Nebraska and my Trailsport has not struggled with any of the crap this winter has thrown at it. I will say that watching your snow test on the Trailsport was more realistic with the most extreme conditions I would ever deal with.

Can you do your test for the regular 2024 santa fe and the 2024 santa fe xrt..thanks

I love my 2023 Ascent Limited. Great power, excellent ride quality, plenty of space. I also put Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3s, which makes the ride even better and quieter. The Pirellis also smooth out the throttle. I took it on a family road trip with the car fully loaded(me + 4 full size adults + their luggage) and it performed beautifully. It's not as flashy or as well known as some of the competitors, but I've appreciated the car the more I've owned it. My mother said the Ascent was so comfortable that it seemed like the roadtrip went by way faster than the last time.

We chose a 2023 outback onyx 2.5 over the wilderness for a lower vehicle height with a Inno roof box on. We can drive into our garage with the box on. Total height is 78”. Thanks for your unique helpful reviews. We factory ordered our Outback without sunroof or GPS for about $35K. Only miss a turbo when passing a semi going uphill.

And Wilderness version of the Ascent would have a lower gear ratio, of course. They definitely should release Ascent Wilderness

I currently have a 2021 Limited with just over 50,000 miles on it. GREAT car! It has made 3 round trips from Southwest Florida to Massachusetts and back.....very comfortably. I was VERY concerned about the CVT after reading and watching videos about vehicles with them. I actually REALLY LIKE the Subaru CVT. It has a built in oil cooler....(which is a must) , and it is smooth as hell. In my opinion, it constantly applies power to the wheels in all conditions without interruption. It's a great application for these vehicles. I to0 really wish that Subaru would "get with it" in regard to their marketplace. As an example, right now, all of their competitors are coming out with very desireable "box" type SUV new models. Yet the Ascent....is overdue for a complete update to the model.....as well as a Wilderness.....and ....NOTHING. They were a day late and a dollar short coming out with the Ascent back in 2019. It's happening again.WHY? The newly designed 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.....is going to destroy the market for the Ascent if Subaru doesn't get on the stick. My opinion.

i watched the video, great video.. i agree honda is coming in to win. aside from the clearance and better tires.. would you still say sabaru has the best AWD system? maybe second to this honda car and that ford branco sport.. but would you say its 3rd on the list compared to everything else?

One thing I like about Subaru is the oil filter located on top, so DIY oil change is very easy, especially if you use Fumoto valve, easy and no mess.

Excellent review!!

Even in the south when it gets cold I bring out the USB powered "heated" steering wheel and heated/cooled seat warmers. Just keep it as an option or a trim level for upper trims of super off-road versions.

You my friend are the Nutnfancy of cars! That is a complement

I have a 22 ascent and i love it. Been really debating on getting the new one but not sold on it. Nice new features though. If they release a wilderness edition I'll switch lol

I agree with you. I’ve been a long time viewer and subscriber, I’ve yet to EVER see an AWD system failure from a Subaru on your channel. It’s a superior AWD system over many of its competitors, plain and simple.

Please, which Land Cruiser model did you order?

All the newer 11 inch screen Subaru infotainments systems (those that support wireless Carplay/AA) allow for customization of the AC button on the lower right. I recommend changing it to 'Auto" Then you can just set your temp and let the system determine air direction and fan speed. Also, one of the Subaru voice commands is "Set temperature to "X" so you can literally change your temperate w/o taking your hands off the wheel.

I am curious about what you had for fuel efficiency because i have terrible fuel consumptions…

What a great review, especially in light of your recent Honda Passport TrailSport test. The Ascent, which is one heftier vehicle, and with stock highway tyres, made such light work of the off-road course. Again, notwithstanding the absence of a side by side comparison, the Honda's 4WD system just fails compared to the Subaru system. Some of the best features I love on my 2022 Outback are its great ground clearance, the beefy tyre side walls due to R18 wheel size, and the safety of its AWD when road conditions can become downright treacherous - and all without going to the bulk of a truck-like SUV.

I enjoy your reviews quite a bit. I have one question to ask in regards to Subarus. They all pretty much use the same engine across the board, AWD and nearly identical interiors. Yes I know there is the 2.5, 2.4 and the 2.0. But....is there a real noticeable difference in their driving dynamics? Cheers from the world's heated steering wheel nation of Canuckistan.

I would prefer physical buttons over this big touch screen. I'm glad that You take it hard ino yours course. Greetings

But the real question is will they do a Wilderness version of the Ascent? Not as nimble as the Outback or Crosstrek but it could be for those that need or want more room.

Will they ever do a Wilderness Edition?

I was remembered when I was going to the mountains on a simply bike.

I would like you to test the Outback 2.5 Onyx addition to see how different it is compared to the XT model.

I watched the whole thing, I love Subaru😍

A Wilderness Ascent would be nice

Your my favorite car reviewer

Nice video. I have a 2021 ascent limited. However, I'm looking at the new santa and the new Toyota Grand highlander Hybrid Max. Let's see what subaru brings for 2025 ascent, then i will decide.

Huge Subaru fan. We own an Outback 2019, bought in 2020. We do not get the Crosstrek and Ascent where I live and you barely ever even see the Outback on the streets. Mainly the XV.

Thanks Ryan. I've got some blue tape for that face scanner (oh wait, it's only temporary?). Also, patiently awaiting the return of the Legacy GT wagon (the adulting WRX/STi). 🤔 patiently waiting...yep, uh huh.... still waiting. Hello? Subaru? Hello...is this thing on.....

When can we expect a review of the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?

Would me nice if Subaru would offer the same camera set up on all Wilderness trims.

I've never had a car but every year what I look at among SUVs is the Subaru brand. I'm a big fan of Outback. I dream of my first moments on and in it.

Yes! The return of Ryan in the 3rd row seats!! 🎉 But boy, there is literally no leg room for anyone, other than a toddler.

Given Toyota’s new hybrid systems for off-road, I would love to see Subi bring Wilderness Hybrid models to their lineup. I love my OBW, but would love it even more if the mpg went up, and then might even consider an assent wilderness hybrid.

I really wish we have the ascent in south east asia. Can really use the third row seat and the more powerful engine. But with that being said, I really enjoy my 2024 crosstrek even though we only have the 2000cc engine option 👍🏻

I purchased a 2024 Outback Wilderness. It is a great car. Love the adaptive cruse control. It works better than the Toyota version. I do prefer mechanical systems over software. Computers always fail. Mechanical systems can last indefinitely.

Next ascent wilderness

I think for capability vs price, it is hard to beat the Ascent in its category! We love our 23 Touring!

My Outback has the driver monitor system, and it is easy to turn off. In fact, it seemed to me that after turning it off and then turning it back on, it quit being so fussy 😊. I like the navigation system. It takes up the screen nicely . Just when you give it voice commands, it is useless. It simply has no idea of what I'm saying, even with the simplest of commands. If you have the My Subaru app for your phone or tablet, you can program a trip or destination into the navigation system without the car being turned on. That's pretty cool. If you have profiles set up, it keeps track of the lifetime gas mileage of that profile and posts it on the 11.6 inch screen if you have that as one of your display options.

I'm guessing Subaru provided that jacket, right? I can't find it anywhere online. It's subtle and would go well when I'm driving my Outback or WRX

It'd be cool if the face scanner can be used as a security measure. So that it won't start at all if it doesn't recognize a face (but obviously can be disabled for valet parking)

So .............. will they do a wilderness for the Ascent?

@drivingsportstv Can the face scanner be disabled?

Ive owned Frontier 4x4, Lexux GX, Subaru forester and other AWD vehicles... most of the time its about the driver and where you take your vehicle. I would choose the Subaru AWD system over any other vehicle in its class.

The ascent can fit a pretty large tire for a small SUV. I’ve seen guys with 32s on them with a small lift.

Now that you removed that dirt, try the Passport. Get one with a remapped yaw rate rear sensors.

We don't have Ascend in Europe, sadly. Even sadder is that we don't have 2.4 turbo, Onyx and Wilderness trim. XV/Crosstrek comes only in 1.6 and 2.0 Mhev engine options. Life is not fair...

Would you drive this on a beach like a 4x4? Like in OBX?

That subie blow me away, it made it so easy going over those rough terrains compare to other struggling SUVs, CVT or not drop of the hat.

Ryan, several internet reviewers claim the Ascent’s throttle as “too sensitive” or twitchy. Do you find it as such?……thanks, Don

Why do they have 20 inch rims on an off roader? 🤔

🥴 18:33 I'm not being a foil hat guy but you said it doesn't hold the picture of the face in memory. How would it recognize different Drivers if it doesn't. Is it linked with WiFi for updates and things? 😅 I think it's something you should investigate more please if you feel like including the information in the video otherwise outstanding and thank you ❤🖖🇺🇲

I have a 13 year old Forester. Very reliable car. Never left me on the road. Is the Outback better than the Ascent for off-road?

I thought modern subaru's were 60/40 for the cvt's but i might be wrong.

Nice to see Auntie Sonya finally getting a review (Ascent came by this name because it shares an impressive rear end with the titular Auntie). I was curious how it performed off the pavement (a friend is considering switching from AWD Sienna). Dumb Tom navigation is more of an ornament than a help (same thing as in Forester Wilderness), we use it as a overland map in places like Dismal Swamp while driving by Waze. Anyway, definitely a more capable adventure/camping vehicle than Sienna. Between you and me we got another Subaru convert lured away from Toyota. 😈

I personally owned a 2019. @ 38k it locked up all 4 wheels @ 69mph and grenaded the cvt. $9000 later (warranty covered) back on the road. Never could get an answer to how or why it happened. Look at the large number of Accents in your local salvage yard. BTW it broke both front half shafts clean in the middle of the shaft.

So all wheel drive from Subarus are better than other all wheel drive cars?

My 2023 Ascent will spin the wheels easily on gravel/dirt from a dead stop, maybe the throttle needed to be recalibrated which is a known issue from the dealer.

Nissan xtrail e4force .?

I’ve never once read that Subaru AWD fails. Although I HAVE experienced the CVT being the limitation off-road.

Please make a good hybrid version. Then I would be very interested

Not sure if it is possible, but a low range would fix many of the issues off-road with Subarus. Ascent seems like a great family SUV.

The Ascent is best looking Subaru out there. Seems to be a "light-offroaders" dream.

Nice!

I don’t know why they don’t have a wilderness edition. So many people would buy it. I brought a limited and love it but If there was a wilderness I’d go swap in a heartbeat.

21:11 😢 I recently heard that the steering system is electric and doesn't have a mechanical Link like an older version with a traditional steering column. I think it's a very important detail for consideration because I have an 05 Forester with an electronic throttle and gas pedal. Only connected with an electronic circuit. My pedal failed while driving without warning and I had to get up a very slight incline to safely get off the road. I had to go less than one mph because it went to limp mode and was like going on flat ground with almost no throttle. Very inconvenient when it happened I was driving in heavy traffic and just had zero options. I paid $299 for the part at O'Reilly's not from Subaru and Amazon was the same price. I changed it easily but HOLY CRAP THAT SUCKED 😮‼️ Now imagine I had the electric steering system and that failed going down the road ⁉️❣️🥴🖖🇺🇲

Finally, subaru ascent review, why it so late?

i think the “fail” would happen if the risks were taking but subaru as you say doesn’t like it when things get scratched. hence all of the caution with subaru vehicles during testing. i own a 2.5 2018 outback 120k miles and i’m always afraid of testing its limit haha

A Subaru *will* do a donut. You need to turn the wheel all the way to one side and put the throttle hard down. In the owners manual this is described as “torque vectoring”. It also occurs during turns in regular driving but in more minor ways. I used to have a ‘21 Outback and it was fun to take it to empty parking lots in the snow and do some Ken Block stuff. Subies are actually pretty darn capable for what they are. I also drove that thing on beaches up and down the east coast and it never got stuck once

I found it biased when you test the 3rd row seat. When you pulled the 3rd row seat on the Pilot, you had the back seat on the UP postition. This defaults the seat to stop at the far setting. When you tested the Ascent, you had the back seat tilted Forward. At this position, the seat defaults to the closest setting. Try putting the seat at the UP position before you pull it, it will also stop at the far setting. You will have more leg room than the pilot. And still have plenty of legroom on 2nd row.