DRIVEN + VIDEO: Subaru Suits Up For Seven Seater Duty With The Ascent — How Does It Fare Out?

While the Subaru Ascent isn't the Japanese company's first go at producing a three-row sport-utility vehicle, we can say it is the company's first good effort at doing so. Remember, the Tribeca existed.

How can you forget that vehicle and that horror show?

Finally, the Subaru team designed a purpose-built, three-row SUV that plays to Subaru's strengths. It's handsome on the outside but we don't suspect it will win any design awards. Its interior is OK but likely won't inspire anyone to purchase solely based on the cabin.

Really, consumers put Subarus in their driveway because they're reliable, have all-wheel drive and put safety first. The Ascent delivers on all those fronts.

For an in-depth point of view on the all-new Ascent, check out Kelley Blue Book's review of the big daddy Subaru, below.

Enthusiasm for Subarus by their owners is the envy of the automotive industry, and Subaru is happy to give the people what they want, meaning SUVs. So meet the all-new seven-passenger Ascent, the first of its kind for the brand. Micah Muzio shows you the Ascent in all its three-row glory. Hopefully, it's even more Subaru for loyalists to love.

MDarringer - 10/28/2018 11:40:25 AM

-1 Boost

The AssScent is as behind the game as the Atlast. Both look 10 years old. Both are as dull as they can be. The AssScent is selling at a volume that is 50% of what it needs to be to be considered an also ran. As it is, like the Atlast, it's merely a dull footnote. This is an epic miss for Subaru.

cidflekken - 10/29/2018 12:57:21 AM

+1 Boost

I can’t stop laughing at this. My brother just told me that he and his wife were considering either the Ascent or Atlas as their next vehicle. Oh the irony. I just gave no reaction because I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Haha!

MDarringer - 10/29/2018 8:28:30 AM

-1 Boost

My brother and his wife have an 09 Flex and they looked around and did not find a choice for them and their four boys better than Flex so he paid me a visit and found him one in inventory up in the Fresno area. His wife grew up in Mexico and dreamed her way here with the notion that VWs are excellent. He's always wanted a WRX, so the AssScent and Atlast were on their list along with the Traverse and others. The ancient Flex is still a pretty good choice in the segment. The 09 has around 170K on it and has only needed routine maintenance and replacement of worn out parts (tires, shocks, etc.). He plans to use it as his work car.

TomM - 10/28/2018 5:21:55 PM

+2 Boost

Yes - Matt is correct in this case

The Ascent is just a filler for Dyed in the wool Subaru Buyers - it is hopeless in competition with what was out there 5 years ago - today it belongs in a Museum.

cidflekken - 10/29/2018 1:09:29 AM

+1 Boost

Painfully dull and boring even for this segment. I’d easily go with a Highlander, Traverse, or Explorer, not that those are great choices either. But if I was forced to buy in this segment that’s where I would go.

MDarringer - 10/29/2018 8:15:12 AM

-1 Boost

The irony of the Explorer being better is that it's ancient and the AssScent is new, well it's not entirely new given how Subaru cobbled it together, but you get the idea.

xjug1987a - 10/29/2018 9:18:23 AM

+1 Boost

Unfortunately, this is what the car companies spoon feed us now and perhaps we have become lemmings? I recently read an article in Hemmings Classic Car mag that lamented the fact the car companies today give us (the general car buying public) only what THEY allow. Tan, gray or black interiors, the majority of exterior colors are white, silver, 5 shades of gray or black. Some reds but really few exciting choices. Styles range from CUV's & SUV's to 4 doors. The article states this is what we want but also says how they just don't make cars or provide choices like they used to. There are so many designs and offerings today though totally uninspiring. IMO the 911 remains one of the few very special cars out there. I would love a brand new 2019, 1969 Eldorado or a modern Mark IX or even a brand new modern 1963 Buick Riviera… A dramatic 2 door coupe with style, power and did I say style? Our parents grew up in a time when the sky was the limit in car choices, and even in the 70's I think the article said something like 70% of cars sold were 2 doors... today literally no one makes a decent 2 door personal luxury coupe. These cars are the lemming’s choices I suppose…