Skip to main content

2021 Subaru Ascent Comes With One New Tech Feature Everybody Wants

The 2021 Subaru Ascent arrives at Subaru retailers now. Check out one new technology feature everyone wants.
2020 Subaru Ascent, New Subaru SUV, 3-Row SUV, best family 3-Row SUV

J.D. Power calls it the technology X-factor, and the 2021 Subaru Ascent has it. The J.D. Power 2020 Tech Experience Index Study identifies which new automotive technology features customers want and even influences their car-buying decisions. The study shows some new high-tech features are not all that important to customers and aren't "the one" that makes much difference.

A surprise new technology feature that comes standard on the 2021 Ascent family hauler is the Rear Seat Reminder. A report from Automotive News says the rear-seat reminder received one of the highest Execution Index scores in the luxury and mass-market segments from owners.

2021 Subaru Ascent, New Subaru SUV, 3-Row SUV, best family 3-Row SUV

The new feature reminds the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the SUV and prevents a child or a pet from accidentally being locked and trapped in the vehicle. J.D. Power says owners applaud its ability to save children's lives, but it also scores well for being a helpful reminder of items that may be overlooked and left in the back seat.

It can be an excellent reminder to check for valuables or electronic devices left in plain sight on shopping trips or leaving your vehicle in a secluded area while going on a hike.

Nine brands now offer versions of the technology, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Nissan, and Subaru. For the 2020 and 2021 model year, all Subaru Forester and Ascent trim levels now come with a new Rear Seat Reminder.

2021 Subaru Ascent, New Subaru SUV, 3-Row SUV, best family 3-Row SUV

Subaru's safety system does not physically sense children or pets' presence in the rear seat area. Still, it will turn on if one of the following conditions occur: the vehicle starts within 30 minutes after a rear door opens and closes, a rear side door opens and closes when the car is running and stationary, the car is turned off and back on again within 30 minutes, and the rear side doors remained closed.

The Rear Seat Reminder alerts the driver with an audible sound after the vehicle is turned off and displays a warning message in the Combination Meter Display, reminding the driver to check the rear seat area.

If you buy a 2021 Subaru Ascent or Forester, they both come standard with the new Rear Seat Reminder. This technology is an X-factor, and it's a feature everybody wants.

You Might Also Like: How Safe Are New Subaru SUVs? They Now Offer 2 Of The 5 Best Back Seat Safety Features

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru

Automotive News
Subaru
Subaru Ascent

Comments

Kris Galan (not verified)    October 9, 2020 - 9:18AM

Permalink

You didn't mention that the 2020 Subaru Impreza has the "Rear Seat Reminder!" My new Subaru Impreza Premium has it.

Chupacabra (not verified)    October 9, 2020 - 12:10PM

Permalink

I can't think of a feature I want or need less than this. Obviously some people want it, but seems pretty pointless unless you are so brain dead that you'd leave your kids or pets in the car and leave them there.

David Walters (not verified)    October 9, 2020 - 1:00PM

Permalink

A while back you all let the world know about the "Cracking of Subaru Windshields". It happened to me with my 2020 Ascent after only 800 miles. What has become of the "Class actions lawsuit" that was files by certain buyers of the 2020 Ascent??

dennis torricelli (not verified)    November 12, 2020 - 11:22AM

Permalink

We need a height adjust on the front passenger seat it is a traveling tour vehicle! I agree better lighting is needed in rear cargo area AZP Installs is going to change side rear interior lite to bright LED The rest of the car has LED upgrade! I have a terrible wind noise after 60mph on front left windshield! Otherwise fantastic car cannot stop praising it to everyone! Removable 2nd row center bench should be available (check out 2008 Highlander second row can be bucket or change to bench) thank you

Chupacabra (not verified)    November 16, 2020 - 11:51AM

Permalink

I put an LED in the cargo area myself, it's a 5 second job and it greatly improves the illumination back there. It's sad that the LED upgrade does all the interior bulbs but that one.