Affordability- Where The 2023 Subaru Ascent Ranks With The Top-10 3-Row SUVs

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How affordable is the 2023 Subaru Ascent compared with other 3-Row SUVs? See where the newly-redesigned Ascent ranks with the ten most affordable new models.

Is the newly-upgraded 2023 Subaru Ascent affordable? Compared with the other 3-Row models for 2023, the Ascent offers good value for families looking for an SUV this winter. A new report from Kelley Blue Book lists the top 3-Row models that should be on your shopping list.

The Ten Most Affordable Three-Row Vehicles of 2023

From last to first, the GMC Arcadia ($38,195) is the tenth most affordable 3-Row SUV, followed by the Honda Odyssey ($38,785), Nissan Pathfinder ($36,295), Volkswagen Atlas ($36,445), Chevrolet Traverse ($35,915), Subaru Ascent ($35,120), Kia Carnival ($24,235), Kia Sorento ($31,285), Mitsubishi Outlander ($29,115), and Volkswagen Tiguan ($28,245).

What sets the 2023 Ascent apart from the competition?

The Ascent comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode for improved off-pavement, snow/mud, and dirt road capability. Ascent also gets the highest Top Safety Pick+ crash scores from the IIHS.

Among midsize SUVs in the new side crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Ascent was one of the models earning the highest "Good" rating.

What does KBB say about the Ascent?

"Standard all-wheel drive and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating are among the 2023 Subaru Ascent's headline strengths, and though the third row is best reserved for smaller children, this SUV can still seat up to eight. The Ascent's KBB Fair Purchase Price of $34,814 is a remarkable value, coming in below the MSRP of $35,120," says KBB.

What is the price of all Ascent trim levels?

The 2023 Subaru Ascent base starts at $35,120, and Premium trims begin at $39,180. The Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $42,520, the upper Limited starts at $42,820, the new Ascent Onyx Edition Limited is priced at $47,520, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $49,420. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees are included in the pricing above ($1,225).

What's new for 2023?

The 2023 Ascent receives a refresh with new features and upgrades. Ascent gets contemporary exterior styling, new safety tech, and new technology upgrades inside. The Onyx Edition also gets further improvements.

Which Ascent trim offers the best value?

Many 3-Row SUV shoppers will land on the Ascent Premium, which offers the best value under $40,000. The Premium trim offers new features, upgrades, and all-weather performance for most families.

Active families will want the Ascent Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trim levels with its newly-added dual-function X-Mode with Hill Descent Control. Dual-function X-Mode capabilities include Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings to optimize all-wheel-drive performance for enhanced all-weather, off-pavement trail, and beach-going ability.

What is the 2023 Ascent fuel mileage?

The 2023 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA-estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg. The 2023 Ascent Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition, and new Onyx Edition Limited trim levels get an EPA-estimated 19/25 city/highway mpg and 21 combined mpg.

Is Ascent reliable?

The 2023 Subaru Ascent is now on the Consumer Reports' newly recommended models list with improved reliability. More importantly, it dropped off CR's 10-least reliable model list. Ascent is now the most improved model for reliability in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup. Check out the recent report below.

Our take

The 2023 Subaru Ascent gets new upgrades and offers the best all-wheel-drive system and all-weather capability of any new 2023 3-Row SUV. Families looking for a safe, reliable SUV should add the Ascent to their shopping list this winter.

You Might Also Like: The 2023 Subaru Ascent Is Now On Consumer Reports Most-Improved Model Reliability List

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.

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