Subaru Ascent gets updates in the US, is the PH-spec Evoltis next?

MANILA: Subaru of America, Inc. has unveiled the 2023 Ascent (known as Evoltis in the Philippines), which features revamped styling and enhanced safety and in-vehicle technologies. The Onyx Edition trim level gets new exterior and interior details as well as a comprehensive option package for 2023.

The 2023 Ascent will be available in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trim levels when it hits Subaru dealerships in the US this fall.

The new front fascia, which includes a more prominent grille, revamped LED headlights, and a more muscular front bumper cover, gives the Ascent a sportier look. New lower-edge air ducts on the new front bumper cover improve aerodynamic flow under the vehicle. New Konoji (C-shaped) taillights complete the SUV's new look for 2023.

The latest version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on the 2023 Ascent. The upgraded system runs more reliably and in a wider range of situations. Among the improvements are a broader field of view, new control software, and the inclusion of an electric brake booster. A Wide-Angle Mono Camera that operates with the dual-camera EyeSight system is also standard across the model line. When the vehicle enters an intersection at a low speed, the additional camera expands the field of view to spot pedestrians and bicycles immediately. EyeSight warns the driver and applies the brakes if necessary to avoid crashes with crossing bicycles and pedestrians.

EyeSight provides Automatic Emergency Steering on models with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. When traveling at speeds less than 50 mph, the new feature works in tandem with the Pre-Collision Braking System to assist in steering the car to avoid a collision.

Cabin Connect improves communication between the driver and passengers in the third row. When activated, the feature uses the overhead console microphone to pick up the driver's or front passenger's voice, which is then transmitted through the rear speakers. Cabin Connect is only available on trim levels with Harman Kardon QuantumLogic surround sound speaker system.

An optional Surround View Monitor provides a 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle for enhanced all-around situational awareness while parking. The new system combines images from four vehicle cameras to create a single image that offers a bird's-eye view of the area surrounding the entire vehicle.

A tablet-style 11.6-inch full HD center information display is standard on all 2023 Ascent models, with direct touch controls for multimedia, climate control, X-Mode, and vehicle configuration settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard. For better nighttime visibility, every Ascent has Steering Responsive LED headlights with High Beam Assist. Moreover, each seat has a Seat Belt Reminder to ensure that all passengers are buckled up.

The Ascent Onyx Edition comes with exclusive black-finish exterior elements, badging, and 20-inch black-finish aluminum alloy wheels. Subaru StarTex water-repellent material is wrapped around the seats, with new contrasting green stitching.

The Onyx Edition is also equipped with a panoramic power moonroof with a tilt/slide glass panel over the front seats, a fixed glass panel over the middle row, and a power sunshade. This amazing glass roof is also standard on the Touring variant and available on the Limited.

The Ascent Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring also come standard with dual-function X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, which improves all-weather and trail capability. X-Mode functions include Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings to optimize all-wheel drive performance for grueling weather or road conditions.

The 2023 Ascent, which is based on the Subaru Global Platform, offers an exceptional driving experience and a roomy interior with comfortable and flexible seating options. With eight-person seating or available captain's chairs in the second row for seven-person seating, the Ascent is the most versatile Subaru ever. Two rows of 60/40 split flat-folding seats provide up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space when folded.

Subaru's acclaimed Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on all Ascent trim levels. All trim levels get Active Torque Vectoring as well. The SUV's 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is more than typical SUVs, delivers capability while keeping passenger entry at a comfortable height.

The Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine that churns out 260 hp. This engine is mated to Subaru's high-torque Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), which has an eight-speed manual mode function and steering wheel paddle shifters to give the driver more control. This powertrain can tow up to 5,000 lbs with standard Trailer Stability Assist.

Other standard features of the 2023 Ascent are tri-zone front and rear automatic climate control, automatic power door locks, power windows and side mirrors, security system with engine immobilizer, rear vision camera, USB-A and USB-C input/charge ports in the front and rear sections of the center console, raised roof rails, and 19 cupholders. The standard rear vision camera now comes with a washer to provide a clear view while backing up.

The Starlink Multimedia Plus system is also standard on the 2023 Ascent. It includes new Valet Mode, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity, AM/FM stereo, SiriusXM All-Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link (four-month free subscriptions), HD Radio, and over-the-air updates.

Voice-activated navigation powered by the latest version of TomTom and SiriusXM Travel Link is included in the available Starlink Multimedia Navigation system. The system has been updated for 2023 to include what3words (W3W), an innovative location technology that allows users to communicate precise locations in just three words.

The Ascent is manufactured at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), a Zero-Landfill Facility in Lafayette, Indiana, along with Impreza, Legacy, and Outback.

Photos from Subaru of America, Inc.

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