The Subaru Ascent rides with a poised and refined ride quality that’s not exactly missing from the segment but is considered a basic requirement. However while rivals do favor smooth tarmac, the Ascent is far more capable at filtering out lumps and bumps on broken tarmac and gravel roads, absorbing sharp jabs with alacrity. The composure also gives it the sense of being smaller than dimensions make it out to be, making it wieldy and easy to pilot. Despite this, it’s not an SUV geared towards driving enthusiasts, lacking the engagement and chuckability of the Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot.
It is easy to maneuver, though, with light steering making it easy to navigate school drop-offs, while the firm, progressive brakes are easy to modulate and do a more than sufficient job of bringing the Ascent to a halt.
In the event you take the Ascent off-road, the surefootedness of permanent all-wheel-drive and ample ground clearance inspire confidence, and while there’s no dual-range transfer case to enable rock crawling, the X-Mode setting on the CVT transmission tightens up the ratios to maximise low-down torque and activates hill descent control to give the Ascent impressive ability against the rest of the crossover clan.