Should You Buy The Latest Subaru Ascent? Thorough Review By A Mechanic
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- čas přidán 20. 05. 2024
- A Mechanic Reviews the Latest Subaru Ascent. Should You Buy One?
In this video we take a look at the Latest Subaru Ascent.. We start with a proper technical review under the hood then underneath the car.
Then we look at the exterior and interior. Then we talk about some things we don't like about it.
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0:00 Intro
0:32 Under The Hood
16:40 Under The Car
22:49 Exterior Review
29:45 Interior Review
37:10 Things I Don't Like About It
39:33 Should You Buy One? - Auta a dopravní prostředky
FINE = OK
OK = NOT GOOD
COULD BE A PROBLEM = DISASTER AWAITS
Very interesting = stupid and unnecessary
your living under a rock with your nissan
Plastic parts of good quality instead of aluminum???? Specially inside that oven?? Thats asking for disaster to happen.
Oh wow I never expected him to ever do a Subaru review. Awesome!! This guy is great.
He's done them before.
He's done a Crosstrek and Impreza before
It's the review channel, he does all kinds of brands on this channel!
He did a bunch already..
Toyota owns part of Subaru
Im a Subaru owner , I live where it snows so naturally the most inportant feature of my Subaru is the excelent AWD , by the way i like your honest review .
We need more reviews of more cars by you. You are the best reviewer who knows stuff mechanically and listening to you is like meditation. More cars 🙏 please
Im a Subaru guy and I always watch this channel, never expected for this channel to review a Subaru especially who fixes mostly Toyota. I agree everything what he said about Subaru, the pros and the cons.
I have a 2020 touring and love it. To us, we preferred it a lot better than the highlander platinum. One thing that wasn’t mentioned, were the headlights. The headlights and fog lights are all LEDs, and are really bright. They are steering responsive, which is a really nice feature. It really helps with visibility around turns.
Once you explain that the upper portion of the front grille is functional, it no longer looks odd to me.
Long-awaited review! Owner of 2021 model, very satisfied with it
Lawrence, how much is your ongoing maintenance? Heard it is costly.
How’s the cvt holding up
Burning oil ?
Same here (2023 model)
Same here, 2019 model. Very reliable. No issues at all.
I have a 2023 Limited with 8 seats. Just hit 12k miles, no issues whatsoever. Agreed Subaru do things their way, and their quality is solidly good. And, the last over the air update installed the automatic vehicle hold shortcut button just above the bank of hvac controls. A solid car overall, and honestly as a Subaru fan I think they present a better value overall since awd is standard. It’s a love it or hate it car for sure- I just happen to love mine.
Friend of mine had the pre face-lift one with 1.8 turbo. That thing was already smoking like a steam train from it's tailpipes at 30k miles. He got rid of it soon after.
@@TermlessHGW Ascent is only a 2.4 liter turbo. I think you’re talking about another vehicle.
@@TermlessHGWhahahaha ok 😂
I hope you are changing your oil at 5k and will actually service the trans at every 30-40k. Subi says lifetime fluid. It's not.... differentials as well should be done on time or a little sooner. Subi is maintenance heavy.
CVT on this model - if you get the transmission overheating warning then in the near future it will die, this is not an off-road car despite its awd.
Glad to see you branching out to include Subaru content. I would enjoy seeing an Outback Wilderness review.
I really like your channel! I've been a Toyota fan since I was 15, so naturally i was drawn to your original content.
I now drive an Outback.
Subaru meets people's needs with a quality product. Solid, reliable, capable, comfortable, and reasonably affordable.
Different shapes and sizes?
Ascent
Outback
Forester
Crosstrek
Impreza...
It's all Subaru is... Same formula, different shapes and sizes.
The infotainment complaints are valid, but overblown. How often are you changing the climate controls? Set to auto, done. There are buttons for make warmer/cooler, and defrost. I'm not sure what else you need. Radio tuner and volume... Knobs available. 98% of the time I use the buttons on the steering wheel anyway.
Are they perfect? No. Sexy? Not to most. Cool? Only to some. But again, for people who aren't needing to impress everyone they don't know... And just need to reliably and comfortably get where they're going, a Subaru is a great solution.
Why fix what ain’t broke, hopefully that screen and software can be updated and easily and cheaply repaired to outlast tried and true simple physical controls.
@dannyrbailey the latest update a month ago really streamlined it. My wife's outback drove me nuts until that was finally fixed.
😊@@dannyrbailey
After watching a slew of YT videos, especially those from Consumer Reports and the 5 star crash test ratings, now in my 60's I just bought my first ever Subaru. It's a 2024 Forester Wilderness. So far so good, no issues at all.
I enjoy your YT channel because of your well informed advice, generosity and care in all that you do.
Subaru is a practical car for the ones who need quality, AWD and safety..
Another great video brother, thank you for what you do for car shoppers👍👍👍👍👍
I have learned quite a lot about the Subaru way from your videos. Thank you for your careful and thoughtful approach.
Thank you so much for finally doing a Subaru review. You do by far the best in-depth mechanical reviews of everyday cars on CZcams and to have the fa24f finally reviewed by you is Christmas come early for me. I personally own the 2024 Outback XT with this exact engine and I've been commenting on your other videos asking for a review of this engine. I'm not sure if you saw my requests or the stars simply aligned, but thank you thank you thank you!
Thank you sir. Excellent review as usual. I have a 10 year old outback with 140k miles and it’s been trouble free with routine maintenance. Still runs like new and remains quiet with no squeaks or rattles. I’m considering upgrading to an Ascent and I’m really glad you reviewed one. I love your technical reviews and congrats on 1M subscribers. Well deserved!
I wish this or newer subarus with turbo have hood scoop. THIS IS the best car review on the planet.
Sound quality is outstanding 👍
Cool video thank you for this video I have a 2021 Crosstrek and have 47 k on it already done a drain and refill on transmission and front and back diff. And my drives so good
Another amazing well detailed review. Keep them coming.
Yes been waiting for this review I love you videos!!
This is a fantastic review with great information not found elsewhere. Thanks!
Great honest review! Love your opinions on the car. Thanks for your informative review!
I have two Toyota’s but I’ll be giving my 2010 Rav to my daughter when she gets her license next year. I’ll definitely be looking at this and the Forester. Most likely used. Would be my first Subaru.
Excellent review as always. One slight correction the Onxy trim comes with Subaru's StarTex water-repellent upholstery, it is not leather. This is the exact same urethane upholstery that Toyota has branded as SofTex.
Got my self a Outback Wilderness with this same FA24F engine. Thanks for your review!
Excellent review! I was a Acura and a Honda car owner. For the first time I bought a 24 Subaru Forester and it’s a different car that I’m used to for sure. I like it so far.
Love the forester test drive quiet drive solid
On my 4th... outstanding value in or out of snow !
Best review of the Best !!!! I will disable the attention monitor and tape over the red light ... at 80 I am an excellent driver and never had an accident (small or large) of which I am proud ... on my 4th Forester !
Love the Ascent but we purchased a 2022 touring specifically to avoid the large screen and the new exterior designed. So happy we did.
Bought a 2019 Ascent Touring new despite it being a new model year, based on glowing review and recommendation by consumer magazine and good experience with a 2018 Forester with manual transmission. The CVT exhibited rubber-band syndrome, weirdly racing the engine when starting off from stop or gentle acceleration on hill. Subaru issued an extended warranty on the transmission due to problems. Had to replace the head unit within a year of ownership. Following year, same consumer magazine did not recommend due to quality issues. Cut my losses and traded it in on Honda Odyssey which was very good vehicle. These days I’m driving a GX 460 and very happy with it as well as my Type R. Will never ever get a CVT again. Thanks for your channel.❤
I own a 2019 that now has about 70,000 miles on the odometer. The ONLY problem I experienced was a sidewall failure of the crappy Falken OEM tires at about 19,000 miles. I replaced all four tires with Goodyears; no problem since.
We also have a 2019 as well as a 2018 Outback. So far, my biggest complaint is the mileage. I didn't expect Outback mileage, but it's 30% less...
My 2023 Forester came with that same crap ... 2 flats in first 5K miles so like you ... solid Goodyear and no problems. On my 4th Forester and first problem ... flats!
Didn’t have any tire issues. But replaced the Generals with Michelin. Bridgestone on the Outback lasted 39k, also replaced with Michelin. NO issues with Michelins.
@@jerryq1000 what type of fuel economy are you getting? I am looking into a 2023 limited or 2022 touring. But I am very concerned about fuel economy. Wife is looking at ascent, outback or Sorento hybrid.
I’m getting 26-27 in town with the Outback. 19-20 in town with the Ascent
I love your review very much.👍
I'm waiting for your next review about the new redesign in/out of 2025 Forester Touring and also I would like to know if the 2024's is better design in your opinion.
Thank you very much sir.
This and STi only models that does not have the Auto Start/Stop feature.
I enjoyed my ‘19 Premium CWP which I put 56k on and was for the most part trouble free.Traded for a ‘22 4 Runner LTD.Something about the CVT & turbo that scared me to keep it long term.
Great review sir.
Good review. Im always watching your content
Alvin from Philippines
Really appreciate this thorough review! Would love a review of the Forester, as well.
Awesome review AMD! I know you review mainstream practical cars. Requesting you to review the BMW X5 45e or 50e if you can get hold of one. I can lend you mine for a review 😊. Would need a true professional mechanic perspective than the journalist reviewers out there. Harry from UK did a good job as an owner and reviewer. Also you will love the fact that the X5 has real big well done rear bumper 😂
I was debating between this and the Outback XT. Ultimately chose the Outback because I didn’t need the 3rd row. Have been loving my Subaru since! Of course except the infotainment system 😂
I have the 2024 Outback Wilderness, which shares this engine and many of the same components. Glad you like this vehicle. Infotainment definitely needs some love. It’s slow and looks old. Not a perfect car, but dang, the quality is there. Glad I don’t have the driver monitor safety system.
How often would you recommend changing the oil? I am considering every 3K since I mainly average 27 MPH (city driving) with short distances. Will be changing the CVT and differential fluids!
Amazing awesome honest review! 👌🏽👍🏽👏🏽🙏🏽💯
Some very valid points here.
My biggest pushback is your beef with the price. In this case it would’ve been better to look at a mid trim like my 2023 Premium. Has all of the driver assist safety features, big screen, second row capt chairs, and only cost me $38,000 last January. The value is unmatched compared to other AWD 3rd row SUVs.
35,000 miles on mine already and it’s still drives perfect up and down my gravel mountain road and on the highways.
this is a scaled up hatch back, that is spot on!
I own 2019 Ascent, very fair and thoughtful review. Personally on center stack, I like the original with more physical buttons. Wished I had bought center bench instead of captains hairs for ease of cargo.
Love this vid
I ordered a 2023 Ascent in summer of 2022. I was looking at getting a used one at the time but the dealer let me know about the new body change that was coming so I made the decision to to order and wait. Took a few months and it was finally delivered in October. It has all the bells and whistles and so far it has been a great rig! I only wish it got better mpg but I sort of expected this before hand.
What are you averaging?
@@joseeduardo4327 20.9, but sometimes 21. I've seen people getting up to 28 or 29 but I've never seen those numbers.
Nice review. We have a Subaru Ascent Onyx and love it, but it isn't for everyone.
Love these videos - need one for the Nissan Pathfinder!!
Nice review! I agree with you on the excess badging on the rear.
Can't wait for the ram trx review
I'd love to see you do a classic car/truck review!!!
Hey AMD. Software updates just corrected the AVH and HVAC controls on the infotainment.
Additionally, that rear bumper center cover can be removed via two plastic turn knobs under the bumper. It can reveal the tow hitch if equipped
Yeah, I think that's a nicer idea than the other models where you have to take the whole bumper off, cut out a notch if you add the trailer hitch in afterwards. I had my trailer hitch added to my new Outback, because it did not come factory equipped. I don't plan on towing with it, it was more for a bike rack when I decide to add it.
From shop experience agree that Subes are generally very friendly to work on. Still seem to rust more than other brands, coatings on hardware is particularly bad. Snapped lots of bolts trying to get valve covers and front ball joints out. Rear wheel bearings also love to seize themselves in place.
The electric brake booster is a nice addition though curious how it affects bleeding brakes. Wish they’d adopts the D4S fuel injection on all models instead of just those shared with Toyota.
I have the outback with the same engine and am glad I saw all the good words about this engine...in regards to the center console, it takes a bit to get used to it and it is an afterthought beyond that...the red light monitoring my eyes is not distracting but if I look away for 2 seconds, it lets me know STAY ALERT....i could probably turn the volume down on that feature...the price is what really concerns me, my Outback was 46K loaded and I can imagine this vehicle in the base model is going to start at 50K...at that price, I would get a Lexus or high end SUV...i love my subarus though
Finally!! Thank you so much @TheCarCareNutReviews
Nice looking rig! 🤩
The Ascent and Forester's looks are my favorite in their class - the other SUVs all look very similar to one another
A M D you and Scotty Kilmer 100% informative...love your work.
Recent subscriber. Love the way reviews are done from a mechanical standpoint. Just a suggestion: I’d like to see them include maintenance points such as light bulb changes. Some GM models require a lot of steps just to change a bulb which would cause me not to buy because these things should be able to be replaced roadside.
Agreed, would be nice to know these things from a mechanic. Fancy LED taillights? Enjoy spending 2-4k on each of those modules when they break, and yes they absolutely do break.
I have a 2023 Outback Wilderness with the same infotainment system and engine as well as the safety features. For the price point I think it delivers more quality and upscale features than its competition. I’ve gotten used to the CVT and have no issues. Turbo works well. It’s not a rock crawler but is very capable off road.
I think I’m actually going for an outback for my next vehicle instead paying for something like a 4Runner. I’ll keep my truck for dirty work. I think the outback is such a smartly designed vehicle.
For the auto-vehicle hold, in a recent over the air update, they added a button for that at the bottom of the screen so it is always there.The driver monitoring system also recognizes the driver and automatically adjust seat/mirror positions and settings to match.
My wife and I love the auto adjusting seat/mirrors in our 2024 Outback XT. It also monitors our fuel usage independently. Cool and somewhat useful. Otherwise yes, the DMS can be quite annoying at times.
Bought wife a new at the time loaded 2019 Subaru Ascent, transmission failure at 28000, and 56000 miles. Stranded.. Luckily had the warranty. Paint is very thin, better get containments off quickly. Lots of it was built well built but as a package not reliable. Didn't have the windshield cracking problem that many had. Got rid of at 75000 miles since another transmission was probably needed soon.. Maybe they have fixed, but they weren't putting better ones in when hey were failing. Same design..
Love the should you buy a ... Reviews.
Nice review..
You should do a X5 review it will be very helpful
Please review a Nissan Frontier and a Honda Ridgeline if I missed these, thank you for reviewing already
I 2nd it for Honda. Honda share engine Ridgeline, Passport, Pilot.
@@makb5354 He did do a pilot review so you could look at that while you're waiting.
While I don't own an Ascent, I own it's little brother a 2023 Forester. The Forester has been for the most part flawless. My main gripe would be the driver monitoring system. It's a bit heavy handed. My Subaru journey began about 11 years ago when I bought a 2000 Subaru Legacy with the Outback package for my son when he started to drive. Not even he could break the car. We sold it a couple of years ago and its on the road today. From there I've owned new a 2013 and 2015 Subaru Outback wagons, a new 2019 Subaru Crosstrek and now the Forester. My daily driver is a 2006 Forester. Sure I've had minor issues that needed repairs but nothing outlandish. Keep up with the maintenance and you're good to go. Zero oil consumption issues. Zero headgasket problems. Zero CVT problems. Honestly the best feature of all is the high trade allowance and resale value. I'm able to trade up frequently because these cars hold their value. The only other brands in that league are Toyota and maybe Honda. It sure doesn't happen with a Ford, GM, Stellantis, Nissan, Hyndai/Kia, VW or Mazda products. I have a great respect for the host/reviewer and his reviews. He had more likes than dislikes but the dislikes were more of the subjective opinion of the reviewer which at the end of the day is okay.
Hi, hoping you would consider a review on a 2023 vw arteon .
Very curious about the engineering on that vehicle. Thanks
Long awaited review! Please do one for Nissan Armada please!!
Great review, AMD!
Thanks, I was also planning to request the same
The best auto reviews on youtube. Period. Most of the others are journalists. A mechanics review is more in depth and appreciated.
Subaru does use an excessive amount of black plastic cladding. But it is a nice car for cold climates.
Design is always a bit quirky. Functional. Good quality. My leather seats started to crack and fall apart. Turns out the leather seat bolsters aren't leather, they're vinyl.
So informative. Thank you. Almost every review of the new Ascents just say that the 2023-2024 models are only different from the 2019-2022 models because of some minor cosmetic interior and exterior updates. Your explanations prove there were more updates under the hood than i realized.
Thank you for your honest review! Would love to see a review of a VW Tiguan
Sorry but VW is criminal!
We have a 2020 Ascent with about 85k. No transmission issues. Did have 2 small oil leaks and a wheel bearing fixed under warranty though.
THEY SHOULD HAVE COLOR MATCHED THAT PART OF THE HOOD YOU POINTED OUT AND GAVE IT A HOOD SCOOP. IT WOULDNT HURT THEIR SALES AND PROBABLY WOULD SELL MORE OF THEM !! HOOD SCOOPS AND SUBARUS ARE SYNONYMOUS!!!
I call the Ascent the Forester XL
Would love for you to review the GM full size suvs (Tahoe, Yukon etc.).
Your description of the driver monitor system has me cracking up! 😆 I don't like the look of the roof rails being raised so much. Other SUVs have them better integrated.
Do you know if Subaru’s FB25D engine also has the feature where connecting rods can be removed without splitting the case? Wife just got a 24 Forester Sport. Love your videos.
Toyotas have a feature where you never need to replace the connecting rods.
I really likes the looks of this car.😄
Can you make a video on the Forester Wilderness? Would love to hear your input on one!
Good job! ❤ Car care nut
I have the touring in-transit for me. In the same green w/brown seats. I compared it to the Pilot Black Edition to ad nauseam. I also looked at the Mazda CX90, MDX, Highlander, Jeep, Volvo XC90, VW Atlas and one or two others. I’m coming from an ‘13 and ‘18 Outback (‘13 is going away) and have had very good reliability and support overall from Subaru. I really wanted the MDX for its more luxury and comfort, but I just couldn’t see myself paying that much more. The Pilot met and exceeded all expectations and being a former owner of an ‘08 Ridgeline am very comfortable and confident in the brand and product. It was larger and more capable than the Ascent, only slightly more $$, but one criticism I had of the Pilot is the longer nose up front. I agree with many of your POV on the Subaru. And, I appreciate your mechanical POV. I wanted the 3-row for the convenience and will leave those seats down almost always. I feel Subaru and others should have made that row for two people, not three, but again, my row will stay down or otherwise unused >90% of the time. I do like the compactness of the Ascent. I didn’t want (nor need) something akin to the Chevy Tahoe and I didn’t want to wait for the 2025 Traverse (or Buick kin). I think what convinced me to get the Ascent was Subaru’s reputation, reliability, and confidence I have in SOA (even though I hear rumblings about the service from some Subie owners, I have not had that in my current and previous dealership). It does have some blah styling, I don’t find the rear captains chairs as comfortable or utilitarian as a bench, but the touring is what I’m getting so I have to accept that package. The infotainment system is too tech dependent, but I’m willing to overlook those in favor of what I feel are Subaru’s qualities. And, at the price point, this is a better overall cost and value (maybe not against the Kia Telluride). Great review- thank you.
I had a 2018 and turned out to be an oil burner. Subaru wouldn’t acknowledge it. Shame, it was a great car.
Great review as always! If you can, is it possible to do a new Honda HR-V and a Cx-5 w/ non-turbo I4 reviews? Thanks!
I’ll chose cx-5, bigger, faster engine and NOT a CVT.
@@danek893 Those aren't even in the same class. CX5 = CRV, CX30 = HRV. Of course the CX5 is bigger than the HRV lol
Thank you for clarifying the details in such a wonderful way, and I have questions. I have a 2021 Limited and I suffer from high fuel consumption, and the agent did not find a solution for that. What do you think? What is the preferred type of fuel 87,89,93? Is 2024 better in fuel consumption than 2021? Thank you all
Looking forward to seeing you review the 2025 Forester when it comes out.
Great review Amd! The only thing that would keep me from buying that car is the electronic nag. I have one vehicle with Toyota safety sense and thankfully I am able to shut it off.
The previous face was my favourite looking Subaru. I like the proportions, they are made for purpose - taking my family on road trips to somehow remote, but not too challenging, areas.
I own a Forester, great vehicle. Would prefer Ascent but it is for North Americans only :(
what is a wha-wing car? Love your work btw- it is totally unique and fluff free.
I like the Subaru boxer engine. Maybe an older Subie for me. Toyota is a part owner. The boxer is a classic design that is smooth.
My neighbors used to be diehard Subaru owners.
They drove Subarus exclusively for decades.
Whenever anybody in the neighborhood bought a vehicle that was a non Subaru they would praise their Subarus and tell them that they could have gotten a better all-around vehicle if they purchased a Subaru.
Somewhere along the line they started having issues from head gaskets blowing to oil burning transmission issues you name it in each new one they bought was less reliable than the one they purchased before.
The final straw is when they bought a new Ascent and it had issue after issue including a new transmission at 2600 miles turbo failure at 15,000 miles and a failure of that air conditioning walk driving across Texas in 110° heat.
On their driveway now there is a Lexus SUV and a Toyota Camry.
If you are taking requests, would like to see a review a GM SUV with a 3.0 Duramax diesel (Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, etc - all the same). Ours has been great but want to see your professional opinion for long term ownership. Excellent fuel economy, torque for towing, and its a super comfortable ride.
Ive got a 2014 outback bought new , made many long distance trips as well as commuter driving. Other than regular maintenance it's been a very good car trouble free car. Very simple access to work on. I would only say, just like my Toyota ,change fluids twice as often than recommended for longevity.
on mine at 155k the transmission valve cover had to be replaced because a solenoid died - $2285, a common issue on 2014 to 2019.
@@soiah valve body yes, the one solenoid can actually be replaced instead of the whole valve body, but you need a good trans shop to do it.
Subaru safe, reliable and good value.
The magic of good marketing 😊
@@jordez1 to be fair the only issues is reliability. They unfortunately have had issues come and go, before it was headgaskets, now it’s oil related.
Great review. We have loved the quality and performance of past Foresters and Outback’s we have owned. Would not consider any other brand!
Reliable not sure about that
@@user-fb4qg5qv6ethey are. I work on all sorts of cars and I have seen Subarus with 300,000 kms or more and they are still running as tight as a drum.
Would like to see a 2024 Santa Fe review
Owner of a 2019 Ascent, traded in a 2012 Range Rover for it. The Ascent is the single best vehicle I have ever owned. Especially in snow. Just hoping the next gen of this vehicle will be a hybrid. MPG isn’t great, 3rd row needs to be about 3 inches longer for adults to sit back there.
We wanted a Highlander but my husband couldn't get in and out as easy as the Asent...Subaru for the win!
I OWN SOME OLDER SUBARUS AND A NEW WRX MANUAL AND IM GLAD SUBARU CONTINUES TO MAKE MANUALS AND WISH THEY WOULD OFFER A MANUAL VERSION OF THEIR FA24F IN ALL THEIR CARS ( MINUS ASCENT). I DONT HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH THE LARGE CENTER DISPLAY AS FAR AS BEING LAGGY OR UNRESPONSIVE EVER BUT I DO WISH ALL AUTO MANUFACTURERS WOULD MAKE A/C, RADIO CONTROLS ETC ALL PHYSICAL BUTTONS SO YOU DONT HAVE TO TAKE UR EYES OFF THE ROAD EVER
I had a 2020 Limited, the rear trailer hitch cover looks bad on but even worse off. We also found our '17 Impreza had much more cargo room than the Ascent with 3rd row up but we rarely had both rear seats up so we made due.
Go to any mountain town and it's Subaru everywhere. Anywhere else you barely see them. But they are absolutely the best in the snow. Just use winter tires and it's unstoppable.
I am from Montana but now in Cleveland area (wife can't breath at 6K ) and see lots of Subys... on my 4th Forester.
They do seem pretty nice, aside from the infotainment stuff. Touchscreens are for media, NOT for HVAC. Subaru should know this.
That, and...could I really buy this over a similarly priced Highlander Hybrid AWD? Nah, I couldn't. And I'd certainly trust the 2.5L NA/eCVT combo over the powertrain in the Ascent. A good vehicle, but this segment has some great entries.