Hey guys! Let's talk about the 2023 Subaru Ascent and, more specifically, that third row! If you're like me, you're always juggling family, friends, and all their gear. Finding an SUV that can handle it all comfortably is like hitting the jackpot. The Subaru Ascent has been making waves as a reliable and spacious option, and today, we're going to zero in on what makes that third row a make-or-break feature for many families.

Space and Comfort

When it comes to the third row, the first thing everyone wants to know is: How much space are we really talking about? No one wants to be crammed in the back like sardines. Well, the 2023 Ascent doesn't disappoint. Subaru has designed this SUV with family in mind, and it shows in the thoughtful allocation of space. The Ascent offers enough headroom and legroom to accommodate adults on shorter trips, and it's perfect for kids on longer journeys. We're talking about roughly 31.7 inches of legroom, which is pretty decent compared to other SUVs in its class. One of the standout features is the available bench seating or captain's chairs in the second row. Opting for captain's chairs not only adds a touch of luxury but also makes accessing the third row a breeze. Kids can easily slip through the gap, and adults don't have to contort themselves into awkward positions. The seats themselves are designed with comfort in mind. Even in the third row, the cushioning is adequate, and the seatbacks are angled to provide support. Subaru also includes thoughtful touches like cupholders and storage compartments, so everyone has a place to stash their drinks and devices. Let's be real, a happy third-row passenger is a quiet third-row passenger! The Ascent's climate control system extends to the rear, ensuring that those in the back stay cool or warm, depending on the season. No more complaints about being too hot or too cold! Plus, the large windows provide ample visibility, reducing the chances of motion sickness. Overall, Subaru has done a solid job of maximizing space and comfort in the third row of the 2023 Ascent. It's not just an afterthought; it's a genuinely usable space for passengers of all ages.

Accessibility

Alright, so the third row is spacious and comfy, but how easy is it to actually get back there? Accessibility is a huge factor, especially if you're frequently loading and unloading passengers. The 2023 Ascent offers a couple of clever solutions to make third-row access as painless as possible. First up, we have the sliding and tilting second-row seats. With a simple lever, you can slide the second-row seats forward, creating a wide opening for passengers to climb into the back. This is especially useful if you have child seats installed in the second row. You don't have to uninstall them every time someone needs to get to the third row. If you opt for the captain's chairs in the second row, accessing the third row becomes even easier. The open space between the captain's chairs provides a clear path to the back, eliminating the need to move any seats at all. This is a game-changer for families with older kids who can easily hop in and out on their own. Subaru has also paid attention to the height of the vehicle. The Ascent isn't overly tall, which means that most people can step into the cabin without needing to climb. This is particularly helpful for elderly passengers or those with mobility issues. Once you're in the third row, you'll find grab handles strategically placed to assist with getting in and out. These handles provide extra support and stability, making the whole process a lot smoother. And let's not forget about the power liftgate. With the touch of a button, you can open the rear hatch and have easy access to the cargo area, even when your hands are full. This is a lifesaver when you're loading groceries, sports equipment, or luggage. In summary, the 2023 Ascent excels in accessibility. Whether you have kids, adults, or a combination of both, getting to the third row is a breeze. Subaru has clearly put a lot of thought into making this SUV user-friendly for families on the go.

Features and Amenities

Okay, so we know the third row is spacious and easy to access, but what about the extras? What features and amenities does Subaru offer to make the third-row experience even better? Well, you're in for a treat! The 2023 Ascent comes packed with features that are sure to keep everyone in the back happy and entertained. Let's start with the basics. Each third-row seat comes with its own cupholder and storage compartment. This means that passengers can keep their drinks and snacks within easy reach, without having to share or reach across the cabin. No more spills or arguments over who gets the last cookie! The Ascent also offers USB charging ports in the third row. This is a lifesaver for keeping devices charged on long trips. Kids can watch movies, play games, or listen to music without worrying about their batteries dying. Happy kids, happy parents! Subaru's climate control system extends to the rear of the Ascent, ensuring that everyone stays comfortable no matter the weather. Rear passengers can adjust the temperature and fan speed to their liking, without affecting the climate in the front. No more fighting over the thermostat! For entertainment, the Ascent offers an optional rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens. This allows passengers to watch movies, play video games, or connect their own devices. It's a great way to keep everyone occupied on long road trips. And let's not forget about the panoramic sunroof. This massive sunroof extends over the entire cabin, providing plenty of natural light and a sense of openness. It makes the third row feel less cramped and more inviting. Safety is also a top priority. The Ascent comes with a full suite of advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. These features help to keep everyone safe on the road, no matter where they're sitting. In conclusion, the 2023 Ascent offers a wide range of features and amenities that make the third-row experience enjoyable and comfortable. From cupholders and USB ports to climate control and entertainment systems, Subaru has thought of everything.

Cargo Space

Let's be real, when you're hauling a full crew, cargo space becomes a precious commodity. So, how does the 2023 Subaru Ascent handle cargo with the third row in use? Surprisingly well, actually! Behind the third row, you'll find about 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space. That's enough room for a few grocery bags, a stroller, or a couple of small suitcases. It's not a ton of space, but it's certainly usable. Now, if you need more room, you can easily fold down the third-row seats. With the third row folded, cargo space expands to a generous 47.5 cubic feet. That's enough room for larger items like luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment. And if you really need to maximize cargo space, you can fold down the second-row seats as well. With both the second and third rows folded, the Ascent offers a whopping 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space. That's more than enough room for just about anything you can throw at it. Subaru has also included some thoughtful features to make cargo loading and unloading easier. The Ascent comes standard with a power liftgate, which allows you to open and close the rear hatch with the touch of a button. This is especially helpful when your hands are full. There's also a low load floor, which makes it easier to lift heavy items into the cargo area. And let's not forget about the cargo tie-down hooks. These hooks help to secure your belongings and prevent them from sliding around during transit. Overall, the 2023 Ascent offers a decent amount of cargo space, even with the third row in use. And with the ability to fold down the second and third rows, you can easily customize the cargo area to fit your needs. Whether you're hauling groceries, luggage, or sports equipment, the Ascent has you covered.

Final Thoughts

So, what's the final verdict on the 2023 Subaru Ascent's third row? Overall, it's a winner! Subaru has done an excellent job of designing a spacious, comfortable, and accessible third row that's perfect for families on the go. Whether you're hauling kids, adults, or a combination of both, the Ascent's third row has you covered. With plenty of legroom, headroom, and thoughtful features like cupholders, USB ports, and climate control, the third row is a genuinely usable space for passengers of all ages. And with the ability to fold down the second and third rows, you can easily customize the cargo area to fit your needs. Of course, no SUV is perfect. The Ascent's third row isn't the most spacious in its class, and the cargo space behind the third row is somewhat limited. But overall, the 2023 Subaru Ascent is a solid choice for families who need a reliable and spacious SUV with a functional third row. If you're in the market for a three-row SUV, be sure to give the Ascent a test drive. You might just be surprised at how much you like it!