Family Hauler or Trail Crawler? The 2025 Subaru Ascent's True Identity

The 2025 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition: Capability Beyond the Blacked-Out Looks | FULL REVIEW Is the Subaru Ascent just another three-row SUV, or does it deliver genuine capability behind its aggressive styling? Today we put the 2025 Ascent through real-world testing to find out if this family hauler can handle challenging conditions while keeping everyone comfortable. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and dual-function X-MODE, the Ascent promises more than its competitors - but does it deliver? In this comprehensive review, we explore everything from the Ascent's turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine performance to its family-friendly interior features, including the impressive 19 cupholders and flexible seating configurations. We test the Ascent in both on-road and light off-road conditions to determine whether Subaru's largest vehicle maintains the brand's reputation for all-weather, all-terrain capability or if it's compromised its identity to compete in the crowded three-row SUV segment. KEY SPECIFICATIONS: • 2.4L Turbocharged Boxer Engine: 260hp @ 5,600 RPM, 277 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,800 RPM • Lineartronic CVT with 8-speed manual mode • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Dual-Function X-MODE • 8.7 inches of ground clearance • 5,000 lbs towing capacity • Up to 153.2 cubic feet of passenger volume • 20-inch black-finish alloy wheels • StarTex water-repellent upholstery • 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Automatic Emergency Steering 2024 Subaru WRX TR: A Totally Unexpected Game-Changer https://youtu.be/Lxy_QYMxsic ——————————————————————— // MY AMAZON STORE with my favorite things for drivers https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4cc174af (this is an affiliate link) /// MERCH Pick up some sweet merch in our store! https://brian-makse-shop.fourthwall.com/ /// HELP US OUT Gearheads! We take great pains to make sure this show sounds great, but quality post-production ain't cheap! Donate credits at https://auphonic.com/donate_credits?user=brianmakse to keep our show's motor running. Even small donations help cover editing costs so we can keep bringing you tuned audio that captures the essence of automotive freedom. Help out fellow car nuts spreading the passion for driving - donate to our Auphonic credits today! /// SUBSCRIBE Subscribe NOW to Brian Makse's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=brianmakse /// SOCIAL Instagram: http://Instagram.com/BrianMakse Twitter: http://Twitter.com/BrianMakse Facebook: http://Facebook.com/MakseAttack Spotify: https://sptfy.com/brianmakse Link In My Bio: https://makse.com/linkinbio/ /// MORE About Brian: http://makse.com/about /// WHAT I'M LISTENING TO Real AF With Andy Frisella https://andyfrisella.com/blogs/realaf-podcast Be sure to let us know what you think about this video and smash the subscribe button if you haven’t already! Test vehicles are provided by the respective manufacturers for review purposes, unless otherwise noted, and all opinions are our own. Music © 2025 Russell Soares (russellsoares.com), used with permission, all rights reserved. #SubaruAscent #3RowSUV #OffRoadCapability #FamilySUV #SubaruReview #AscientOnyxEdition #SubaruCrossover #AWDVehicles #FamilyVehicles #CarReview #XMODE #BoxerEngine #ThreeRowSUV #2025Ascent #brianmakse