2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Review: A Family SUV with Attitude

If you’re in the market for a family SUV that nicely blends practicality, safety, and a dash of rugged style, the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition might already be on your radar. Subaru’s largest SUV has gained popularity for its standard all-wheel drive, impressive host of safety features, and decently spacious interior. But what does the Onyx Edition specifically bring to the table, and how does it look when lined up against its competition? We take a deep dive into the Onyx what it’s all about.

Exterior Styling

Subaru introduced the Onyx Edition to add a bit of edge to the Ascent lineup, and it works. The Onyx Edition swaps out chrome accents for blacked-out trim, giving it a more aggressive and modern look that appeals to buyers who want a vehicle with personality.

Key Exterior Features:

• Sleek 20-inch black-finished alloy wheels
• Blacked-out grille and window trim
• LED headlights and fog lights
• Subtle Onyx badging

The Onyx Edition is clearly aimed at buyers who want a stylish yet functional SUV, and seems to strike a balance between family-friendly and ruggedly cool.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the hood, the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition carries over the same powertrain as the rest of the Ascent lineup. While it’s not going to win any drag races unless its racing a street-sweeper, the engine is still capable and reliable.

Highlights:

• Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four
• Horsepower: 260 hp
• Torque: 277 lb-ft
• Transmission: CVT
• Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

The turbocharged engine delivers decent enough power for highway cruising, passing, and towing. Speaking of towing, the Ascent Onyx Edition boasts a 5,000-pound towing capacity, making it a solid choice for families who enjoy hauling their camper,  boat or side by side on weekend adventures.

Driving Dynamics

The Ascent is known for its surefooted handling, thanks to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Paired with its respectable 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Onyx Edition is more than capable of handling light off-road trails or snowy roads making it a pretty great option for adventurous families.

Interior Comfort & Tech

The Onyx Edition’s interior matches its exterior’s dark, sporty theme while maintaining the practicality Subaru is known for. The materials feel durable yet upscale-ish, and Subaru has packed in a generous list of features.

Interior Highlights:

• Neat water-repellent StarTex upholstery: Great for families with kids or pets.
• Heated front seats and steering wheel.
• 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Three zone climate control.
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.

With seating for up to seven, the Ascent Onyx Edition offers ample space for passengers in all three rows. However, taller adults are gonna find the third row a bit cramped, although in fairness, that’s common in this segment. Cargo space is generous, offering 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 75.6 cubic feet (with all seats folded down).

Safety Features: A Subaru Staple

Subaru has a strong reputation for safety, and the Ascent Onyx Edition is no exception. It comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane centering
• Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring

The Onyx Edition also adds a 360-degree camera system, which is incredibly useful for parking and navigating tight spaces.

The Good & The Not So Good

No vehicle is perfect, so let’s break down the highs and lows of the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition. Comment below on some other pros or cons of this Subie.

Pros:

• Eye-catching blacked-out styling.
• Standard all-wheel drive and off-road capability.
• Excellent safety features, including a 360-degree camera.
• Family-friendly interior with durable feeling materials.
• Decent towing capacity for its class.

Cons:

• CVT can feel uninspiring under heavy acceleration.
• Third-row seating is tight for taller passengers.
• Fuel economy is average for the class (21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway).
• Some rivals offer more luxurious interiors at a similar price.

How Does the Ascent Onyx Stack Up?

The three-row SUV segment is fiercely competitive, and the Subaru Ascent faces strong contenders. Here’s how the Onyx Edition compares to some of its main rivals:

Toyota Highlander XSE

• Price: Starts at $43,580
• Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (265 hp)
• Why It’s a Competitor: Offers a sporty trim (XSE) with similar rugged styling.
• Advantage Over Ascent: Slightly better interior materials and reliability reputation.
• Onyx Advantage: Standard all-wheel drive and better off-road capability.

Kia Telluride X-Line

• Price: Starts at $47,720
• Engine: 3.8-liter V6 (291 hp)
• Why It’s a Competitor: Praised for its luxury-like interior and value for money.
• Advantage Over Ascent: More spacious third row and premium feel.
• Onyx Advantage: Better for off-road enthusiasts and active families.

Honda Pilot TrailSport

• Price: Starts at $48,700
• Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (285 hp)
• Why It’s a Competitor: Designed for families with a focus on light off-roading.
• Advantage Over Ascent: More powerful engine and slightly better ride quality.
• Onyx Advantage: More affordable and includes similar off-road tech.

Mazda CX-90 Turbo S

• Price: Starts at $51,550
• Engine: 3.3-liter inline-six turbocharged (340 hp)
• Why It’s a Competitor: Luxury-level design and performance in a family SUV.
• Advantage Over Ascent: More refined ride and luxurious interior.
• Onyx Advantage: Lower starting price and more rugged persona.

Pricing & Value

The 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition starts at around $41,295, placing it in the middle of the segment’s pricing range. With its combination of style, capability, and safety features, it offers solid value for families who prioritize practicality with a touch of adventure.

Is the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Right for You?

The Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition is a compelling choice for buyers seeking a reliable, family-friendly SUV with rugged flair. Its standard all-wheel drive, impressive safety features, and durable interior make it an excellent option for active families who enjoy road trips, outdoor adventures, or snowy climates.

However, if you prioritize third-row space, luxurious interiors, or a more powerful engine, some competitors might be worth a closer look. At the end of the day, the Onyx Edition solidifies the Ascent’s reputation as a reliable and versatile family SUV, with just the right amount of edge to stand out in a crowded segment. Whether you’re tackling muddy trails or simply running errands, the Ascent Onyx Edition is ready for whatever comes its way.

So, what do you think? Would you take the 2024 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition over rivals like the Toyota Highlander XSE or Kia Telluride X-Line? Let us know in the comments right below!