I definitely agree with not fitting in a Toyota. My head always hits the roof and a pillar in highlanders, Camrys, and tacomas
Worth Turning Ascent into Soft Roader?
Hello,
I have a '22 premium that has about 17k miles.
The Ascent has been great to drive and has had no issues.
I am considering upgrading it into an overland/soft roading rig, but am questioning it's capability.
This is mainly due to the approach, departure, and break over angles of the vehicle. Also it is a unibody construction.
However, the AWD system is absolutely amazing and is like having front and rear lockers.
So I am debating upgrading the Ascent with AT tires, a 1-2" lift, skid plates, and possibly new bumpers.
On the other hand I am just considering buying a second vehicle like a Ford Bronco, jeep, or Mid Size pickup truck.
I wanted to get people's experience and see what everyone thinks about the Ascent as an off-road and overland rig. I have read some previous threads but the info seems a bit mixed.
Some people say that it is not super capable and others say they can go on most trails without issue.
I've taken my Ascent onto beaches, gravel roads, and deep snow and it has been amazing. However, on one forest service road I decided to turn around instead of risking my bumper.
im interested to see people's experiences
Edit: after wasting thousands I can confirm nobody should do this. Buy a truck. The Ascent sucks. Primitive Skids plates still have issues and the lift was basically pointless. It's a good highway car but flat out stinks off-road.
I have a '22 premium that has about 17k miles.
The Ascent has been great to drive and has had no issues.
I am considering upgrading it into an overland/soft roading rig, but am questioning it's capability.
This is mainly due to the approach, departure, and break over angles of the vehicle. Also it is a unibody construction.
However, the AWD system is absolutely amazing and is like having front and rear lockers.
So I am debating upgrading the Ascent with AT tires, a 1-2" lift, skid plates, and possibly new bumpers.
On the other hand I am just considering buying a second vehicle like a Ford Bronco, jeep, or Mid Size pickup truck.
I wanted to get people's experience and see what everyone thinks about the Ascent as an off-road and overland rig. I have read some previous threads but the info seems a bit mixed.
Some people say that it is not super capable and others say they can go on most trails without issue.
I've taken my Ascent onto beaches, gravel roads, and deep snow and it has been amazing. However, on one forest service road I decided to turn around instead of risking my bumper.
im interested to see people's experiences
Edit: after wasting thousands I can confirm nobody should do this. Buy a truck. The Ascent sucks. Primitive Skids plates still have issues and the lift was basically pointless. It's a good highway car but flat out stinks off-road.
21 - 40 of 47 Posts
It really surprised the heck out of me that the Ascent has so much more head room than a bunch of the trucks like the Tacoma.
I fit better in the older Toyotas. The 03-09 4runner is actually decent on space, but all the newer gens are awful.I definitely agree with not fitting in a Toyota. My head always hits the roof and a pillar in highlanders, Camrys, and tacomas
Yep, Subaru has always been good for me and my tall family members.It really surprised the heck out of me that the Ascent has so much more head room than a bunch of the trucks like the Tacoma.
What pissed me off about the Toyota trucks is that the Tacoma and Tundra have the exact same interior space.
So, I went with a Tacoma, because why would I pay $10k more for no added head or leg room? Got rid of it a few years ago though, since it had a bunch of trans issues.
The sequoia are having the biggest markups ever. Just saw a pro got for $160k locallyI don't fit well in Toyotas, as I'm not a tiny Japanese man.
Subaru fits me well because of their lower driveline.
I barely fit in the non-sunroof Tacoma I used to own at 6'6". I'd probably need something like an F-150 or a Sequoia.
This was exactly my thought when reading the OP
I lifted my Ascent with the Eibach Spring Lift Kit.
It raised the front 1.7" and the rear 1.4"
The car looks more proportional now imo, since it is such a tall vehicle.
I don't notice any real difference in ride quality. Maybe a bit less body lean around turns.
I appreciate being a bit higher off the ground too. Im now more similar to a stock full size truck in terms of ride height.
I will probably make a post about the install, but I still need to have the vehicle aligned and do a bit more testing.
It raised the front 1.7" and the rear 1.4"
The car looks more proportional now imo, since it is such a tall vehicle.
I don't notice any real difference in ride quality. Maybe a bit less body lean around turns.
I appreciate being a bit higher off the ground too. Im now more similar to a stock full size truck in terms of ride height.
I will probably make a post about the install, but I still need to have the vehicle aligned and do a bit more testing.
After driving about 100+ miles with the lift I regret upgrading the Ascent. The lift feels like how the car should come stock to be at all capable.
Subaru designed this to be a road car. The angles are absolutely dreadful.
I regret dumping all this money into it for new tires, brakes, fog lights, spare tire, roof rack, lift, skid plate, etc...
Subaru put crap tires and brakes on this vehicle, so obviously they don't think too highly of it. Not sure why I did.
I have had plenty of issues with the skid plates not fitting right and needing additional hardware.
No companies make anything specifically for the Ascent. Its made for the outback or Forester and then changed a tiny bit.
I am annoyed everytime I look at my spare tire. Why is Subaru so cheap? Why did I have to waste $500 on a wheel and tire?
Overall, it's a good road vehicle. Great in the rain and snow.
But it's maybe equivalent to a sprinter van off-road.
I have scraped in places where Prius' drive right through. It is embarrassing.
If you're using this post to decide on upgrading your vehicle, don't. I am seeing posts about wheel bearing failures and obviously the trans is not reliable.
Wish I would have just put this money into a used truck or to lease a Jeep. The Ascent doesn't belong off road with the angles Subaru gave it.
This is my own fault, but I figure I'll be the one to tell others to avoid my mistake. Subaru AWD is great but this car is just awful in terms of angles and wheel base.
Subaru designed this to be a road car. The angles are absolutely dreadful.
I regret dumping all this money into it for new tires, brakes, fog lights, spare tire, roof rack, lift, skid plate, etc...
Subaru put crap tires and brakes on this vehicle, so obviously they don't think too highly of it. Not sure why I did.
I have had plenty of issues with the skid plates not fitting right and needing additional hardware.
No companies make anything specifically for the Ascent. Its made for the outback or Forester and then changed a tiny bit.
I am annoyed everytime I look at my spare tire. Why is Subaru so cheap? Why did I have to waste $500 on a wheel and tire?
Overall, it's a good road vehicle. Great in the rain and snow.
But it's maybe equivalent to a sprinter van off-road.
I have scraped in places where Prius' drive right through. It is embarrassing.
If you're using this post to decide on upgrading your vehicle, don't. I am seeing posts about wheel bearing failures and obviously the trans is not reliable.
Wish I would have just put this money into a used truck or to lease a Jeep. The Ascent doesn't belong off road with the angles Subaru gave it.
This is my own fault, but I figure I'll be the one to tell others to avoid my mistake. Subaru AWD is great but this car is just awful in terms of angles and wheel base.
Virtually nothing for the Ascent (except maybe LP Aventure stuff) came out of a modified Forester/Crosstrek or Outback item.No companies make anything specifically for the Ascent. Its made for the outback or Forester and then changed a tiny bit.
You are right the Ascent like 98% of SUV sold today are intended as road vehicles (tall cars) that can handle inclement weather. Using one as a starting point for an off road oriented vehicle is fraught with challenges that are expensive and difficult to overcome. No amount of aftermarket hardware will improve upon the approach and departure angles. As I said before Toyota 4Runner TRD off road is better suited for this type of work with a two speed transfer case and locking center diff. But the driving ergonomics feel like you are crammed up against the roof. Jeep Wrangler,Gladiator, and grand Cherokee still have some off road prowess at the expensive of some on road civility. At least the mods you made make your ascent look unique and you could recoup some of your costs if you decide to sell the parts.
Ah silly me totally forgot about the impact of lifts on the angles. Forgive me. It’s been a long day.That's simply not correct. Here's mine vs the other Subies.
No worries. I will say, our Ascent's big noses are still a pain. And that tail isn't much better.Ah silly me totally forgot about the impact of lifts on the angles. Forgive me. It’s been a long day.
For serious stuff, it requires technical off roading, where (as one of many "for instances") my former Ranger Rover didn't. With one, I have to pick lines. With the other, it didn't matter and I could drive ahead as if I was on flat ground.
So you need a 3 inch lift to be better than a stock Forester. That's a fact I wish I knew beforehand.That's not accurate. Here's mine vs the other Subies.
View attachment 21001
Here's a variety of lifts on the Ascent. Stock is horrible, yes, but it doesn't take much to improve it considerably.
View attachment 21002
With my 1.7" lift I'm around the approach of a stock XL F-150. Not sure what my departure would be since I'm 1.4" in the rear.
1.7" beats a stock Forester for all but approach angle. I'm working on a front bumper mod for that.So you need a 3 inch lift to be better than a stock Forester. That's a fact I wish I knew beforehand.
With my 1.7" lift I'm around the approach of a stock XL F-150. Not sure what my departure would be since I'm 1.4" in the rear.
I will calculate 1.4" for you later, if you'd like.
Ya it would be cool to see what my departure and breakover are now.1.7" beats a stock Forester for all but approach angle. I'm working on a front bumper mod for that.
I will calculate 1.4" for you later, if you'd like.
Took my newly lifted Ascent to the beach this weekend. It handled the drive no problem and seemed nice on the beach. The sand was pretty solid, so I never even needed x-mode. Didn't air down at all either.
![Tire Water Wheel Land vehicle Vehicle]()
![Tire Automotive parking light Wheel Car Land vehicle]()
Coming back from the water, I saw a Baja had parked near me. I wish Subaru would bring them back haha.
![Font Plant Gas Auto part Electric blue]()
Even with the lift, skid plates, AT tires, a roof rack, and a tire mounted up top, I averaged 23+ mpg over my last 300 miles. That includes this entire beach trip and a mix of city and highway. I'm happily surprised by the efficiency.
Edit: Most likely going to be selling in a few weeks/months. With all the upgrades the car just still isn't capable enough. I didnt realize what a giant drop off in capability it was from the Forester. I also can't stand looking at the new design lol
Coming back from the water, I saw a Baja had parked near me. I wish Subaru would bring them back haha.
Even with the lift, skid plates, AT tires, a roof rack, and a tire mounted up top, I averaged 23+ mpg over my last 300 miles. That includes this entire beach trip and a mix of city and highway. I'm happily surprised by the efficiency.
Edit: Most likely going to be selling in a few weeks/months. With all the upgrades the car just still isn't capable enough. I didnt realize what a giant drop off in capability it was from the Forester. I also can't stand looking at the new design lol
The one person I should have listened to. Screw the ascent for anything more than highway drivingNot worth it. I've taken a stock Ascent on some more difficult forest roads and it was not a great experience. The approach angle specifically just sucks. Hit quite a few more things than I would've expected coming from a Forester that just ate these roads up in the past.
Also you won't be able to do anything about the wheelbase. Shorter wheelbases are just far superior for off roading.
I'd rather take a stock Forester soft roading over a kitted out Ascent. Sorry, just my experience.
Hello,
I have a '22 premium that has about 17k miles.
The Ascent has been great to drive and has had no issues.
I am considering upgrading it into an overland/soft roading rig, but am questioning it's capability.
This is mainly due to the approach, departure, and break over angles of the vehicle. Also it is a unibody construction.
However, the AWD system is absolutely amazing and is like having front and rear lockers.
So I am debating upgrading the Ascent with AT tires, a 1-2" lift, skid plates, and possibly new bumpers.
On the other hand I am just considering buying a second vehicle like a Ford Bronco, jeep, or Mid Size pickup truck.
I wanted to get people's experience and see what everyone thinks about the Ascent as an off-road and overland rig. I have read some previous threads but the info seems a bit mixed.
Some people say that it is not super capable and others say they can go on most trails without issue.
I've taken my Ascent onto beaches, gravel roads, and deep snow and it has been amazing. However, on one forest service road I decided to turn around instead of risking my bumper.
im interested to see people's experiences
Edit: after wasting thousands I can confirm nobody should do this. Buy a truck. The Ascent sucks. Primitive Skids plates still have issues and the lift was basically pointless. It's a good highway car but flat out stinks off-road.
I think you're giving up too easily. On the one hand you attest to how great the Ascent is, but on the other you say it's not good for anything more than highway driving. You've done more with your Ascent than many of us, so it's definitely good for more than just highway driving. No, it will never compete with a lifted truck, but it is still quite capable.The one person I should have listened to. Screw the ascent for anything more than highway driving
I agree that it's unrealistic to expect it to compete with a truck, but as @Robert.Mauro has shown with some mods it is amazingly capable.
Our two Subarus are stock and are still incredibly capable as long as you recognize it's a Subaru and not a truck. Whatever you decide, I hope you keep enjoying your Ascent.
I honestly thought the Ascent was more capable, but it's just not designed to be.I think you're giving up too easily. On the one hand you attest to how great the Ascent is, but on the other you say it's not good for anything more than highway driving. You've done more with your Ascent than many of us, so it's definitely good for more than just highway driving. No, it will never compete with a lifted truck, but it is still quite capable.
I agree that it's unrealistic to expect it to compete with a truck, but as @Robert.Mauro has shown with some mods it is amazingly capable.
Our two Subarus are stock and are still incredibly capable as long as you recognize it's a Subaru and not a truck. Whatever you decide, I hope you keep enjoying your Ascent.
I have not taken it anywhere that there were not also Prius' and Sedans. I need something that can actually get me away from people and to some more remote trails.
I think I'd have more patience if I didn't already have to replace half the vehicle. I've had to do tires, brakes, full sized spare, fog lights, skid plates, etc... Whereas I could buy a stock Jeep, bronco, or Tacoma and they would all come with that. Idk why Subaru cheaped out so hard on their most expensive vehicle.
I'm still having issues with my skid plates and I'm not very impressed with the lift. The skids grind any time I'm making a sharp turn. The only fix ive been told is to keep putting more spacers on the skid plate. I am sick of having to work on this car that is a pain to even just jack up in the air since my skids cover the one lift point on the front of the vehicle.
I also think I've said a few times that the car should have come this height. (10" of clearance) It just feels like a normal SUV with the lift.
On top of all of that, I bought the car mainly for safety. So of course the safety rating had to be lowered the year after I bought it.
My Subaru dealer is also horrible. They couldn't even do my alignment correctly. They acted all confused when I brought it back in since it was pulling hard to the left. So, I'm essentially on my own with this vehicle that needs to be worked on every other week.
Overall, I have wasted way too much time on this vehicle. I did not realize it was such a giant drop off in capability from the Forester. I wish Subaru would tell people that it's basically a minivan in terms of off-road angles and that there are no good lift kits available for it. Every other Subaru you can lift 2-4 inches with actual full strut replacements. Replacing just the springs was not fun and I'm not a fan of how the suspension rides now. Wish I would have just left the vehicle as the boring grandma car that it is.
21 - 40 of 47 Posts
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