2021 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition debuts in the US

KUALA LUMPUR: Subaru recently introduced a new Onyx Edition for its three-row midsize SUV Ascent available in the US market. Prior to this, the Japanese automaker has rolled out the same trim for the Outback as well. As for what’s different in the Onyx version, there are a few things to dissect.

Positioned between the Premium and Limited trim in the SUV’s lineup, the special edition features exclusive black-finish exterior elements, special badges, and 20-inch alloys for a meaner stance. On the inside, it gets only a seven-seater layout with seats wrapped in StarTex water-repellent material for durability and easy cleaning.

On the feature front, the Ascent Onyx Edition hosts all the bits available on the premium trim along with some add-ons. These include an 8-inch STARLINK 6.5-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, STARLINK Connected Services, eight-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, tri-zone front, and rear automatic climate control, automatic power door locks, power windows, and side mirrors, keyless access with push-button start, heated front seats and steering wheel, and 19 cupholders.

As for safety, the special iteration is equipped with the following features:

• Reverse automatic braking
• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Steering responsive LED headlights with high beam assist
• Seat belt reminder for every seat
• Blind spot detection with lane change assist
• Rear cross traffic alert

Subaru also offers a single option package for the Onyx Edition that adds a panoramic moonroof, navigation, and a retractable cargo cover to the features list.

On the mechanical front, the special Ascent gets the same powertrain available on the other trims. That’s a 2.4-litre turbocharged BOXER engine churning out a maximum output of 260 horsepower and a peak torque of 375 Nm. The engine is mated to a Lineartronic CVT sending power to the brand’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. The setup provides a towing capacity of 2268 kg with standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The new Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition price in the US market starts at $37,995 (RM 156,443).

Also read: 2022 Subaru Forester facelift arrives in Japan