- Scotty, I watch a lot of your videos especially on turbocharged engines and CVT’s. I am interested in purchasing a 2023 Subaru Ascent which has a 2.4-liter DOHC turbocharged engine. What’s your thoughts? Still doing a lot of research between Acura MDX, Subaru and Honda Pilot or Odyssey. Thank you
Personally, I would not buy a turbocharged Subaru boxer engine
If you really want an Ascent you should lease it. A small turbocharged engine combined with a CVT in a large, heavy vehicle is not a recipe for long trouble-free life.
Welcome new member. The Outback and Forester are reasonably reliable. But the Ascent is below average. Like @chucktobias is saying, the car is probably a little too heavy for the drivetrain.
The development of the Ascent used the Highlander as the benchmark; they are near identical in proportions. If the Outback and Forester are too small (you want a 3rd row), I'd look at the Highlander. The Pilot is really nice too, but larger and heavier still.
Highlander is a more reliable option. Like the Ascent, it also has a turbocharged 4-cylinder (it is an Inline-4, not a Flat-4 like the Subaru). From what I have seen, the T24A-FTS motor in the Highlander hasn't had any problems so far. It has been in the Lexus NX350 for the past year now and is also in the new RX350.
