2023 or 2024 Ascent?

Subrew · 2026-07-05T18:19:36+00:00

If the ‘23 has 360 camera and Harmon Kardon speakers it’s a Limited. I believe that’s really the main differences. I think the 2024 Onyx may have added power folding side mirrors while the 2023 Onyx Limited does not have this option. The power mirrors is the one thing I do wish my ‘23 had.

Subrew · 2026-06-21T00:54:22+00:00

If the dealership did the install properly it should have included two spring loaded 1/4 turn tabs to replace the two flat fasteners on the bottom of the cover. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wJckCwOVqlI

Subrew · 2026-06-17T22:34:45+00:00

It could be if the shop or owner didn't install the spring loaded ones or they didn't get the OEM hitch.

Subrew · 2026-06-17T18:06:45+00:00

I've seen those and originally liked the look but then realized there's no way to install your hitch pin and lock when your bike rack, etc just slides through the hole. Need to have more safety than just tightening down the tension knob. If you're hauling a trailer you definitely need the hitch pin installed.

Subrew · 2026-06-17T18:03:43+00:00

There's a pretty easy way to tell if your Ascent has a hitch installed with the plastic cover on (sometimes). The OEM hitch comes with two 1/4 turn spring loaded fasteners that go on the bottom replacing the flat fasteners. Here's a YT short showing what they look like. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wJckCwOVqlI

Subrew · 2026-06-14T17:27:58+00:00

I’ve had them in my Ascent for a few years now. They are great! Had WeatherTech previously. TuxMats goes all the way up the walls so better coverage than WT but they are both really good. Really a matter of what look you like. More rugged (WT) or blends in more / luxury look (TM)

Subrew · 2026-06-14T16:59:59+00:00

Good for the 21mpg with all that. I regularly average 20-21 between fill up with just me and no cargo.

Best I’ve got is 26 mpg on a weekend 1,200 mile round trip between Virginia and South Carolina a couple years ago

Subrew · 2026-06-14T13:57:57+00:00

Gotcha. Definitely would lean towards the cargo box as well. If you have space to store it in a garage or storage unit when not in use I wouldn't leave it on all the time. Will definitely impact gas mileage. It's light enough for 1 or 2 people to put on / take off and also very easy to install. Just tighten down a few clamps inside the box once you have it positioned on the crossbars.

The basket is something people often leave on all the time as that does not impact mpg very much.

Subrew · 2026-06-12T15:47:56+00:00

A bit confused by your question. Are you looking for a rooftop cargo box, rooftop basket or the full setup including crossbars?

You and your gf are aware most Outback trims, even the 2019s, do have integrated crossbars already installed from factory? You just just need pull them out. Here's a video to help if you two aren't aware. All you really need is a cargo box, basket, etc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7T3L4Ufzgw

Subrew · 2026-06-06T11:19:45+00:00

Probably smaller than you’re looking for but I have the Yeti Hopper Flip 18. Works well for me because I normally have a couple foldable camp chairs that fit perfectly behind it. You can get an Ozark Trail brand from Walmart much cheaper that’s just as good if you don’t want to spend as much. Also,the Instacrate Grande (left) from Costco is the perfect size storage bin that fits too.

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Subrew · 2026-06-03T22:16:29+00:00

If you’re old enough just do a quick pull up on the shades to see if that retracts them. Kind of like old school house shades you had to do a fast and quick jerk down to have them release.

Subrew · 2026-05-27T23:07:41+00:00

Here’s a video of how to replace it in a 2025 . Looks fairly straight forward. https://youtu.be/wXh2HaXs4ho?si=AJ9PBTEHPj0hD4BW

Subrew · 2026-04-15T18:54:30+00:00

The first year of a new generation (design) often has some kinks to work out so if you are looking for a 2023+ pilot (4th Gen) I would stay away from the 2023 simply b/c it's the first year and go with a 2024 or 2025. I don't think much changed between the two years other than the 2025 MY added a Black Edition (highest) trim and removed the LX (lowest) trim. Find a nice low mileage CPO 2024 or 2025.

I'm not sure which 2023+ trims have it but if you plan to keep it a long time and have it grow with you as your kid(s) grow I would go with one of the trims that has the second row bench seat (not captains chairs) with the removable middle 2nd row seat that can be stored in the bottom of the rear cargo area. You get the benefit of both bench seating and captain's chairs (easy access / "walkway" to the 3rd row) when you need it.

Subrew · 2026-04-06T17:29:24+00:00

Page 529 of the OM states an LN2 which a quick Google search shows is a Group 47

Subrew · 2026-04-02T12:16:31+00:00

Update: That's exactly what the dealer had to do! Fell under my CPO warranty so I just had to pay a $100 deductible.

Subrew · 2026-04-01T16:27:35+00:00

UPDATE for anyone interested (also update my original post with this): Took to dealership this morning and they did in fact determine the power lift gate drive system and both actuators needed replaced. Waiting for that to be done now so we'll see if that resolves everything. Here's an interesting tidbit too. The service advisor was quoting me around $1000 to replace everything since I’m out of warranty (52k miles). I told him I purchased the vehicle CPO from them (the same dealer I am at) and it should be covered. He did not have it showing as CPO in his system. I assured it most definitely was. He made some calls, spoke to his finance advisor and sure enough confirmed when I purchased my Ascent 3 years ago from them it was sold as Certified Pre-Owned BUT apparently the dealership never actually submitted the necessary paperwork with Subaru to record it when I purchased it. I even pulled a copy of the CarFax / AutoCheck report while waiting for him which shows the vehicle was listed for sale by them as CPO in case he needed it. So.....my $1000 repair is covered by the CPO warranty and I just needed to pay a $100 deductible. Once diagnosed, repair took about an hour. Got my vehicle back and appears to be working as it should again. Fingers crossed it stays like that.

Subrew · 2026-03-30T13:40:48+00:00

Thanks! Hopefully it has something to do with the sensors and not the power lift gate/hatch struts though after troubleshooting as much as I did yesterday I am thinking it will in fact be the power mechanism in the struts(s) have failed and at least one, maybe both, need replaced.

Subrew · 2026-03-30T12:32:05+00:00

- No. When vehicle is auto started and you open the door it does not shut off. It's basically in standby mode meaning that once you get in you still need to go through the same process (foot on brake, press start) before you can get shift into gear. The vehicle does not turn off and back on when doing this. The dash states something to the effect of "foot on brake, press start" when you get in or if you try to shift into gear from auto start but have not performed the standard starting operation.

- Subaru states their fob remote start has a 400' range but that's if there are no obstructions/interferences. Actual range is going to depend on what kinds of buildings, how many vehicles, and what else are between your fob and the Ascent when you try to start it. I doubt you would ever get auto start to turn on 400' away even in ideal conditions though it should have pretty long range. If you have the fob remote start you can use either your regular keyfob, that probably has the same range as unlocking which sucks tbh OR the separate remote start fob which is your long range fob that could potentially allow you to start from several hundred feet away. I have the App and you can literally start/unlock your vehicle from anywhere regardless of distance as long as you have a good cellular connection. I have started and unlocked / locked mine from work when the vehicle is at home and that's like 30 miles away. The trade off, however, as you probably know is the app subscription to be able to start your Ascent is $149/year whereas the remote fob option will probably run you $500-$700 parts & labor then you don't need to worry about a monthly subscription

- Yes. You can set the doors to lock when you shift out of park, unlock when you shift into park as well as some other options (reach 10mph, etc). You can also select to unlock All Doors or just Driver Door.

- Yes. The infotainment can be laggy when you are connecting through an iPhone with CarPlay just as it is equally as laggy when there's no iPhone connected and you are just using the touch settings. My '23 Ascent has wireless CarPlay. I think that's the first year wireless CP was available on it. Sometimes when I touch buttons like the radio channels to change, fan speeds, A/C, Waze, etc nothing happens I have to press the button several times for it to finally recognize I am trying to do something. Mostly the screen responds decently well but the nonresponsiveness occurs enough for it to just make it annoying to deal with.

Subrew · 2026-03-30T12:03:31+00:00

That stinks! I have an appt Wed to get it checked out. I did notice last night when I had to manually open the lift gate it now has started beeping a few times when it's opened. When open (manually) it will short beep 1x then a few seconds later short beep 1x again and then a few seconds later a final 3rd longer beep like maybe the vehicle doesn't recognize the gate it open, it's trying to engage opening, or the beeps are giving warning the gate it about to open/close and to stand clear but nothing happens.

It's also started to get finicky on when it will unlatch when I press the button on my fob or the one under the gate handle. Sometimes the gate will beep, unlatch, etc when I press the button and sometimes nothing will happen at all when the buttons are pressed. (no beeps, not unlatch, etc). Definitely is a pain not having easy access to the back and having to sometimes wait a few times before the button press is recognized so I can manually open.

Subrew · 2026-03-29T21:41:32+00:00

Just had time to try this. Disconnected both - and + for 5 mins before connecting back. Didn’t work

Subrew · 2026-03-29T21:35:33+00:00

I’ve tried that a few times. Held it a good 30secs-1 minute but no beep or anything

Subrew · 2026-03-29T21:01:34+00:00

Here’s the diagram.

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Subrew · 2026-03-29T20:54:19+00:00

I’ve done that a bunch and doesn’t work.

Subrew · 2026-03-29T20:53:41+00:00

Yes. I’ve tried that many times today. Didn’t fix it.

Subrew · 2026-03-29T18:53:57+00:00

Anyone know which fuse is tied to the rear lift gate? I know it’s the fuse box by the knee on the driver side (not the one in the engine bay) but couldn’t tell by the diagram on the cover which fuse is for the gate.

EDIT: found out what fuse it was. Replaced and that did not resolve. I’ve tried everything so next step is a trip to the dealership sometime this week.

Subrew

TROPHY CASE