Rather than bumping a thread, can I get opinions after 6 months or so of ownership?

I looked at one today for the heck of it, and was impressed by the ride most of all.

Seems like it's basically a sporty minivan to attract millennials that refuse a minivan like my wife and me.

Salesman said they also offer Subaru lift kits if you are so inclined...

Also the salesmen spent most of the time wanting to talk about my 95 Land Cruiser he was hoping I was trying to trade in. Turns out he is Venezuelan and is looking for his own 80 to drive around. Talked on and on about driving them on his grandfathers ranch in VZ as a kid. Cool guy.

They've only been out like 6 mos.

I like them except I think they should offer the H6 and a regular transmission but the CX9 seems to sell well with a turbo 4 so.....

Did the sales guy drive an Odyssey? Sounds like my neighbor who stalked me when I would drive my 40 around the neighborhood.

Dang, I thought it had been since last Jan for some reason. Yeah I'd rather have an 8 speed but it sounds like Subaru has been good about replacing their CVTs, even out of warranty. I realize you can't count on that.

What do you mean H6? 6 cyl in their boxer style?

Also how ridiculous would I be if I put a lift on one? Ha, cracks me up but the sales dude claimed his manager has the Touring trim level and a 3" Subaru lift!

3" sounds like an exaggeration but I like the aggressive attitude...

Bump for weekday crowd, I know we've got a couple owners on here...

Subaru, like most manufacturers, has a history of having to work out issues with 1st model year designs. The engine to me would be the biggest reliability concern overtime since it's all new for this specific application. Subaru turbo engines can be very hit or miss regarding oil consumption and some other issues. I've had 3 vehicles with their turbo engines (2 WRXs and 1 Legacy GT) and 2 of them needed head gaskets replaced prior to 100k miles. Those were on the older EJ engines, so I wouldn't necessarily expect the same on the modern engine design, but definitely something to consider.

I'd recommend looking at their owner forums to see what issues (if any) have been discussed:

www.ascentforums.com

www.subaruoutback.org

Overall, the AWD system is best in class and I think the CVT hate is overblown. Safety is great and I like the interior and exterior design plus 3rd row space.

My wife and I got the minivan because it was best for our situation right now, but the Ascent would be the choice if we didn't need everything a minivan gives. I DD a 2015 outback and I've owned another 3 subarus before that one, so I'm a big fan of the brand.

My parents (Agronomist) have one with all the bells and whistles.

They really like it, I can't say a bad thing about it after driving it.