Outside, the 2023 Ascent/Evoltis receives a styling update pioneered by the Forester. It gets a more prominent grille, redesigned LED headlights, and a more aggressive bumper with new lower-edge aero ducts. At the back, it gets updated taillights.

Inside, the 2023 Ascent/Evoltis gains the infotainment system first seen in the Outback. The center stack now comes outfitted with an 11.6-inch full HD touchscreen display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard. The screen also acts as the monitor for the new 360-degree Surround View Monitor. Another new feature is Cabin Connect which uses the first-row microphone to communicate with those seated in the third row.

The top-of-the-line Touring variant which is what the Philippines gets features a 12-way powered driver’s seat, 4-way front passenger seat, perforated leather seats with ventilated/heated functions for the first row, USB A and USB C ports, and a moonroof.

Safety-wise, it adds a monocular camera to the Subaru EyeSight’s dual camera setup. Through the use of three windshield-mounted cameras, it now works under a greater range of conditions and wider field of view. It also better detects pedestrians and cyclists even at intersections.

Mechanically, the Ascent/Evoltis remains unchanged. Power still comes from a turbocharged 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed engine with 260 horsepower and 375 Nm of torque routed through a Lineartronic CVT driving all four wheels.

The refreshed Ascent/Evoltis goes on sale in the U.S. by the third quarter of this year. And since the Philippines also sources its units from Subaru’s Indiana plant, it’ll just be a matter of time before this 7-seater SUV arrives (likely for a debut at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show).