We have driven in a lot of deep snow in the 2023 Subaru Ascent, but this was the first time in clear dirt/puddles. The climb was handled fantastically. We had 6 people and our 60kg dog in the car, plus some of our camping gear.
This video is the first part of the return trip, but I thought I’d share it anyway. There are two very large puddles around 5:30 in the video below that we’re not sure how deep they are exactly, but we got through without a problem. There was also a Subaru Crosstrek in the group that had no problems.
We have 18″ wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T tires, plus the full primitive racing skid plate (front + rims, transmission and rear diff plates). We never hit the ground in the space. I think we could have fought Way too much harder. Never slipped, never engaged in x-mode or anything. Loved driving the Climb on that road. 
Giant Puddle vs Subaru Ascent (and some potholes too!) #NorthBend #NorthForkRoad #offroad – YouTube
Giant Puddle vs Subaru Ascent (and some potholes too!) #NorthBend #NorthForkRoad #offroad
He tried to make the car as dirty as possible. This was the next day:
