The Subaru that is all grown up!
Subaru is known for their fleet of vehicles sporting All-Wheel Drive, which the Midwest and northern parts of our country, as well as, Canada truly appreciate. Over the years the size of Subaru models has grown to accommodate the needs of buyers and 2019 introduces Subaru’s largest to-date with the all-new Ascent. Subaru did try to enter the three-row crossover market back in 2005 with the Tribeca, but it was a styling flop. This time Subaru perfected their design with the handsome Ascent. Not only is the Ascent prepared to carry Subaru’s largest cargo capacity at 47.5 cubic feet (compared to the Forester at 33 cubic feet), but it also offers mini-van seating capacity with up to 8 passengers and 3 rows of seats.
Pricing and Trims
The 2019
Subaru Ascent is available in four trim levels: Base AWD ($31,995), Premium AWD
($34,195), Limited AWD ($38,995), and Touring AWD ($44,695).
What’s new for 2019?
Let’s say…Everything! This is the first year for the Ascent, so I will focus on
what is new for Subaru consumers. To begin, the 2019 Ascent offers Subaru’s
dedicated customer base: a crossover that comfortably carries a family of 6 with
cargo, all in one vehicle. Often size does matter, and the Ascent allows
families who need more space, an option to stay with Subaru versus having to go
and shop other manufacturers.
Interior Highpoints
The
interior of my Limited had a soft touch, was stylish, well-appointed and
equipped. It was the most comfortable, open, airy Subaru cabin I have ever
driven and had super-easy access to the 3rd row seats with theater-style
seating. Leather lined our seats in my test car. The overall interior features are
relatively straightforward with easy button and knob control and an 8-inch
infotainment touchscreen (6.5-inch on the base model). The panoramic sunroof
provides a sky view to all passengers. The interior storage compartments are
adequate extending to all seating compartments including 19-cup holders. The
Ascent’s 47.5 cubic feet of cargo space surpasses many of its competitors
including the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Highlander. What is
missing is a rear passenger entertainment system.
Thanks to the Ascent’s 8-passenger seating status (also available in 7-seats), I was able to drive myself and 6 adults comfortably from Dublin to Roseville (roughly 2 hours and 20-minutes each way) for my dad’s 84th birthday celebration. He and my mom were able to relax and enjoy the ride.
Exterior Highlights
The exterior
of the Ascent resembles an inflated Forester with a nice profile and a front
end that is all Subaru. Where some vehicles turn heads from great design, the
Ascent will rotate necks when people realize this large crossover is a Subaru.
The roofrack allows for even more cargo capacity on top.
Performance Specs
The 2019
Subaru Ascent introduces a brand-new 2.4-liter turbocharged flat 4-cylinder
engine that generates 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torquecreating all
the power needed to confidently propel you on the freeway or off the line. What
impressed me most was the 27-mpg highway and 20 miles per gallon city. Not bad
for a large vehicle, and that’s with all-wheel drive! The engine is mated to a
continuously-variable transmission that allows for cruising at maximum
efficiency. The Ascent even offers steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The
overall ride was smooth and confident.
Cool Features:
- Rear passenger temperature controls
- Rear heated seats
- Multiple USB outlets
- Subaru’s Eye Sight suite of active driving aids
Safety &Integrity
Subaru is known for its safety features and the Ascent is loaded with
them, including Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, EyeSight® driver assist technology,
blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, high
beam assist, reverse automatic braking, vehicle dynamics control, 4-wheel ABS, brake
assist, brake override system, 180-degree front view camera, rear-vision camera
(high-resolution), STARLINK™ safety and security, Subaru advanced frontal
airbag system, side curtain airbags, seat-mounted front side airbags, and whiplash-protection
front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints.
In Summary –The 2019 Subaru Ascent shares the best of what Subaru is known and respected for, just in much bigger packaging and with decent pricing. The performance feels like a 6-cylinder but with 4-cylinder fuel economy. The interior hits most of the marks for comfort, technology, and easy of use. The exterior design is all Subaru. I never felt fatigued during my long distance (5 hours) of driving to and from Roseville and all passengers had plenty of room. The Harman Kardon sound system delivered great tunes from the Satellite radio. I was impressed with the Ascent and would recommend it for a test drive for those who desire want more room.
Specifications.
2019 Subaru Ascent Limited
Base price: $38,995 as driven: $42,920 (including destination & optional features)
Engine: 2.4-Liter Flat 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 260hp@ 5600 RPM
Torque: 277 lb.-ft.@ 2000-4800 RPM
Transmission: Continuously Variable automatic transmission
Drive: All-Wheel Drive
Seating: 8-passenger
Cargo space: 47.5 cubic feet
Curb weight: 4499 pounds
EPA mileage: City 20/Hwy 26/Comb 22 MPG
Max Towing: 5000 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 19.3 gallons
Wheel Base: 113.8inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000-miles
Also Consider: Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and Toyota
Highlander
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