Subaru’s Ascent is this brand’s largest SUV.
The 2019 Subaru Ascent fills a hole in this automaker’s product line, by supplying a sizable three-row crossover SUV. It represents Subaru’s largest model yet, a vehicle designed to keep growing families in the brand fold.
Although the Ascent is not Subaru’s first three-row model — that honor belongs to the Tribeca, last built in 2014 — it is the first one to take advantage of the brand’s new modular architecture. Thus, the Ascent has an additional five inches between the wheels, is two inches wider and comes in about four inches taller than the Tribeca.
These specifications mean the 2019 Ascent is better able to accommodate seven passengers in comfort than the Tribeca. Further, with three rows of bench seats, the Ascent offers room for eight as do the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Buick Enclave and the Toyota Highlander.
But one of the most significant differences between the 2019 Ascent and its competitors is that the Subaru is the only one with standard all-wheel drive. Each of its competitors has standard front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive.
2019 Subaru Ascent Trims
Subaru offers the 2019 Ascent in four trims: Base ($32,970), Premium ($35,170), Limited ($39,970) and Touring ($45,670). All prices include the $975 destination charge.
The Base and Touring models do not offer package upgrades. The Premium model offers four package choices, including a pair of Convenience ($1,460) and Sporty Packages ($4,260) based on the number of seats chosen (seven or eight).
The Convenience Package includes a power rear liftgate, keyless entry, an automatic dimming rearview mirror, and reverse automatic braking. The Sporty Package builds on the Convenience Package, adding 20-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, an 8-inch navigation system, and a cargo area cover.
As for the Limited model, it offers a pair of Technology Packages ($2,950), once again based on 7- or 8-passenger seating. This package includes a panoramic moonroof, navigation, a cargo area cover, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
A Matter of Style
We’ve already made the point that the 2019 Ascent is the largest Subaru model ever. Beyond that, the Ascent shares some of the styling elements of other Subaru models, although its diamond-shaped grille is larger and the headlamps and lower intake are also unique to this model.
The Ascent’s broad hood, firm shoulders and distinct wheel well arches impart strength. A high beltline dominates the profile. Our test model included roof rack side rails and crossbars. From the rear, you’ll find large wraparound tail lamps, a liftgate spoiler, chrome trim, and dual exhaust ports.
Standard exterior features include halogen headlights, folding side mirrors, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and roof rails. Available equipment includes LED steering responsive headlights, LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, a power moonroof, and a power liftgate.
Inside, the cabin is clean, well ordered and roomy. If you don’t need eight seats, I strongly encourage the seven-seat layout. The middle-row captains’ chairs are very comfortable. They slide and tilt forward for ease of access to the third row. They also allow for more legroom (especially for the middle seated passenger).
The Ascent was absolutely designed with families in mind. You’ll find 19 drink holders, although they can be filled with other items. Look around and you’ll find places to stash your phones and door cutouts for resting elbows. The front seats are comfortable, although if they were a bit wider they’d please the largest drivers amongst us.
Standard interior features include full power accessories, cloth seats, and three-zone climate control.
The list of available equipment includes a heated steering wheel, power front seats, leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, and woodgrain trim.
Technology and Safety
Subaru is synonymous with safety and it is also a technology leader. The automaker marries the two with its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
EyeSight acts as an extra set of eyes and includes lane departure and sway warning with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision throttle management, pre-collision braking, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking. Standard across the Ascent model line, the technology is as advanced as anything offered elsewhere — typically, however, most manufacturers don’t offer these features except on top-trim models.
A 2019 Ascent with its available automatic adjusting headlamps (as featured on my test Limited model) earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Subaru typically garners the highest scores, underscoring its stellar reputation for all things safety.
The standard audio package includes a 6.5-inch screen. You’ll also find a six-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Other features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, USB ports, auxiliary audio input, navigation, Bluetooth, and a host of cloud-based applications. Options include an 8-inch color display, additional USB ports, and the Harman Kardon audio system.
On the Road With the 2019 Subaru Ascent
When I took delivery of the 2019 Ascent and drove it for the first time, I forgot that this model doesn’t have the six-cylinder engine used in some Subaru models.
Instead, the Ascent is powered by an all-new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This is a BOXER engine, which means the cylinders are horizontally opposed, a layout prized by Subaru and Porsche alike.
What’s noteworthy here is that the engine bangs out 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a continuously variable transmission.
Step-off acceleration imbues confidence and when full power is needed, the turbo spools quickly. To my surprise, turbo lag was absent and that’s no small feat. Usually, when pressing the gas pedal with impunity, the engine will hesitate slightly as the turbo activates. Happily, this was not the case with this Subaru, which only heightened this model’s driving experience.
Another plus was the CVT. It behaved more like an automatic transmission as the built-in “steps” kept it from “stretching” under hard acceleration. You can also move the transmission shifter into sport mode and activate the paddle shifters. Here, the transmission mimics eight forward shift points.
As for off-roading, the Ascent can handle light-duty work with ease. The standard X-mode variable transfer clutch lock control adjusts the all-wheel-drive mapping as well as throttle control and activates hill descent control. These features are useful for gravelly roads, but you won’t want to tackle the rocky terrain.
As for fuel economy, the first two trims make an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The two top trims lose 1 mpg. Another important feature is this model’s 5,000-pound towing capacity, the most we’ve seen from Subaru. That puts Subaru in good company, matching the top capacity of models like the Ford Explorer and ahead of the GMC Acadia (4,000 pounds) and the Mazda CX-9 (3,500 pounds).
Parting Thoughts: 2019 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent does what it needs to do as it goes up against the top models in its class. Now, Subaru shoppers don’t have to leave the brand as their seating and storage needs increase. Indeed, not only does this model seat up to eight, but storage capacity maxes out at 86.5 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded.
That Subaru supplies its EyeSight technology across the model line means customers don’t have to upgrade and pay more to get what they want. The same can be said for all-wheel drive. That said, we think the Premium model with the available Sporty Package offers a sensible choice for many shoppers. With a price point just above $40,000, it also matches well with the competition.
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See Also — Subaru Ascent: LA Auto Show Reveal
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Nevertheless, the Vietnamese automaker has two models to show for it, with both going into production in 2019.
The company tapped Pininfarina, the Italian design house with developing the new models based on consumer input. The result is two models, a sedan and a crossover utility vehicle, that the company believes reflect the country’s spirit.
We do know that powering both models is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Apparently, there will be two performance variants. The first one will produce 173 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The second one has an output of 231 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The sedan will offer both choices, while the utility vehicle will have the higher output version only.
Other models planned include an electric car and an electric bus. All three models are currently under development.