2019 Subaru Ascent The Subaru that is all grown up!

The Subaru that is all grown up!

By Charles Donaldson

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 their buyers and 2019 introduces Subaru’s largest vehicle 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 the 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 3^rd row seats with theater-style seating. Leather lined our seats in my Limited test car. The overall interior features and layout were relatively straightforward with easy button and knob control and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen (6.5-inch on the base model). The panoramic sunroof proved a sky view to all passengers. The interior storage compartments were adequate extending to all seating compartments including 19-cup holders – you better be prepared to make lots of bathroom stops! The Ascents 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 (it is 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 84^thbirthday 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 roof rack 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 torque creating all the power needed to confidently propel you on the freeway or off the line. What impressed me the 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:

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 Anti-lock Braking System (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

Base price:	$38,995 as driven: $42,920 (including destination & optional features)
Engine:	2.4-Liter Flat 4-cylinder
Horsepower:	260 hp @ 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:	4,499 pounds
EPA mileage:	City 20/Hwy 26/Comb 22 MPG
Fuel Capacity:	19.3 gallons
Max Towing:	5000 lb.
Wheelbase:	113.8 inches
Warranty:	3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider:	Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and Toyota Highlander