Flash Drive

2019 Subaru Ascent

September 10, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2019 Subaru Ascent Premium

The all-new 2019 Subaru Ascent marks the company’s return to the 3-row crossover SUV market.

Engine:2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4, 260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined

Base Price: $34,195

As Tested: $36,630

Performance:

Legendary Subaru all weather performance

Strong fuel economy for its size

Our best was 27.7-mpg highway

The 2019 Subaru Ascent will probably see more highway miles than dirt trails, but as a Subaru the Ascent is highly off-road capable.

Reasonable acceleration

5,000 pound towing capacity

Paddle shifters

Great safety features

Advanced driver assist technology

Lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring

Optional reverse automatic braking

Comfort:

Outstanding interior room and comfort

Stretch-out front row legroom

Great headroom

Interior room and comfort are excellent in the new Ascent.

Excellent second row legroom

Ample shoe room under front seats

Flat second row floor

Adults can fit easily in middle position

Snug shoulder wise for three across

Middle position is much softer than typical middle seats

Soft, wide, cloth armrest

Wide opening rear doors

Good height for in/out

Heated front seats

Second row HVAC controls with overhead vents

Adults fit nicely in the second row.

Adjustable height front shoulder harnesses

Big rear doors for good third row access

Third row seats best for children

Utility:

Three row seating, seven or eight passenger configurations

Big cargo area

Flat floor, no lift-over

Big, wide hatch opening

Power tailgate

Handy plastic storage bin under cargo deck

The third row has seat belts for three, but that should be three very thin people.

Covered tool/jack compartments

Split folding seats, but gap between rows two and three

Large console bin

Medium door bins front and rear

WOW Factors:

Spacious interior

Great first and second row legroom

Pleasant, conservative styling

Lots of innovative safety features

Whines:

Not as nimble as smaller Subarus 

Cargo space is excellent with all the seats folded.

Bottom Line:

The 2019 Subaru Ascent is the largest Subaru, but it’s still very reasonably sized compared to most three-row SUVs. It has excellent interior space, but can still be parked easily. The innovative safety features are plentiful and very useful. If you must have a larger three row SUV the Subaru Ascent is a sensible way to go.