Subaru officially entered the three-row SUV market with the 2019 Ascent, a vehicle designed to offer families space, safety, and Subaru’s renowned all-weather capability. This all-new SUV marked a significant step for Subaru, being their largest vehicle ever produced and packed with features aimed at making family life easier and more comfortable. From its spacious interior to its advanced safety technology, the 2019 Subaru Ascent was built to be the ultimate family adventure vehicle.
Spacious Interior and Family-Friendly Design
The 2019 Subaru Ascent boasts a wheelbase of 113.8 inches, making it the largest Subaru ever. This translates directly into a cavernous interior designed with families in mind. Offering up to 153.5 cubic feet of passenger volume and a maximum of 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, the Ascent provides ample room for passengers and all their gear. Whether it’s sports equipment, camping supplies, or luggage for a family vacation, the Ascent has the space to handle it.
The Ascent also prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience. Rear doors open a wide 75 degrees, making access to the third row easy for both children and adults. Inside, you’ll find an impressive 19 cup and bottle holders, ensuring everyone stays hydrated on long journeys. The vehicle also offers up to nine different seating configurations, accommodating either 7 or 8 passengers depending on whether you opt for second-row bench seating or captain’s chairs. The 60/40 split-folding second and third-row seats further enhance versatility, allowing you to customize the interior for passengers and cargo as needed. Standard roof rails add even more cargo-carrying capability, ready for bike racks, cargo boxes, or kayak carriers.
Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the 2019 Ascent benefits from enhanced structural rigidity. This platform, strengthened and extended for the Ascent’s size, contributes to improved straight-line stability, agile handling, and a comfortable ride. Subaru engineers also focused on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels, incorporating soundproofing measures like an acoustic windshield and front door glass to create a quieter and more refined cabin experience for all occupants.
Performance and Capability: Subaru DNA Under the Hood
True to its Subaru heritage, the 2019 Ascent comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a system renowned for providing exceptional traction and control in various weather conditions. Combined with Active Torque Vectoring and a four-wheel independent suspension, the Ascent delivers a car-like ride and handling that belies its SUV size. An impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance across all models further enhances its capability, allowing it to confidently navigate rough roads or snowy conditions, while maintaining a comfortable step-in height for passengers.
Powering the 2019 Ascent is an all-new 2.4-liter BOXER engine. This turbocharged engine utilizes direct fuel injection, a high compression ratio, and Subaru’s Dual Active Valve Control System to produce 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The broad torque curve, peaking between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm, ensures responsive power across a wide range of driving situations. The engine is paired with a high-torque Lineartronic CVT featuring an 8-speed manual mode and steering wheel paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. X-Mode® with Hill Descent Control is also standard, further enhancing off-road capability. This powertrain combination enables the 2019 Ascent to tow up to 5,000 lbs, making it the most capable Subaru for towing ever. Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is included to enhance safety when towing, helping to maintain control by detecting and mitigating trailer sway.
Advanced Safety and In-Car Technology
Safety is a paramount concern for families, and the 2019 Subaru Ascent delivers with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Pre-Collision Throttle Management. Available EyeSight Assist Monitor (EAM) projects system warnings and status information onto the windshield, keeping the driver informed. Optional Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert further enhance awareness of surrounding traffic. High Beam Assist automatically manages headlight high beams for optimal visibility without dazzling other drivers. Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) is also available, adding an extra layer of safety when backing up.
Inside, the Ascent is equipped with Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side pelvis/torso airbags, and side curtain airbags covering all three rows. Brake Assist and Brake Override System are also standard, further contributing to overall safety performance.
For connectivity and entertainment, the 2019 Ascent offers available in-car Wi-Fi via 4G LTE. SUBARU STARLINK™ Connected Services provides a range of features, including remote engine start, concierge service, anti-theft immobilizer, and child safety functions like geofencing and speed alerts. The Safety Plus package adds SOS emergency assistance, automatic collision notification, and maintenance alerts, while the Safety Plus & Security Plus upgrade includes stolen vehicle recovery, remote lock/unlock, and remote vehicle locator.
Trim Levels and Features: Something for Every Family
The 2019 Subaru Ascent was offered in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring, allowing buyers to choose the features and amenities that best fit their needs and budget.
The Base trim is well-equipped, featuring standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, SUBARU STARLINK 6.5” Multimedia system with Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto, tri-zone automatic climate control, and 18-inch alloy wheels. A cabin-view mirror, allowing front occupants to see the rear rows, is also standard.
Stepping up to the Premium trim adds features like Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, towing capability, power driver’s seat, SUBARU STARLINK 8.0” Multimedia Plus system, Wi-Fi capability, and the All-Weather Package with heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer. Premium trims also offer options like second-row captain’s chairs, Reverse Automatic Braking, a panoramic moonroof, and navigation.
The Limited trim includes all Premium features and adds leather-trimmed upholstery, second-row captain’s chairs or bench seating (at no extra cost), LED Steering Responsive Headlights with High Beam Assist, LED fog lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, power rear gate with height memory, and Keyless Access with Push-Button Start.
At the top of the range, the Touring trim offers the ultimate in luxury and convenience. It includes unique Java Brown leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a Harman Kardon Quantum Logic surround sound system with 14 speakers, panoramic power moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, a Smart Rear-View Mirror, and a 180-degree front-view camera.
Pricing and Availability
The 2019 Subaru Ascent started at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $31,995 for the base model. Premium trim started at $34,195, Limited at $38,995, and the top-of-the-line Touring trim at $44,695. Destination and delivery charges were additional. The 2019 Ascent arrived at Subaru retailers in the summer of 2018.
Conclusion: The 2019 Subaru Ascent – A Smart Choice for Families
The 2019 Subaru Ascent successfully brought Subaru’s core values of safety, reliability, and capability to the three-row SUV segment. With its spacious and versatile interior, standard all-wheel drive, advanced safety features, and comfortable driving experience, the Ascent was designed to meet the needs of active families. Whether for daily commutes, weekend adventures, or long road trips, the 2019 Subaru Ascent proved to be a compelling option in the competitive family SUV market, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and Subaru’s signature go-anywhere attitude.
