Following the Concept
Although Subaru has a reputation for displaying beautiful concept models, only to deliver a watered-down production model, the 2019 Ascent largely fails to follow the trend. While the production model is a bit toned down, it and the concept vehicle share many physical attributes. To the brand’s faithful, it’s instantly recognizable, but certain styling cues set it apart. It retains the quirkiness Subaru is known for, but in a sleeker, more manageable form.
On the Inside
The 2019 Subaru Ascent near Lafayette, LA offers a tall dashboard and an upright seated position that keeps it in line with its rivals in the SUV segment. The base model seats eight, and in higher trim levels, the second row’s bench seat can be exchanged for two captain’s chairs at no additional cost. While this diminishes seating capacity, it makes it easier for busy parents to get to that all-important third row of seating.
No matter how many people are along for the ride, everyone will have a place to put a drink. Subaru has included 19 cup holders in the Ascent’s cabin, meaning that drinks are always within reach. There are a few other storage spots as well; they’re found in the glove box, center console, seat back pockets, door pockets, and the under-floor area. The 2019 Ascent has 85.5 cu. ft. of cargo area with the third row folded down; with the second row folded as well, the space increases to 153.5 cu. ft.
Where onboard technology is concerned, the 2019 Subaru Ascent is a worthy contender. The StarLink infotainment system comes with a standard 6.5” touchscreen, while higher trim levels get a larger 8.0” display. Both versions come with smartphone integration through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the larger setup has Wi-Fi connectivity.
Powertrain and Performance
The Ascent is fresh under the hood as well. Subaru has given it a horizontally opposed 2.0L four-cylinder engine, which creates a lower center of gravity and improves the vehicle’s handling. At 260hp and 277 lb. ft. of torque, the boxer-style engine gives the Ascent enough grunt for most daily drivers.
The powerplant is mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that has eight ‘gears’ for simulated manual shifting. Subaru is well-known for its Symmetrical AWD, and the Ascent is no exception to the rule. The always-on AWD comes with X-Mode, which is a hill descent assist feature for rugged terrain.
The unibody chassis on the 2019 Ascent is stout enough to give the vehicle a 5000-lb. tow rating. Fuel economy is adequate at an EPA-rated 21mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway for models with standard equipment. Higher-tier models with 20” wheels get slightly lower numbers at 20/26.
Safety Features
Most of today’s vehicles come with a list of safety features that prevent collisions from occurring, and the Ascent is no different. The Ascent’s list includes adaptive cruise control, auto pre-collision braking, sway and lane departure warning, pre-crash throttle management, and the optional EyeSight technology suite and assist monitor. The EyeSight Assist Monitor provides heads-up warnings from the system, along with other important information.
Other high-tech safety features include lane change assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alerts, high beam assistance, and reverse auto braking. The Ascent has an impressive range of airbags as well, for all-around protection.
A Great Family Vehicle
Subaru created the ascent with a focus on families, and for good reason: its smaller crossovers aren’t spacious enough for a growing family. The Ascent can seat up to nine people, and the back two seating rows are 60/40 flat-folding. Those who upgrade to the Limited or Premium can, as previously mentioned, get captain’s chairs in lieu of the second seating row, and standard roof rails are a nice supplement to the Ascent’s roomy cargo area.
Stop by to See the Ascent Today
It’s been quite a while since there’s been a third-row Subaru crossover on the market, and the 2019 Subaru Ascent near Lafayette, LA fills the gap nicely. SUVs and crossovers are popular these days, and the automaker’s safety- and family-conscious image give it an advantage in the segment. Stop by to see the Ascent in person or call (888) 486-3576 for more details.
