The 2019 Subaru Ascent marked Subaru’s grand entry into the competitive midsize SUV segment, a bold move for a brand traditionally known for its smaller, rugged offerings. For families seeking a reliable, spacious, and capable vehicle, the Ascent promised to deliver Subaru’s hallmark all-wheel-drive confidence in a larger package. This review delves into the 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier trim, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your family.
Interior Comfort and Space: A Family-Focused Cabin
Stepping into the 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier, the immediate impression is one of spaciousness. This three-row SUV comfortably accommodates up to seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration, making it a genuine contender for larger families. The Premier trim, as tested, boasts luxurious brown leather upholstery covering the seven seats, offering a premium feel that elevates the cabin beyond its mainstream competitors. Subaru’s commitment to comfort is evident in the supportive seats, designed for long journeys. Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or nestled in the second row, the Ascent provides ample legroom and headroom, even for taller adults. Access to the third row is reasonably convenient, and while it’s best suited for children or smaller adults on longer trips, it’s certainly usable for occasional adult passengers on shorter jaunts.
Beyond passenger space, the Ascent excels in practicality. Nineteen cupholders are strategically placed throughout the cabin, a testament to its American market focus and a boon for thirsty families on road trips. Furthermore, numerous USB ports are readily accessible in all three rows of the Premier trim, ensuring that everyone can keep their devices charged and entertained. Climate vents for the rear rows are a thoughtful touch, ensuring passenger comfort even in extreme weather conditions.
Performance and Engine: The Turbocharged Boxer Heart
Under the hood of every 2019 Subaru Ascent lies a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine. This engine produces a respectable 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for daily driving and highway merging. The boxer engine, a Subaru signature, offers a unique rumble, though it can be somewhat noisy, particularly during cold starts. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, the Ascent delivers confident performance in various conditions.
While the CVT performs smoothly in most situations, it can exhibit some of the typical CVT characteristics, such as a noticeable whine under hard acceleration, especially when cold. However, for everyday driving, the powertrain is responsive and efficient enough for a vehicle of this size. Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined, which is competitive for the midsize SUV class, although real-world mileage may vary depending on driving conditions and style. During colder months, the fuel economy can dip due to winter driving conditions and the engine working harder to warm up.
Ride and Handling: Comfort Prioritized
The 2019 Subaru Ascent prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. The steering is light and effortless, perhaps a bit too light for some drivers, especially at highway speeds. While it firms up somewhat as speed increases, it lacks the feedback and engagement found in more performance-oriented SUVs. This tuning is clearly aimed at ease of driving and maneuverability in city environments, which aligns with the Ascent’s family-hauling mission.
The ride quality is generally comfortable, absorbing most road imperfections effectively. However, the Premier trim’s larger 20-inch wheels can transmit more road bumps into the cabin compared to trims with smaller wheels. Subaru’s renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive system is a major asset, providing excellent traction and stability in wet, snowy, or slippery conditions. The Ascent confidently tackles winter weather, making it a strong choice for drivers in regions with harsh climates. While not designed for serious off-roading, the AWD system provides added peace of mind and capability for light-duty adventures.
Technology and Features: Well-Equipped Premier Trim
The 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier is packed with technology and convenience features. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system is standard and includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, enhancing safety and driver confidence. The infotainment system features dual screens, a familiar Subaru design, and offers smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation, premium audio, and a panoramic sunroof are also available on the Premier trim, further enhancing the upscale feel. A slightly quirky placement of the lane keep assist switch above the rearview mirror might require a brief adjustment for some drivers.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Families Seeking Space and Capability
The 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier is a well-rounded midsize SUV that delivers on its promise of space, comfort, and Subaru’s renowned all-weather capability. It’s a practical and family-focused vehicle, prioritizing passenger comfort and ease of use over sporty driving dynamics. While the engine can be a bit noisy and the steering lacks some feel, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise compelling package. For families seeking a reliable and spacious SUV with standard all-wheel drive and a wealth of features, the 2019 Subaru Ascent is definitely worth considering. For those prioritizing value, exploring lower Ascent trims might be a wise choice to obtain many of the same core features at a potentially more accessible price point.
