Model Tested: 2019 Subaru Ascent Premium
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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