2019 Subaru Ascent Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

The Ascent is an all-new three-row SUVPart of the first Ascent generation introduced for 2019

　　Subaru is back in the big SUV game. One of the last major mainstream automakers lacking a three-row SUV comes out swinging with the brawny 2019 Subaru Ascent. This isn't Subaru's first three-row SUV effort, the generally unloved Tribeca. It quietly slipped out the door five years ago after eight years of unremarkable sales, not helped any by the car's small third row and large thirst for fuel.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Subaru Ascent 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$160/mo  for Ascent Base

　　Ascent Base

　　4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $31,995 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $34,195 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger Convenience Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $35,655 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger Convenience Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $35,655 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger Sporty Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $38,455 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger Sporty Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $38,455 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $38,995 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $38,995 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger Technology Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $41,945 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger Technology Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $41,945 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $44,695 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The Ascent is an altogether different SUV. With standard seating for eight passengers, or seven if specified with optional captain's chairs in the second row, the Ascent offers nearly 32 inches of third-row legroom, about the same as its Honda Pilot rival. Its 86.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space means you'll rarely run out of room for gear and luggage, while a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine not only returns 23 mpg combined, but can also tow up to 5,000 pounds.

　　Subaru equips the Ascent with standard all-wheel drive, a Subaru signature feature that drivers in wet weather areas will appreciate. And with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Ascent should also prove capable of getting far off the highway when the mood strikes.

　　Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent looks to be an ideal pick for a three-row SUV, but we'll know more for sure once we conduct a full test in the coming months.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Ascent as one of zzdcar' Best Midsize SUVs and Best Midsize SUVs for this year.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

　　One of the last major automakers lacking a three-row SUV joins the game with the brawny 2019 Subaru Ascent. This new family mover offers impressive utility, a fuel-efficient engine and an adult-friendly third-row seat. Big cargo room, stout towing limits and all-wheel drive round out its versatility.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Subaru Ascent Limited (turbo 2.5-liter flat-4 | CVT automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

7.5

　　The Ascent's turbocharged engine cranks out an impressive amount of power, and acceleration is quicker than average. But it takes a smooth right foot to achieve harmony with the overactive transmission. Ground clearance and other off-road attributes are among the strongest in the segment. The brakes are also a highlight.

　　

Acceleration

7.5

　　The Ascent feels strong and lively off the line. Fully mash the gas and the turbocharged engine will propel it to 60 mph in just 7.4 seconds. That's quicker than many three-row SUVs, including the V6-powered Volkswagen Atlas.

　　

Braking

8.0

　　The brake pedal has a light effort yet delivers a smooth, linear braking response. In our testing, the Ascent needed just 117 feet to stop from 60 mph, making it among the shortest stoppers in the class. Plus, it does so with excellent stability.

　　

Steering

7.0

　　The on-center sensation is slightly vague with the wheel pointed straight ahead. As you turn the wheel the weight increases, as does road feedback, but it eventually goes light again, which feels unnatural. What feedback there is helps you know what the front tires are doing.

　　

Handling

7.5

　　Even with its high center of gravity and relatively narrow width, the Ascent does an acceptable job of cornering. It turns in quickly and has great steady-state grip. But the Ascent's suspension is less adept at providing control during rapid transitions or swerving maneuvers.

　　

Drivability

6.0

　　You'll need a fine touch to make the CVT automatic work smoothly. Even moderate accelerator inputs result in surging acceleration, which can make passengers uncomfortable. There's also very little engine braking, so it's tricky trying to bleed off downhill speed for long stretches without using the brakes.

　　

Off-road

8.5

　　The Ascent has standard all-wheel drive and includes software-controlled traction and hill descent control. Combine those features with its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and you've got an effective combination for taking on snow and dirt.

　　

Comfort

7.5

　　For the most part, the Ascent's seats are comfortable and inviting. The climate control works well to keep the cabin environment pleasant, but the noise and vibration created by the tires detract from an otherwise nice experience.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　Firm and well-padded seats evenly distribute your weight, making you feel coddled. A wide seat bottom allows you to adjust your position should you need a stretch. Second-row passengers get supportive and reclining seats, but the middle passenger and passengers in the third row have stiffer padding that's less comfortable.

　　

Ride comfort

7.0

　　The Ascent doesn't handle hard-edge cracks and road seams well, and driving over them sends harsh vibrations straight into the cabin. Smoother, rolling bumps are better managed. The Ascent doesn't feel floaty, but overall ride comfort falls below the class leaders.

　　

Noise & vibration

6.5

　　The Ascent does a good job of keeping wind noise at bay, but pavement transitions, cracks and seams send a lot of tire slap into the cabin. There's also the issue of engine noise, which can grow from a muted hum to a loud groan as the rpm climb to redline.

　　

Climate control

8.0

　　The three-zone automatic climate control system is easy to operate thanks to its tactile buttons and knobs. Second-row passengers get their own dedicated controls. Although the rear vents are located overhead, the system effectively cools the cabin without resorting to loud, gale-force fan speeds.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　Get the seven-seater Ascent for full-size adults or eight-seater for cargo and/or kids. The Ascent is an approachable and easy-to-use crossover and fits drivers both big and small. Everything is clearly labeled, but there are a few controls that may require you to crack open the instruction manual.

　　

Ease of use

7.5

　　Most controls are logically laid out and easy to access from the driver's seat, and the dedicated controls for the top information screen are useful. The lane departure and automatic emergency braking system controls should be near the blind-spot switch system, but instead they're inexplicably overhead by the sunroof controls.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.0

　　Thanks to large door openings, getting in and out is easy for the front-seat and second-row passengers. Third-row passengers have to deal with a two-step seat release and a second-row seat that doesn't slide forward enough. The doors extend below the doorsills, which can help with keeping your pants clean when the Ascent is dirty.

　　

Driving position

8.0

　　The driver's seat has a lot of adjustability in both height and tilt, and it includes power lumbar and a manual thigh extension. The steering column also adjusts manually and has an adequate amount of tilt range. But the ability to extend an inch or two more would be welcome.

　　

Roominess

6.5

　　Front-seat passengers have plenty of room, but the Ascent's back seats are less accommodating than in other three-row SUVs. Second-row seats are excellent for two, but three abreast should be reserved for smaller passengers. The Ascent's third row falls behind the leaders in both seat width and legroom.

　　

Visibility

7.5

　　The large windows and door-mounted side mirrors allow excellent side visibility. A high-def rear camera helps supplement an already large rear window. The one downside is the way the hood slopes down, which makes it hard to place the front edges of the bumper. Touring models include a front camera, which would alleviate this issue.

　　

Quality

8.0

　　The interior's many different panels and materials may turn off buyers preferring a sleek and simple look. Thankfully, all the parts on our test vehicle fit well and didn't creak or rattle. The seats are covered in thick leather, while touch points are covered in soft synthetic-leather material.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　The Ascent is pretty efficient with its space, but others in the class do small storage better and have larger cargo holds. Folding the third row isn't as convenient either. Installing car seats is a straightforward process, though.

　　

Small-item storage

7.5

　　There are a lot of places for items, but few are really generous in size. The door pockets are deep but narrow, and the door pulls can hold a few small things. You also get a bunch of cupholders in back. The dashboard shelf by the front passenger is perfect for smartphones, and the center armrest bin can conceal a large SLR camera.

　　

Cargo space

7.5

　　With 17.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, the Ascent has an average amount of space for cargo. The third-row seats have to be folded from the back, and the second row must be done from the rear passenger doors. The resulting load floor isn't perfectly flat but should be sufficient for most.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

　　Top anchors are located in the seatbacks of all six rear seat positions. Second-row lower anchors are located under flaps. The second-row middle seat requires sharing a lower LATCH point with an adjacent seat. The third row features lower anchors only in the driver-side seat.

　　

Towing

8.0

　　Most Ascent models provide 5,000 pounds of maximum towing weight. Standard Trailer Stability Assist helps minimize excess trailer sway. Towing requires the addition of an optional trailer hitch assembly that includes wiring harness, which can be covered by a panel when not in use.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　Subaru's Starlink system features a crisp and responsive touchscreen and multiple ways to integrate your smartphone. It is easy to use and requires minimal setup time. A smattering of USB ports helps keep your passengers charged, but there isn't a 12-volt outlet for the second row.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　Our test car was equipped with a responsive and easy-to-use touchscreen navigation system. Otherwise, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and can handle nav needs for those without it. The 14-speaker Harman Kardon system has excellent bass and midrange but is a little soft on the treble.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.5

　　Your devices can be connected to the car via auxiliary input, Bluetooth and USB connection. Pairing is easy, and there are two USB jacks for charging in each of the three rows and a total of three 12-volt power sockets. As mentioned above, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on every Ascent.

　　

Driver aids

8.0

　　Subaru's EyeSight provides adaptive cruise control, front collision mitigation and lane departure warning. The Ascent also comes with blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise works to a full stop, but it may vary by 1 or 2 mph from the set speed.

　　

Voice control

8.0

　　The Starlink voice recognition system handles commands for audio, telephone and, optionally, navigation. The system recognized most commands on the first try in our testing, so long as you speak in the system's preferred format. Even the climate control system can be controlled via voice command.

　　

Which Ascent does zzdcar recommend?

　　The base-model Ascent comes with a satisfying list of standard features, but for not much more the Premium delivers a better overall package. A power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and an upgraded infotainment system with a larger display are just a few of the features that make it worth the extra money.

　　

2019 Subaru Ascent models

　　The 2019 Subaru Ascent is available in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trim levels. Base models offer good value, especially with driver assistance features, but the Premium adds more of today's desirable features, such as heated seats and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Limited classes things up with leather upholstery, while the Touring maxes out the Ascent's luxury, convenience and safety features.

　　All use a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (260 horsepower, 277 pound-feet of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup.

　　Base models start with 18-inch wheels, roof rails, automatic headlights, 60/40-split folding second- and third-row seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a rearview camera, four USB ports (two in front, two in the second row), a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio.

　　Also included is Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, which bundles forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

　　The Premium trim adds heated side mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear-seat climate controls, spill-resistant cloth upholstery, and an upgraded multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen, voice controls, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium trim also includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

　　Subaru offers a couple of optional packages for the Premium. The OP 12 package bundles a power liftgate with preferred height memory, keyless access and ignition, a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming mirror, and reverse automatic braking, which applies the brakes to avoid a collision while in reverse. An OP 14 version has those features plus 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system and a cargo area cover. When you pick one of these packages, second-row captain's chairs (seven-passenger max capacity) also become available.

　　The Limited is also available in a seven- or eight-passenger seating configuration and adds on to the Premium with the contents of the OP 12 package, 20-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, LED foglights, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, additional driver-seat adjustments, heated outboard second-row seats, rear door sunshades, dual third-row USB ports, and additional leather cabin accents.

　　An optional package for the Limited trim gets you the panoramic sunroof, navigation system, cargo, cover and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

　　The Touring trim bundles all of the Limited's features and options, then adds chrome exterior accents, automatic wipers, ambient cabin lighting, upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, a total of eight USB ports, a front-view camera display, and a rearview mirror with a rearview camera image, which lets you see out back even if your normal view is blocked by passengers or cargo.

　　

2019 Ascent Highlights

Trim: BasePremiumLimitedTouringBase

　　

Base MSRP	$31,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$160/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles