If you ask any Subaru owner how many Subaru’s they have owned, most likely they will say they have owned is ¬¬more than three — and that they will buy another one.
Subaru’s only recent disappointment was the Tribeca, a three-row SUV that was discontinued in 2014 due to poor sales. But now, after a four-year hiatus from selling a full-size SUV, Subaru is back with the new Ascent — and it is shaping up to be a bestseller.
The exterior design is conservative but you can easily tell it is a Subaru as it looks like a combination of the line’s wagon model, the Outback, and its crossover, the Forester. This means that, even in the larger size of the SUV, visibility is phenomenal.
Inside, it is a good blend of function and form meaning — that every button and switch is where you would expect — and it all looks and feels great to touch and use. Although I had the Limited trim model with leather seats, the cloth seats in the Premium and Base trim models are spill- and stain-resistant to keep them in good condition. But spills from fumbling to hang onto a cup are highly unlikely because the Ascent comes with 19 cup holders.
Even getting to the third row of seats is an easy task. Storage in the back is limited to 17.8 cubic feet with the seat up and extends to 86.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The practicality goes on from there with standard all-wheel drive on every model and an 8,500-pound towing capacity.
For those drivers who might be worried how the turbocharger will function when towing that much wieght — fret not. The boost pressure is limited to just 12 psi, down from the stock 22 psi, in order to keep stress off the turbo when towing.
The engine for the 2019 Subaru Ascent is a new 2.4-liter turbocharged flat four-cylinder that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pounds of torque. With fuel efficiency — an important factor when designing the car — even the CVT (constantly variable transmission) is tuned and tweaked to get the best mileage possible.
And although 21 mpg in the city and 27 highway may not seem all that impressive, that rating is nonetheless rather decent with the always-on AWD. In addition, with its almost 20 gallon tank, you can cruise 500 miles before needing to fill up.
Driving the Ascent feels like any other small Subaru — safe and responsive. The steering feels light and is not vague. The Subaru EyeSight system is one of the highest-rated safety systems and can do more than a traditional system using just sensors in the bumpers. EyeSight works using two cameras on either side of the rearview mirror and tracks everything from automatic cruise control to forward-collision warning and braking, as well as effectively keeping you in your lane.
Starting at $32,000 for the base trim and topping out at $44,695 for the Touring trim, the Ascent is very well priced for what you get. Not only will it get you where you’re going, but it also will get you back, no matter the road, comfortably, safely, and with a smile.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
