Hey everyone, today we're diving deep into the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring, a three-row SUV that aimed to shake up the mid-size family hauler market. The Ascent was a brand-new model for Subaru in 2019, and the Touring trim was (and still is) the top-of-the-line version, loaded with features and designed to offer a premium experience. This review will cover everything you need to know, from its performance and features to its pros and cons, helping you decide if this is the right family vehicle for you. Buckle up, guys, because we've got a lot to unpack!

Subaru Ascent 2019 Touring: Overview and Initial Impressions

Alright, let's start with the basics. The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is a mid-size SUV with seating for up to eight passengers (or seven with the second-row captain's chairs, which our Touring trim had). It's built on Subaru's global platform, sharing some DNA with the Outback and Forester, but significantly larger to accommodate those extra seats and cargo space. When it first hit the scene, the Ascent filled a crucial gap in Subaru's lineup, giving families a Subaru-branded option for carrying more people and gear. The initial impressions were pretty positive. Subaru is known for its safety features, standard all-wheel drive, and reliability. The Ascent Touring promised all of that, plus a dose of luxury with its leather seats, premium audio system, and advanced driver-assistance technologies. The exterior design is, well, it's a Subaru. It's functional and understated, with a practical design that prioritizes visibility and space. It's not going to turn heads like a luxury SUV, but it's not trying to be. Instead, it offers a confident, capable presence on the road, signaling its readiness for family adventures. The Touring trim comes with a bunch of extra goodies, like chrome accents, a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded wheels, which add a touch of sophistication to the overall look. Overall, the first impression is that of a solid, well-built family SUV with a focus on safety, space, and a decent level of comfort.

Key Features and Specifications

Before we go any further, let's get into some key specs. Under the hood, the 2019 Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER four-cylinder engine. This engine, which produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive is, of course, standard on all Ascent models. The Touring trim sits at the top of the Ascent lineup, and packs a punch with some impressive features, including leather-trimmed seats, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a navigation system. It also gets the full suite of Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The interior is spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of room for passengers in all three rows. The infotainment system is a touchscreen-based setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Cargo space is plentiful, with a generous amount of room behind the third row that can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. The Ascent Touring offers a compelling package, combining Subaru's renowned safety and reliability with a comfortable and well-equipped interior, making it a strong contender in the mid-size SUV class. Also, it has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is handy for hauling trailers, boats, or other toys.

Performance and Driving Experience

Now, let's talk about how the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring actually drives. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine provides adequate power for everyday driving. It's not going to win any races, but it offers sufficient acceleration for merging onto highways and passing slower vehicles. The CVT transmission does its job, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. Some people aren't fans of CVTs, but Subaru's implementation is well-executed, minimizing the rubber-band feel that some CVTs suffer from. The all-wheel drive system, as you'd expect from Subaru, provides excellent grip and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The Ascent feels planted and confident on the road, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with snow or rain. The steering is light and responsive, making the Ascent easy to maneuver in both city and highway driving. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road well. The ride quality is generally smooth, making it a pleasant experience for both the driver and passengers. However, some reviewers noted that the suspension can feel a bit soft at times, leading to some body roll in corners. Overall, the driving experience is relaxed and comfortable, prioritizing practicality and ease of use over sporty handling. The Ascent is a vehicle designed to make family life easier, and it delivers on that promise with a user-friendly driving experience that's well-suited for long trips and daily commutes.

Engine Performance and Fuel Economy

The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the 2019 Ascent Touring is a key element of its overall performance. While it doesn't offer blistering acceleration, it provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to move the Ascent's substantial size with reasonable quickness. The turbocharger helps to provide good low-end torque, which is beneficial for merging onto highways and for pulling away from stoplights. The fuel economy is respectable for a mid-size SUV with standard all-wheel drive. The EPA estimated fuel economy is around 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Of course, your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and the conditions. However, in general, the Ascent offers competitive fuel efficiency compared to other SUVs in its class. Subaru's choice to use a four-cylinder engine, even a turbocharged one, helps to improve fuel economy compared to some of the V6 engines found in competing vehicles. The CVT transmission also contributes to the fuel efficiency by optimizing engine speed for optimal power and fuel consumption. Overall, the engine performance and fuel economy of the 2019 Ascent Touring are well-suited for its intended use as a family vehicle, offering a good blend of power, efficiency, and practicality.

Interior and Comfort

Let's get inside the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring and see what it has to offer. The interior is where the Touring trim really shines. The leather-trimmed seats are comfortable and supportive, and the front seats are heated and offer power adjustment. The second-row captain's chairs (standard on the Touring trim) are also heated, providing a premium experience for those passengers. The materials used throughout the cabin are of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels. The overall design is functional and user-friendly, with all the controls and features easily accessible. The infotainment system is a touchscreen-based setup, typically a large 8-inch display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system is easy to use, and the integration with smartphones is seamless. The 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system provides excellent sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience. The Ascent Touring offers plenty of space for passengers in all three rows. The second-row captain's chairs provide a generous amount of legroom, and the third row is surprisingly spacious for an SUV of this size. Headroom is also plentiful in all rows. The panoramic sunroof, standard on the Touring trim, adds to the airy feel of the cabin, making it feel even more spacious. The interior is designed to be a comfortable and practical space for families. There are plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large center console and door pockets. The overall impression is of a well-designed and comfortable interior that's perfect for long road trips and daily commutes.

Seating and Cargo Space

One of the biggest selling points of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is its spacious interior and versatile cargo area. As mentioned earlier, the Touring trim comes standard with second-row captain's chairs, which provide comfortable seating for two passengers and easy access to the third row. Alternatively, you can opt for a second-row bench seat, which increases seating capacity to eight. The front seats are roomy and offer a good range of adjustment. The second-row captain's chairs slide and recline, providing plenty of legroom for even taller passengers. The third row, while not as spacious as the first two rows, is surprisingly comfortable for adults. Subaru has done a good job of maximizing the available space in the Ascent. Cargo space is also a strong point. There's a generous amount of space behind the third row, which is enough for groceries or a couple of suitcases. Folding down the third row expands the cargo area significantly, making it easy to haul larger items. Folding down both the second and third rows creates a massive cargo area. With all the rear seats folded down, the Ascent offers a huge amount of cargo space, making it perfect for family trips, moving, or carrying large items. The Ascent's interior provides a good balance of passenger comfort and cargo capacity, making it a very practical choice for families.

Technology and Features

Now let's explore the tech in the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring. As the top-of-the-line trim, the Touring is packed with technology and features. The infotainment system is a highlight, with an 8-inch touchscreen display that's easy to use and responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and other apps. The Touring trim also gets a built-in navigation system. The 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system provides excellent sound quality, creating an immersive listening experience. The Ascent is equipped with a wide array of driver-assistance features, thanks to Subaru's EyeSight system. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. These features help to enhance safety and make long drives less tiring. The Ascent also includes a rear-view camera and front-view camera, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Other features include a power liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Overall, the Ascent Touring offers a comprehensive suite of technology and features that enhance both comfort and safety. It's a well-equipped SUV that provides a connected and enjoyable driving experience.

Infotainment System and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring's infotainment system and driver-assistance features are significant aspects of its appeal. The infotainment system is centered around an easy-to-use 8-inch touchscreen display. It's responsive and provides access to a variety of functions, including audio, navigation, and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, allowing for seamless smartphone integration. This lets you use your favorite apps for navigation, music, and communication through the vehicle's display. The Touring trim includes a built-in navigation system, which is helpful for those who don't want to rely on their smartphone for directions. The 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system is a standout feature, providing excellent sound quality. The system delivers clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass, creating an immersive listening experience. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance system is a key selling point. The system includes a suite of features designed to enhance safety and prevent accidents. These features include adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front; lane-keeping assist, which helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane; pre-collision braking, which can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate a collision; and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which helps to detect vehicles in your blind spots and warns you of approaching traffic when reversing. Other features, like a rear-view camera and front-view camera, also enhance the Ascent's safety and convenience. The combination of an intuitive infotainment system and advanced driver-assistance features makes the 2019 Ascent Touring a technologically advanced and safe family SUV.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2019 Subaru Ascent was offered in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring. The Touring was, of course, the most expensive and well-equipped. Pricing started around $45,695, but that varied depending on options and location. The Base trim offered a solid set of features at a lower price point, while the Premium added upgrades like a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and a more advanced infotainment system. The Limited trim added features like leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and upgraded safety features. The Touring trim added all the bells and whistles, including the Harman Kardon audio system, the panoramic sunroof, and the navigation system. Here's a general idea of the pricing at the time:

• Base: Starting around $31,995
• Premium: Starting around $34,195
• Limited: Starting around $38,995
• Touring: Starting around $45,695

Keep in mind that these prices are from 2019 and don't include destination charges, taxes, or any optional extras. Depending on the options added, the prices will change. Choosing the right trim level depends on your budget and your needs. The Touring trim offered the most luxury and technology, but it came at a higher price. The other trims offered a good value for the money, providing a solid blend of features and performance.

Comparison to Competitors

To give you a better idea of how the 2019 Subaru Ascent stacks up against its rivals, let's compare it to some of its competitors. The Ascent competes in the highly competitive mid-size SUV class, which includes vehicles like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, and Hyundai Palisade. Here's a quick comparison:

• Honda Pilot: The Pilot is known for its reliability, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. The Ascent offers a similar level of practicality, with a slightly larger cargo area and standard all-wheel drive. The Pilot does well with its strong resale value, but the Ascent has a more robust engine with better torque.
• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander is another popular choice in this segment, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and available hybrid powertrain. The Ascent offers a larger cargo capacity and a more adventurous personality, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive. The Highlander has a more fuel-efficient engine.
• Mazda CX-9: The CX-9 offers a more premium feel, with a stylish interior and sporty handling. The Ascent, while not as sporty, offers more space and practicality, making it a better choice for families. The CX-9 offers a more engaging driving experience.
• Hyundai Palisade: The Palisade is known for its spacious interior, long list of features, and stylish design. The Ascent, while not as flashy, offers a similar level of practicality and a more off-road-capable design. The Palisade might look more modern.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Ascent stands out with its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and focus on safety. Its competitors each have their own strengths, so it's important to test drive a few different models before making a decision.

Pros and Cons of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring

Alright, let's wrap this up with a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring:

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions.
• Comprehensive Safety Features: Subaru's EyeSight system is excellent.
• Comfortable Ride: Well-suited for long trips.
• Well-Equipped Touring Trim: Offers a premium experience with a lot of features.
• Good Value: For the features and capabilities offered.

Cons:

• Engine Performance: Adequate, but not particularly quick.
• CVT Transmission: Some people may not be fans.
• Fuel Economy: Decent, but not class-leading.
• Ride Handling: Some body roll in corners.
• Exterior Design: Functional, but not particularly eye-catching.

Final Verdict

So, is the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring a good buy? Well, it depends on what you're looking for in a mid-size SUV. If you prioritize space, safety, all-wheel drive, and a comfortable ride, then the Ascent Touring is definitely worth considering. It's a practical and well-equipped family vehicle that offers a good value for the money. However, if you're looking for sporty handling or a more exciting driving experience, you might want to look elsewhere. But, for most families, the Ascent Touring offers everything they need, and more. It is a solid choice for anyone looking for a capable and reliable three-row SUV. Thanks for reading, and happy car hunting, guys!