Hey there, Subaru enthusiasts and family adventurers! If you're currently in the market for a new SUV, chances are you've got your eye on the Subaru Ascent. It's a fantastic vehicle, offering a ton of space, safety features, and that signature Subaru reliability. But here's the kicker: deciding which trim level is right for you can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Specifically, you might be torn between the Ascent Premium and the Ascent Touring. Don't worry, you're not alone! These two trims are popular choices, each bringing its own set of goodies to the table. Let's dive deep into a detailed comparison to help you make the perfect choice for your needs.

Understanding the Subaru Ascent Lineup: Why This Comparison Matters

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, it's worth understanding the broader context. The Subaru Ascent is designed to be a versatile family vehicle, and it really delivers. It's got three rows of seating, meaning you can comfortably haul around the kids, their friends, and even the occasional grandparent. Its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is a Subaru staple, providing excellent handling and grip in various weather conditions, which is a massive plus if you live in an area with snowy or rainy seasons. The Ascent also boasts a suite of advanced safety features, many of which come standard across all trims. This dedication to safety is one of the main reasons the Ascent has become so popular with families, and Subaru has consistently been ranked highly when it comes to vehicle safety. But the differences between the Premium and Touring trims can really impact your driving experience, which is why it's so important to compare. You'll want to choose the trim that aligns best with your budget and priorities. Maybe you want to prioritize comfort and luxury, or maybe you're more about getting the best value for your money. This is where this comparison comes in handy!

This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the Ascent Premium and Ascent Touring, covering everything from key features and performance to interior comfort and pricing. We'll break down the pros and cons of each trim so you can feel confident in your decision. We'll examine the standard features included in each trim level, highlighting the upgrades and enhancements that set the Touring apart from the Premium. We'll also take a look at the driving experience, discussing how each trim handles on the road, including how well it accelerates, its handling, and other important factors like fuel economy. We know that budget is a big factor, so we'll also touch on the MSRP differences between the two trims and what those differences translate into in terms of value. By the end of this guide, you should have a clear understanding of which Ascent trim is the best fit for your lifestyle and needs. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Exterior Design and Styling: Making a Statement on the Road

When it comes to the exterior, the Subaru Ascent shares a similar overall design across all trim levels, including the Premium and Touring. That means you'll be getting the same bold, rugged, and family-friendly silhouette that has made the Ascent a standout in the SUV segment. However, there are some subtle differences in styling that help to distinguish the two trims. These details, while minor, contribute to the overall aesthetic and can influence your perception of the vehicle's premium-ness and value. Let's take a closer look at these exterior distinctions.

The Ascent Premium typically features a more subdued and practical aesthetic. The wheels are usually a standard design, often an alloy wheel, that prioritizes durability and functionality. The Premium trim often includes features like roof rails, which are super practical for carrying things like kayaks, bikes, or extra luggage on family trips. You'll find a standard set of exterior mirrors. The Ascent Premium is all about providing a solid, reliable foundation for your family's adventures. The styling is designed to be appealing without being overly flashy or attention-grabbing, making it a great choice for those who want a capable and versatile vehicle without spending a fortune on luxury. Think of it as the workhorse, built to get the job done without compromising on looks.

On the other hand, the Ascent Touring elevates the exterior design with added touches that provide a more sophisticated and premium feel. Expect to see upgraded wheel designs, perhaps with a more intricate or stylish alloy, that enhance the vehicle's visual appeal. The Touring trim may include chrome accents on the exterior, such as around the windows, door handles, and front grille, which contribute to a more upscale appearance. You'll also likely find features like LED fog lights, which not only look good but also improve visibility in inclement weather. The exterior mirrors will probably be upgraded as well. The Touring is designed to turn heads. It’s for those who appreciate the finer details and want a vehicle that reflects a higher level of luxury and sophistication. While the changes may be subtle, they make a real difference in the overall impression.

Essentially, the Premium is a more functional and value-oriented choice, while the Touring aims to provide a more luxurious and stylish presence on the road. The choice between the two will come down to your personal preferences and how much emphasis you place on exterior design and overall aesthetic appeal. Both trims are still undeniably Ascents, retaining the core features and capabilities that make this vehicle a popular choice. The exterior differences are merely an extension of the Ascent's core strengths, catering to different tastes and levels of refinement.

Interior Comfort and Features: Where You'll Spend Most of Your Time

Now, let's talk about the heart of the matter: the interior. After all, that's where you and your passengers will spend the majority of your time. The Subaru Ascent offers a spacious and well-designed cabin, regardless of the trim level you choose. However, the Premium and Touring trims present distinct differences when it comes to comfort, convenience, and technology features. These differences can significantly impact your overall driving experience and the enjoyment of your passengers.

Starting with the Ascent Premium, you'll find a well-appointed interior that prioritizes practicality and comfort. The Premium trim often features cloth upholstery, which is durable and easy to maintain, ideal for families with kids or pets. While the Premium may not boast all the bells and whistles of the Touring, it includes essential features that enhance everyday convenience. Expect to see a touchscreen infotainment system, typically with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity. The Premium will likely offer dual-zone automatic climate control, ensuring that both the driver and front passenger can set their preferred temperatures. The Premium trim also comes with a range of safety features that are standard across all Ascent models, such as EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. These safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. The interior of the Ascent Premium is designed to provide a comfortable and functional space for your family without breaking the bank. It offers a solid foundation of comfort and convenience, perfect for daily commutes and family adventures.

The Ascent Touring, on the other hand, takes the interior experience up a notch. You can expect to find premium leather upholstery, providing a more luxurious feel and enhanced comfort. The Touring trim often includes heated and ventilated front seats, adding an extra layer of comfort in both hot and cold weather. You will have access to a larger touchscreen display, often with an upgraded infotainment system that might feature navigation and premium audio. The Touring often includes a panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light and adds to the sense of spaciousness. The Touring trim typically includes additional features that enhance the convenience and comfort of the driver and passengers. These can include a power liftgate, which makes loading and unloading cargo easier, and a surround-view camera system, which aids in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. The Touring's interior is all about enhancing the driving experience, turning the Ascent into a haven of comfort and luxury. It's the perfect choice if you're looking for a vehicle that caters to your every need and elevates your driving experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Premium and Touring interiors depends on your priorities and budget. If you value a blend of practicality and comfort with a focus on value, the Premium is an excellent choice. But if you're looking for a more luxurious experience with premium materials and added features, the Touring is well worth the upgrade.

Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected on the Go

Modern cars are essentially rolling computers, and the Subaru Ascent is no exception. Both the Premium and Touring trims offer a solid suite of technology and infotainment features. However, the Touring, as you might expect, takes things to the next level. Let's explore the key differences.

The Ascent Premium comes equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system. Expect a touchscreen display, which serves as the central hub for all your entertainment and connectivity needs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music streaming, and hands-free calling. You'll also find features like Bluetooth connectivity for making phone calls and streaming audio. The Premium's infotainment system is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. The touchscreen is typically responsive, and the menus are logically organized, making it easy to access the features you need while on the road. The system also includes a decent number of USB ports, so everyone in the family can keep their devices charged. The Premium's technology suite is designed to keep you connected and entertained without overwhelming you with too many complex features. It's a great balance of functionality and simplicity.

The Ascent Touring elevates the technology experience with a more advanced and feature-rich infotainment system. The Touring typically boasts a larger touchscreen display, which provides a more immersive and engaging experience. You can expect to see integrated navigation, providing turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates. The Touring often features a premium audio system, delivering a richer and more immersive sound experience. The Touring trim might include a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to stay connected on the go. The Touring also usually comes with additional USB ports and other charging options. This is especially useful for families who have multiple devices that need to be charged. The Touring trim’s technology package is all about creating a more luxurious and connected driving experience. It provides all the bells and whistles you'd expect in a high-end SUV, making every drive more enjoyable.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you're happy with a solid, user-friendly infotainment system with all the essential features, the Premium will serve you well. However, if you want a more immersive, connected, and premium technology experience, the Touring is the way to go.

Performance and Driving Experience: How They Handle the Road

Under the hood, both the Ascent Premium and Touring share the same powertrain: a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination delivers a peppy performance and ensures a smooth driving experience. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, a Subaru signature, provides excellent handling and grip in various weather conditions, increasing confidence in difficult driving environments. However, the driving experience is about more than just what’s under the hood. Let's delve into what makes each trim tick on the road.

The Ascent Premium provides a balanced and capable driving experience. The turbocharged engine provides sufficient power for both city and highway driving. Acceleration is smooth and responsive, and the CVT helps to optimize fuel efficiency. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent grip and stability, particularly in challenging weather conditions, which means you'll feel confident on both dry and wet roads. The Premium's handling is predictable and easy to manage, making it a great choice for families who want a reliable and comfortable SUV that's easy to drive in everyday situations.

The Ascent Touring offers a similar core driving experience, with some enhancements that elevate its performance. While the engine and transmission are the same, the Touring trim might benefit from a slightly more refined suspension setup, which could result in a smoother ride, and the Touring trim often adds features that improve the driver's experience. These might include paddle shifters, giving you more control over the transmission, or a driver-selectable drive mode, allowing you to adjust the vehicle's performance to match your driving style. While these enhancements may be subtle, they contribute to a more engaging and enjoyable driving experience. The Touring is designed to provide a premium feel on the road. The result is a smooth ride that's both enjoyable and confident.

Ultimately, the driving experience in both trims is very similar. The Premium offers a solid, reliable, and comfortable driving experience, while the Touring adds subtle refinements to elevate the experience. The choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and whether you value those added enhancements that the Touring offers.

Safety Features and Driver-Assist Technologies: Protecting What Matters Most

Subaru is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the Ascent is packed with advanced safety features and driver-assist technologies across all trim levels. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Let's take a closer look at what each trim offers.

The Ascent Premium comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite. This includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. These features work together to monitor the road and provide assistance to the driver, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents. The Premium trim also includes a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when reversing. The Premium trim offers a comprehensive set of safety features that will provide peace of mind to any driver. The Ascent is designed to keep you and your family safe on the road, regardless of the trim level you choose.

The Ascent Touring builds on the Premium's safety foundation with additional features designed to enhance safety and convenience. The Touring trim typically includes blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help to monitor the surrounding environment and alert the driver to potential hazards. The Touring also offers a surround-view camera system, providing a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings. This is especially helpful when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. In addition, the Touring often comes with a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. This system monitors the driver's attention and provides alerts if it detects signs of fatigue or distraction. The Ascent Touring offers a top-tier safety package, providing the most comprehensive protection available. It is designed to create a driving environment where safety is always a top priority.

The safety features in both the Premium and Touring trims are impressive. Both trims offer a high level of protection. While the Touring offers some additional features, both trims prioritize the safety and well-being of the driver and passengers.

Pricing and Value: Making the Right Financial Decision

Let's be real, the cost is often a deciding factor in any purchase. When it comes to the Subaru Ascent Premium and Touring, the price difference can be significant enough to influence your decision. Here's a breakdown to help you understand the value proposition of each trim.

The Ascent Premium is the more affordable option. It provides a great value by offering a comprehensive set of features at a reasonable price. You get a lot of bang for your buck with the Premium trim. It's a solid choice if you prioritize essential features, comfort, and reliability without going overboard on luxury. The Premium trim is designed to be accessible to a wider range of buyers, making it an excellent option for families on a budget.

The Ascent Touring is priced higher than the Premium, reflecting its additional features and premium materials. However, the Touring trim justifies its higher price by offering a more luxurious and feature-rich experience. It includes upgraded interior materials, advanced technology, and additional comfort features. The Touring is designed for those who are willing to pay a premium for enhanced comfort, convenience, and a more sophisticated driving experience. The Touring is the best option if you're looking for the ultimate Ascent experience and are willing to invest more. It provides excellent value to those who appreciate a higher level of luxury.

The best choice depends on your budget and what you prioritize in an SUV. If you want the most features for the lowest price, the Premium is the way to go. If you prioritize luxury, advanced technology, and a premium driving experience and don't mind spending more, the Touring is the better choice. It's important to consider your budget and lifestyle to make an informed decision and get the best value for your money.

Making Your Decision: Which Ascent is Right for You?

So, after all this comparing, how do you decide between the Subaru Ascent Premium and Touring? Here's a quick summary to help you make your final decision:

• Choose the Ascent Premium if: You're looking for a reliable, capable, and well-equipped SUV at a more affordable price point. You prioritize essential features, such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, EyeSight safety technology, and a comfortable interior, but don't necessarily need all the extra bells and whistles.
• Choose the Ascent Touring if: You value a more luxurious and premium driving experience. You want premium leather upholstery, advanced technology like integrated navigation and a premium audio system, and added convenience features like a panoramic sunroof and a surround-view camera. You're willing to pay a premium for a more upscale feel and added features.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, budget, and priorities. Both the Ascent Premium and Touring are excellent SUVs, offering space, safety, and Subaru's renowned reliability. The key is to weigh the pros and cons of each trim level to determine which one aligns best with your lifestyle. Happy driving!