Hey everyone, let's dive into the 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier review! If you're in the market for a family-friendly SUV that's packed with features, offers a comfortable ride, and boasts Subaru's legendary all-wheel-drive, then stick around, because we're about to break down everything you need to know about the Ascent Premier. This review will cover what makes this trim level stand out, from its spacious interior and advanced technology to its performance on the road and safety features. Get ready to find out if the Ascent Premier is the right SUV for you and your crew. We'll explore its strengths, potential drawbacks, and how it stacks up against the competition. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Interior: Space, Comfort, and Features Galore

Alright guys, let's talk about the inside of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier. This is where the Ascent truly shines, especially for families. The Premier trim offers a premium experience with its high-quality materials and thoughtful design. Stepping inside, you're immediately greeted by a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates up to seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. You can choose between captain's chairs in the second row (for a more luxurious feel) or a bench seat, which is great if you need to haul more people. The leather-trimmed seats are plush and comfortable, making long road trips a breeze. The Ascent Premier also features heated front and second-row seats, perfect for those chilly mornings. The driver's seat is power-adjustable with memory settings, ensuring you can find the perfect driving position. The panoramic sunroof is another highlight, flooding the cabin with natural light and enhancing the sense of space.

One of the best things about the Ascent's interior is the abundance of space. There's plenty of legroom and headroom in all three rows, even for adults. The third row isn't just for kids; it can comfortably accommodate average-sized adults, which is a big win for this class of SUV. The cargo space is also impressive. With all seats in place, you still have a decent amount of cargo room for groceries or weekend bags. Fold down the third row, and you get a massive amount of space for larger items. If you need even more room, you can fold down the second row as well.

Now, let's talk about the tech. The Ascent Premier comes loaded with features designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a large touchscreen display that's easy to navigate. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The premium audio system delivers excellent sound quality, perfect for listening to your favorite tunes. The Ascent Premier also has a suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features work together to provide an extra layer of safety and help make driving less stressful. The interior also features multiple USB ports, so everyone can keep their devices charged. The Ascent Premier is a well-designed SUV that prioritizes both comfort and functionality. Its spacious cabin, premium materials, and advanced technology make it an excellent choice for families looking for a versatile and comfortable vehicle.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth and Capable

Alright, let's get into the heart of the matter: how does the 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier perform on the road? The Ascent Premier is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine that delivers a healthy 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps provide smooth and efficient power delivery. The combination of the turbo engine and CVT provides a good balance of performance and fuel economy. The Ascent is not the fastest SUV in its class, but it has plenty of power for everyday driving and merging onto the highway. The CVT is well-tuned, and it does a good job of mimicking traditional gear changes, so you don't get that rubber-band feel that some CVTs suffer from.

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is one of the Ascent's defining features. It provides excellent traction and stability in all kinds of weather conditions. Whether you're driving on a snowy road, a wet highway, or a gravel path, the Ascent's AWD system gives you confidence and control. The Ascent also has a decent ground clearance, which allows it to handle light off-roading situations. The ride quality is comfortable and composed. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride for both the driver and the passengers. The steering is light and precise, making the Ascent easy to maneuver, especially in tight parking situations.

The Ascent Premier also has a number of driver-assistance features that enhance the driving experience. Adaptive cruise control helps maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, while lane-keeping assist helps keep you centered in your lane. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, and the rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching traffic when you're backing out of a parking space. All these features contribute to a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. The 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier is a capable and versatile SUV that excels in everyday driving situations and provides the confidence and control you need in challenging conditions. Its smooth ride, responsive engine, and advanced safety features make it an excellent choice for families and anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable vehicle.

Safety Features: Protecting What Matters Most

Safety is paramount, and the 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier doesn't disappoint in this area. Subaru has a reputation for building safe vehicles, and the Ascent is no exception. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. The Ascent Premier earned top safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These ratings reflect the vehicle's excellent crashworthiness and its ability to prevent accidents.

One of the key safety features is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This system includes a variety of features, such as adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front of you, which helps reduce driver fatigue and prevent collisions. The pre-collision braking system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate an impact. Lane departure warning alerts you if you drift out of your lane, and lane-keeping assist helps keep you centered in your lane. The Ascent Premier also has blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots. Rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching traffic when you're backing out of a parking space. These features provide an extra layer of protection and help prevent accidents.

In addition to these advanced safety features, the Ascent Premier also has a strong structure designed to absorb impact energy in a collision. It has a high-strength steel body and a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags. The Ascent Premier is also equipped with a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle when you're backing up. This feature helps prevent accidents and makes parking easier. The Ascent Premier's commitment to safety is evident in its comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, its strong structural design, and its excellent safety ratings. It's a vehicle that provides peace of mind, knowing that you and your family are well-protected on the road. The Ascent Premier is a top choice for anyone who prioritizes safety in their vehicle.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Finding the Right Fit

Okay, let's talk about the different trim levels and pricing for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. The Ascent Premier is the top-of-the-line trim, offering the most features and the highest level of luxury. But Subaru offers other trims as well, including the base model, Premium, and Limited, each with a different set of features and a corresponding price point. The base model is the most affordable option, offering a good value for the money. It comes standard with many essential features, such as all-wheel drive, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a suite of safety features. The Premium trim adds some extra features, such as a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a more advanced infotainment system.

The Limited trim is a step up from the Premium, offering additional features such as leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and a power liftgate. The Ascent Premier, as we've discussed, is the top-of-the-line trim. It builds on the features of the Limited and adds even more premium features, such as a panoramic sunroof, heated second-row seats, and a more luxurious interior design. The pricing for the Ascent varies depending on the trim level and any optional features you choose. The base model is the most affordable, while the Premier is the most expensive. When comparing the different trim levels, consider your needs and budget. If you're looking for the most features and the most luxurious experience, the Premier is the way to go. If you're on a budget, the base model still offers a good value and a comprehensive set of features.

It's also worth noting that the Ascent holds its value well, which means you'll likely get a good return on your investment if you decide to sell or trade it in later. When choosing the right trim level, think about what features are most important to you and your family. Consider your budget and how much you're willing to spend on a vehicle. Remember that you can always add optional features to customize your Ascent to your liking. No matter which trim level you choose, you'll get a capable and versatile SUV that's perfect for families and anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable vehicle.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Before you make a decision, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier to give you a clearer picture.

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: The Ascent Premier offers a roomy interior with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. There's plenty of legroom and headroom in all three rows, making it a great choice for families.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides excellent traction and stability in all kinds of weather conditions, giving you confidence and control.
• Advanced Safety Features: The Ascent Premier comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which helps prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers.
• User-Friendly Infotainment System: The Ascent's infotainment system is easy to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it simple to integrate your smartphone.
• Comfortable Ride: The Ascent offers a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension.

Cons:

• CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not be fans of the CVT transmission, although it's well-tuned for this vehicle.
• Fuel Economy: While not terrible, the fuel economy isn't the best in its class.
• Turbo Lag: The turbocharged engine can experience a slight amount of turbo lag.

Conclusion: Is the Ascent Premier Right for You?

So, after this 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier review, is this SUV the right choice for you? Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier is an excellent choice for families looking for a spacious, safe, and feature-rich SUV. It offers a comfortable ride, a well-equipped interior, and Subaru's legendary all-wheel drive, providing confidence and control in various driving conditions. Its strong safety ratings and advanced driver-assistance features make it a top contender in the market.

However, it's essential to consider your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize maximum fuel efficiency or are not a fan of CVT transmissions, you might want to explore other options. But if you value space, safety, and a premium experience, the Ascent Premier is well worth considering. Ultimately, the best way to determine if the Ascent Premier is right for you is to take it for a test drive. Experience the comfort, features, and performance firsthand, and see if it meets your needs. I hope this review has provided valuable insights into the 2019 Subaru Ascent Premier, and has helped you in making an informed decision. Happy car shopping, guys!