Hey guys! Buckle up because we're diving deep into the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring, a three-row SUV that's been making waves in the family car market. As someone who's spent some quality time behind the wheel, I'm here to give you the lowdown on what makes this car tick – and whether it's the right choice for your crew. We'll explore everything from its performance and handling to its interior space, features, and overall value. This review is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding so you can make an informed decision. Let's get started!

Unveiling the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring: Overview

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring, as a flagship trim, sits at the top of the Ascent lineup. This means you're getting all the bells and whistles Subaru has to offer. Built for families, the Ascent boasts a spacious interior, a suite of advanced safety features, and, of course, Subaru's legendary all-wheel drive. The Touring trim takes it a step further, adding premium touches like leather-trimmed upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a host of technology upgrades. It's essentially Subaru's statement on how to build a well-rounded, capable, and comfortable family SUV. The Ascent's design is more restrained than some of its competitors, opting for a clean and functional aesthetic. Don't expect flashy curves or aggressive styling; instead, you'll find a vehicle that prioritizes practicality and a sense of rugged capability. From the outside, the Ascent Touring subtly communicates its premium status with features like chrome accents and unique wheel designs. It's a vehicle that seems to say, “I'm ready for anything, and I'll do it with style and comfort.” This approach aligns perfectly with Subaru's brand identity, emphasizing reliability, safety, and a focus on the adventurous spirit. The Ascent Touring isn't just about looking good; it's about providing a superior driving experience and ensuring that everyone inside feels safe and secure. This is a car designed to handle the daily grind of family life while still being ready for weekend getaways. In essence, it aims to be your trusty companion, capable of adapting to various needs and conditions, all while delivering a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all occupants. I mean, what's not to love, right?

Key Features and Highlights

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is packed with features designed to enhance both comfort and convenience. A standout is the panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light, making the interior feel even more spacious. The leather-trimmed seats add a touch of luxury, while the heated and ventilated front seats ensure that you're comfortable no matter the weather. Subaru’s commitment to safety is evident in the Ascent Touring. It comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. The infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And let's not forget the all-wheel drive, a hallmark of the Subaru brand, providing confidence and control in various driving conditions. Other notable features include a power rear liftgate, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies. These features work together to create a seamless and enjoyable driving experience, making the Ascent Touring a practical and attractive choice for families. I believe this Ascent Touring is awesome, the best of the best.

Performance and Handling: Does the Ascent Deliver?

Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood. The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel efficiency. Now, the CVT can be a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it thing, but in the Ascent, it's generally well-behaved. Acceleration is adequate for everyday driving, with enough power to merge onto highways and handle passing maneuvers. It's not a sports car, obviously, but it gets the job done. The Ascent's all-wheel-drive system provides excellent grip and stability, especially in slippery conditions. It's a huge confidence booster, especially when the weather turns sour. The handling is predictable and composed, making it a comfortable cruiser on long trips. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, so you can expect a smooth ride, even over rough roads. The steering is light and easy to maneuver, which is great for navigating city streets and parking lots. While it may not be the most engaging SUV to drive, the Ascent prioritizes practicality and ease of use, making it a great choice for families. Overall, the Ascent offers a well-rounded driving experience that emphasizes comfort, safety, and capability. The combination of the turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and comfortable suspension makes it a versatile vehicle that is well-suited for various driving conditions. It strikes a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it an excellent choice for daily use and family adventures.

Engine and Transmission Specs

• Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 260 hp
• Torque: 277 lb-ft
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (EPA estimates)

Driving Impressions and Road Test

During my time with the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring, I was particularly impressed with its versatility. It performed well in various driving situations, from navigating busy city streets to tackling winding country roads. The engine provided sufficient power for everyday driving, and the CVT, while not my favorite, performed smoothly and efficiently. The all-wheel-drive system really shone when I encountered some rainy conditions; the Ascent felt planted and secure on the road. The ride quality was comfortable, with the suspension absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The steering was light and responsive, making the car easy to maneuver. Overall, the Ascent provided a very pleasant and confident driving experience. What truly stood out was how easy it was to live with. The intuitive controls, spacious interior, and user-friendly infotainment system made it a joy to drive, even during long trips. I felt confident in its ability to handle both daily commutes and family adventures. The Ascent proved to be a reliable and capable companion, demonstrating Subaru's commitment to building vehicles that cater to the needs of modern families. It’s a workhorse, truly!

Interior Comfort and Space: Room for Everyone

One of the biggest selling points of the 2019 Subaru Ascent is its spacious and versatile interior. The Touring trim offers a premium feel with its leather-trimmed seats and soft-touch materials. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustment for the driver and front passenger. The second row offers ample legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for adults and older kids. The available captain's chairs in the second row provide easy access to the third row, which is surprisingly spacious for an SUV in this class. Even adults can fit back there, although it's best suited for shorter trips. Cargo space is generous, with plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or whatever your family needs. With all three rows in use, there’s still enough space for a few bags. Folding down the second and third rows expands the cargo area even further, providing a massive amount of storage space. The Ascent’s interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous storage compartments, cupholders, and USB ports to keep everyone connected and organized. The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, making the interior feel even more open and airy. Overall, the interior of the Ascent Touring is a comfortable and functional space that is well-suited for families. The emphasis on space, comfort, and convenience makes it a pleasure to spend time in, whether you're running errands or embarking on a long road trip. It's a perfect blend of luxury and practicality. I think it is the best SUV in the world.

Seating and Cargo Capacity

The Ascent offers seating for up to eight passengers in the base configuration and seven in the Touring trim with the available captain's chairs. The cargo capacity behind the third row is 17.8 cubic feet, which expands to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down. With both the second and third rows folded, you get a massive 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space. This is a game-changer for families who need plenty of room for luggage, equipment, or anything else you might need to haul around. The second-row captain's chairs provide a more comfortable and luxurious experience for rear passengers, making long journeys more enjoyable. The versatility of the Ascent's seating arrangements allows you to adapt to various passenger and cargo needs. It's a vehicle that can easily accommodate a large family, transport bulky items, or provide a comfortable space for a weekend getaway. The thoughtful design of the interior ensures that passengers and cargo are both well-accommodated. Trust me, it's very spacious, you would love it.

Interior Features and Technology

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is equipped with a generous array of interior features and technology. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is easy to use and provides access to various functions, including navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The premium Harman Kardon sound system delivers high-quality audio, enhancing the listening experience for both music and podcasts. The Ascent Touring also offers a host of convenience features, such as a power rear liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. These features enhance comfort and convenience for all occupants. The interior is also well-equipped with safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. The Ascent Touring is designed to be a tech-savvy and comfortable vehicle, providing a pleasant and safe environment for both drivers and passengers. The combination of advanced technology, comfort features, and safety systems makes it an ideal choice for modern families. It is fantastic! I love it!

Safety Features: Keeping You and Your Family Safe

Subaru has always been known for its commitment to safety, and the 2019 Ascent Touring is no exception. It comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a suite of advanced safety features designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants. This includes adaptive cruise control, which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front; lane departure warning, which alerts you if you drift out of your lane; and pre-collision braking, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an impending collision. The Ascent also features a rearview camera, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and a full complement of airbags. The Touring trim adds even more safety features, such as reverse automatic braking, which can help prevent collisions while backing up. Subaru's commitment to safety extends beyond just the technology; the Ascent also features a strong and rigid body structure designed to absorb impact energy in the event of a crash. The Ascent has earned top safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle. With its comprehensive safety features and robust construction, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring provides peace of mind for families, knowing that they are traveling in a vehicle that prioritizes their safety.

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

As mentioned, EyeSight is a key safety feature in the Ascent. It uses a combination of cameras and sensors to monitor the road and detect potential hazards. The adaptive cruise control helps maintain a safe following distance, while the lane departure warning alerts you if you drift out of your lane. Pre-collision braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an impending collision. These features are designed to assist the driver and help prevent accidents. EyeSight’s effectiveness has been proven in numerous studies, with vehicles equipped with this technology showing a significant reduction in accident rates. The system is designed to work seamlessly and unobtrusively, providing an extra layer of protection without being intrusive. EyeSight is a testament to Subaru’s dedication to safety, providing drivers with advanced technology to protect themselves and their passengers on the road. You can trust EyeSight, it is amazing.

Crash Test Ratings and Safety Ratings

The 2019 Subaru Ascent has received excellent safety ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the Ascent its highest rating of “Top Safety Pick+”, recognizing its superior performance in crashworthiness tests and its advanced safety features. The NHTSA gave the Ascent a five-star overall safety rating, the highest possible score. These high ratings reflect the Ascent's robust construction and advanced safety technology. The strong performance in crash tests indicates that the vehicle is designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The positive feedback from safety organizations provides confidence to buyers that the Ascent is a safe and reliable vehicle for families. These ratings are a testament to Subaru’s commitment to safety, making the Ascent an attractive choice for those who prioritize the safety of themselves and their loved ones. If you want safety, you came to the right place.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Which Ascent is Right for You?

The 2019 Subaru Ascent is available in four trim levels: base, Premium, Limited, and Touring. The Touring trim, which we've been focusing on, is the top-of-the-line option and comes with the most features and premium amenities. The base trim is the most affordable option, offering a good value for the price. The Premium trim adds features like a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a larger touchscreen display. The Limited trim adds leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and additional safety features. The Touring trim includes all of the above, plus features like a panoramic sunroof, premium Harman Kardon sound system, and more advanced driver-assistance technologies. Pricing varies depending on the trim level and options. The base trim is typically the most affordable, while the Touring trim is the most expensive. When considering the price, it’s important to weigh the features and benefits of each trim level to determine which one best fits your needs and budget. The Touring trim offers the most luxurious and feature-rich experience, while the base and Premium trims provide a great value for families looking for a spacious and capable SUV. Be sure to check with your local Subaru dealer for the latest pricing and any available incentives. I'm telling you, it is an awesome car.

Comparing Trim Levels and Features

• Base: Entry-level, offering essential features like EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, but with a more basic interior. Great for budget-conscious buyers.
• Premium: Adds features like a power driver's seat, heated front seats, a larger touchscreen, and additional safety features like blind-spot detection. A good balance of features and value.
• Limited: Upgrades to leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and more advanced safety features. Provides a step up in luxury and convenience.
• Touring: The top-of-the-line trim, featuring a panoramic sunroof, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and more advanced driver-assistance technologies. Offers the ultimate in comfort, convenience, and technology.

Value for Money and Overall Cost

The 2019 Subaru Ascent offers good value for money, especially when considering its spacious interior, standard all-wheel drive, and comprehensive safety features. The base trim is a particularly good value, while the upper trims offer more features and luxury at a higher price. The overall cost of ownership is also reasonable, with competitive fuel economy and Subaru's reputation for reliability. When factoring in the Ascent's resale value, which tends to be strong, it can be a smart long-term investment. Compared to other three-row SUVs in its class, the Ascent offers a compelling combination of features, space, and value. The cost of ownership also includes factors such as insurance and maintenance costs, which are typically competitive for Subaru vehicles. Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent provides a well-rounded package that delivers excellent value for families seeking a spacious, safe, and capable SUV. You won't regret buying it, I assure you.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Good and the Bad

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring to help you get a balanced view. On the pro side, the Ascent boasts a spacious interior that's perfect for families, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The standard all-wheel drive provides excellent traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, providing peace of mind. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine provides sufficient power for everyday driving, and the Touring trim offers a luxurious and well-equipped cabin. Plus, Subaru has a strong reputation for reliability, meaning the Ascent is likely to be a dependable vehicle for years to come. However, there are also some cons to consider. The CVT transmission, while efficient, may not appeal to all drivers. Some may find the Ascent's styling to be a bit understated. While the third row is accessible, it's best suited for shorter trips. Fuel economy, while decent, isn't the best in class. All in all, the Ascent is a fantastic car.

Advantages of the Ascent

• Spacious interior with three rows of seating
• Standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability
• Comprehensive EyeSight Driver Assist Technology for added safety
• Comfortable ride and composed handling
• Well-equipped Touring trim with premium features
• Subaru's reputation for reliability

Disadvantages of the Ascent

• CVT transmission may not appeal to all drivers
• Styling may be considered understated by some
• Third-row seating is best suited for shorter trips
• Fuel economy is average for the class

Final Verdict: Is the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring Worth It?

So, after all the details, is the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring worth it? Absolutely, for the right buyer. If you're a family looking for a spacious, safe, and capable SUV with all-wheel drive, the Ascent Touring is a strong contender. Its comfortable interior, comprehensive safety features, and well-equipped Touring trim make it a compelling choice. While it may not be the flashiest SUV on the market, its focus on practicality, reliability, and family-friendliness makes it a winner in my book. The Ascent excels at providing a comfortable and secure environment for passengers of all ages. If you value safety, space, and all-weather capability, the Ascent Touring should be high on your list. It offers a great blend of value, features, and performance, making it a smart choice for families who need a versatile and reliable SUV. I highly recommend it, guys! It is the best one.

Recommendation and Overall Assessment

I highly recommend the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring for families in the market for a three-row SUV. It offers a winning combination of space, safety, and all-wheel-drive capability. The Touring trim adds a touch of luxury and convenience, making it a pleasure to drive and ride in. While the CVT transmission and understated styling may not appeal to everyone, the Ascent’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you prioritize safety, space, and reliability, the Ascent Touring is a fantastic choice. The overall assessment is that the Ascent Touring is a well-rounded, capable, and comfortable SUV that delivers excellent value for money. It is a smart and practical choice for families, offering peace of mind and a positive driving experience. You won't regret getting one!