2019 Subaru Ascent

2019 Subaru Ascent

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2019 Subaru Ascent SUV. This is touted as all-new this year and I think it will appeal to the outdoorsy folks as a first choice. I believe it stands up extremely well to rivals noted and especially as compared to other high end trim models.

Subaru is getting better at promoting themselves but over the years I’ve been observing they don’t blow their own horn but rather leave it up to reviewers like me. They are always very accommodating when it comes to getting their product in our hands to pick apart. It is there where it makes the best case for itself, so they are wise to put their money into product quality and not into advertising.

General Information:

Classification is- SUV; Cars from Subaru- Ascent, BRZ, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX.

Handling & Performance:

All wheel drive is a specialty for Subaru as all their cars are indeed AWD. Thus, common sense tells us they would be the best of the best with that feature.

This SUV is a delight to drive. You feel that especially on mountain courses like my testing grounds over the windy San Gabriel mountains in Southern California. I use two separate routes over the mountains regularly to get a sense the vehicle’s prowess under difficult conditions.

Styling:

You gotta love the clean stylish lines that is consistently Subaru. That’s important to me over time since I know image is remembered by consumers and that sword cuts two ways. If the car is a good or bad performer people will equate the look to a history colored by how consumers judged the quality.

Fit and Finish:

Very good assembly wherever the car is assembled. In the case of all the competition noted below, amazingly all are built in the good old USA.

Cost:

Pricing for this Ascent is among the least expensive brand offerings.

Conveniences and comfort:

It doesn’t get much better as you look at the standard features included in the MSRP price noted. Nearly everything is covered that I’ve found to be the essentials for a complete driving experience.

Consumer Recommendations:

When considering your choice, I can tell you that the warranties are essentially the same, except the VW which is slightly better in years covered. Of all the listed rivals this is my pick all things considered. In fact, I look less at the warranty but rather the quality and character of the company.

VW Atlas, that I recently tested, would be second choice on the list, and if I’m swayed by American made cars the good news is all these are assembled right here in the USA.

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

All the safety features I enjoy and count on including AWD, comfortable.

Bad News:

N/A

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter direct injection turbocharged boxer engine, 8 speed continuous variable transmission, four wheel independent suspension, 20” aluminum alloy wheels, symmetrical all-wheel drive with dynamic control, eyesight driver assist system with auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, smart cruise control with lane keep assist, reverse auto braking system, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert, rear vision camera,, front airbag system with front knee airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and seat side airbags, auto power door locks, LATCH system for second and third rows, anti-theft alarm and immobilizer system, electronic brake force distribution, 8” Starlink multimedia Navigation Infotainment, Harman Kardon audio with Quantum logic surround sound system, with 14 speakers, Sirius XM radio, Sports, Weather, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Aha, Pandora, iHeart Radio, CD, 6 USB ports for front and rear, keyless access with push-button start, power rear gate with Height Memory, Cargo area cover, Tri-zone climate control, leather trimmed seating and wood patterned trim, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, 4-way passenger seat, ventilated and heated front seats, heated side mirrors and wipers and steering wheel, rear door retractable sun shades with tinted rear glass, 2nd row captain’s chairs and 3rd row bench seating for 7-passenger seating, rain sensing wipers, 180 degree front view camera, reading lights in front and 2nd and 3rd row seating, 19 cup and bottle holders.

Gas Stats:

$3.19 / Gal avg. January 14, 2019

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

20 City and 26 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $44,695.