2019 Subaru Ascent

Three-row crossover space is highly crowded and with prominent models like Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot as main competitors. Subaru Ascent has a lot of ground to cover. But with a ton of standard features and class-leading offerings in utility and safety and the mark of Subaru's practicality.

The Subaru Ascent is available in four trim levels – Ascent base, Premium, Limited and Touring. Base trim comes accomplished with standard AWD, tri-zone climate control and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim adds rear seat climate controls and towing capacity is increased to 5,000 lbs.

Trim	Ascent (Base)	Ascent Premium	Ascent Limited	Ascent Touring
MSRP	$31,995	$34,195	$38,995	$44,695
Key Features		Includes Ascent's features and adds -	Includes Ascent Premium's features and adds -	Includes Ascent Limited's features and adds -
	Subaru Symmetrical AWD	5,000-lb towing capacity	-	-
	X-MODE with Hill Descent Control	Chrome exhaust tips	-	-
	Raised roof rails	Privacy glass	Second-row retractable sunshades	Upgraded leather steering wheel
	Second-row bench seat (8 passengers)	Second-row captain’s chairs		Heated and ventilated front seats
	Cloth upholstery	Spill-repellent cloth upholstery	Leather-trimmed upholstery	Java Brown Leather upholstery
	6.5-inch Multimedia with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto	8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation with SiriusXM (Optional)	-	Harman Kardon premium audio system with 14 speakers
	Tri-zone automatic climate control system	Rear-seat climate controls	Keyless Access with Push-Button Start	180-degree front-view camera
	EyeSight Driver Assist Technology	Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert	-	-
	7 airbags	All-Weather Package (Heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer)	Dual-mode heated second-row seats and heated steering wheel	Rain-sensing wipers
	19 cup and bottle holders	Panoramic power moonroof (Optional)	Power rear gate with height memory functions	Panoramic power moonroof (Standard)

The Limited trim increases the premium-factor by offering leather trim upholstery and keyless access with push-button start. Touring trim takes it to another level with heated and ventilated seats, premium Harman Kardon audio system and a standard power moonroof.

We Recommend

For its massive value for money appeal, we would recommend the base Ascent. It offers a punchy motor that has good low-end grunt. The standard AWD and notable safety features make the Ascent capable of battling out tough weather conditions.

But if budget isn’t a constraint, then go for the Limited trim that offers a very good blend of price and luxury. It also offers features that you would appreciate in your longer span of ownership.

“The new turbo four-cylinder makes 260 hp, which doesn't sound like a lot to move this big SUV, but ample torque should help. The Ascent won't move like an Impreza, but it should share the same sure-footedness. One question mark is how well the continuously variable automatic transmission performs.”-Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

The base model of the Ascent is powered by a Subaru special boxer-four engine that belts out 260 hp and a healthy 277 lb-ft. of torque. All the power is transferred to the wheels via a CVT automatic transmission. Unlike the competition, this Subaru comes with a standard AWD system.

One major positive about this engine is its early torque delivery. Getting off the line with the Ascent would be a no-drama affair. Even with a full load of passengers and cargo, this engine has enough grunt to easily merge with the highway traffic or get off the line from the stop light. Whether you are hustling around the town or on a weekend getaway, this engine has got your back.

Models	2019 Subaru Ascent	2019 Honda Pilot	2019 Ford Explorer	2019 Toyota Highlander
MSRP	$31,995	$31,450	$32,365	$31,330
Engine	2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer 4-cylinder	3.5-liter V6	3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6	2.7-liter 4-cylinder
Transmission	CVT	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5,600	280hp @ 6000	288 @ 6500	185 hp @ 5800
Torque	277 lb-ft. @ 2,000 rpm	262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm	254 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm	184 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer beat the Subaru Ascent at the horsepower game. Ford’s Ti-VCT engine churns out the segment best – 288 horsepower which is closely followed by Honda and Subaru. When we talk about the base variants, the Toyota Highlander is outclassed by its competition. As we talk about torque, Subaru takes an obvious lead with its turbocharged boxer engine’s 277 lb.-ft. torque output.

Acceleration

Don’t expect any big surprise here, the Ascent with its turbo spooled up does considerably well for a three-row vehicle. Ascent achieves its 0-60 within 6.9 seconds and runs through the quarter mile in 15.5 seconds. Subaru uses a CVT in favor of increasing fuel efficiency but unlike other CVT’s in this segment. This CVT works well and comes with 8 electronically programmed ‘shift’ points.

Models	2019 Subaru Ascent	2019 Honda Pilot	2019 Ford Explorer	2019 Toyota Highlander
0-60 MPH	6.9 seconds	6.2 seconds	8.2 seconds	-
Quarter mile	15.5 seconds	14.8 seconds	16.3 seconds	-
Engine	2.4 L H4	3.5 L V6	3.5 L V6	2.7-liter I4
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)

Ascent is definitely on the heavier side of the scales at 4430 lbs., yet it fares well when compared to the competition. Honda Pilot takes the lead with its 6.2-second naught to sixty run. Honda’s 6.2-second run is followed by Subaru’s 6.9-second. And finally, the Ford Explorer takes the longest 8.2 seconds to achieve a similar speed.

Ride and Handling

Subaru Ascent offers a compliant ride. The Ascent’s suspension can easily level out the impact from road undulations. With comfort being Subaru’s priority here. This Subaru is a little shy of the corners. The steering isn’t the best out there, but it adequately transfers feedback to the driver. The steering is light to use in city conditions but it does not come off as vague or hesitant. So, maneuvering your Ascent in the confines of the city wouldn’t be too much of a task.

When you are driving the Subaru Ascent, it wouldn’t feel like a large 3-row CUV. Like its smaller cousin, the Subaru Outback, Ascent benefits from a well-engineered driving ergonomics. The visibility, both front, and rear is good. It surely gives the Ascent an edge over the competition.

Braking

The Subaru Ascent is equipped with the largest front and rear disc brakes in its class. Ascent comes with four-wheel antilock brakes as standard. Under emergency braking, Ascent comes to a halt from 60 mph within 119 feet.

Model	2019 Subaru Ascent	2019 Honda Pilot	2019 Ford Explorer	2019 Toyota Highlander
Brake Front (in.)	13.1	12.6	12.8	12.9
Brake Rear (in.)	13	13	12.8	12.2
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4430	4036	4458	4134
60-0 MPH (ft.)	119	117 (est.)	108 (With optional tires)	126 (est.)

The Ford Explorer manages to score an impressive stopping distance of 108 ft. Although it does achieve the same with optional stickier tires. Honda Pilot’s estimated braking distance is 117 ft. However the Toyota Highlander with its estimated stopping distance of 126 ft.

Towing Capacity

One of the important selling points for these new breed 3-row CUV’s is their versatility. Come the weekend and the duty calls for trailering equipment. Subaru has an advantage over the rest –a standard AWD system which helps it rival the best in this segment even with its puny 2.4-liter engine. The Subaru Ascent can tow 5000 lbs. of equipment.

Model	2019 Subaru Ascent	2019 Honda Pilot	2019 Ford Explorer	2019 Toyota Highlander
Capacity (lbs.)	5000	3500	5000	1500
Drivetrain	AWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Engine	2.4 L H4	3.5 L V6	3.5 L V6	2.7 L I4

Subaru Ascent uses a CVT automatic transmission which helps it case in offering a slightly better fuel economy than the competition. Ascent is rated for 21 mpg in city driving conditions and 27 mpg on highways. The combined mpg stands at 23 for the base model of the Ascent. Honda and Toyota score a similar combined mpg of 22 while the Ford Explorer scores a combined mpg of 20.

Model	2019 Subaru Ascent	2019 Honda Pilot	2019 Ford Explorer	2019 Toyota Highlander
MPG (city)	21	19	17	20
MPG (highway)	27	27	24	24
MPG (combined)	23	22	20	22

“Although the Ascent lacks family-friendly features found in the latest minivans such as in-car vacuums and rear-seat entertainment, the big Subie is welcoming for families of all shapes and sizes. There are 19 cupholders to hold myriad combinations of sodas, juice boxes, water bottles, and coffee mugs, and the ride is whisper-quiet and calm enough to host any family game night.”-TheCarConnection

Seating and Comfort

The biggest Subaru ever – the Ascent offers segment-leading interior space. Ascent offers the segment best passenger volume of 153.5 cu-ft. It beats Honda, Ford, and Toyota by a decent margin. The cabin is spacious enough and offers a good number of cubby spaces. Starting with a total number of 19 cup holders distributed throughout the cabin, 14 in the first two rows and 5 in the third row. There is a compartment above glove box that can be used to store items like keys, coins, and tickets.

The Ascent has a welcoming interior. The quality of plastics is not upscale but neither does it feel cheap. Ascent maintains a level of consistency that is pleasing to the eye. The seats are comfortable and offer decent support in all the 3 rows.

The Subaru Ascent offers seating for 8 people in the base trim level. Second rows seats can be easily flipped to make a passage to the third-row seats. Ingress and egress to the third-row seats isn’t a chore even for taller passengers.

Model	2019 Subaru Ascent	2019 Honda Pilot	2019 Ford Explorer	2019 Toyota Highlander
Passenger capacity	8	8	7	8
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	41.3/61.1/42.2	40.1/ 62/40.9	41.4/61.5/42.9	40.7/59.3/44.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40/ 60.3/ 38.6	40.2/62/38.4	40.6/61/39.5	39.9/59.6/38.4
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	36.3/57.2/31.7	38.9/57.6/31.9	37.8/50.8/32	35.9/55.0/27.7

On paper, the Subaru Ascent doesn’t offer the best in the segment numbers but it doesn’t stray away from the segment-leaders by much.

Infotainment

The base model of the Subaru Ascent is equipped with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The higher models come with an 8.0-inch infotainment system and inbuilt Wi-Fi connectivity. Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system is user-friendly with large colorful icons and responsive interface.

There are physical buttons placed below the display screen neatly stacked on the center stack. The Ascent doesn’t offer any rear seat entertainment to keep your children busy.

Interior Features

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• EyeSight
• 5-inch multimedia touchscreen
• Four USB ports
• Three-zone climate control
• Eight-passenger seating

Cargo Capacity

The Ascent offers generous cargo capacity and ranks well in this segment. At 17.8 cu-ft., Ascent’s cargo space behind the third row is second only to Ford Explorer. Fold the second row and you will have 47.5 cu-ft. of cargo space. Fold both the rows and the total cargo area increases to 86.5 cu-ft. When we consider maximum cargo capacity, the Ascent offers the maximum in this comparison. 

Model	2019 Subaru Ascent	2019 Honda Pilot	2019 Ford Explorer	2019 Toyota Highlander
Cargo Volume (cu-ft.)	17.8	16.5	21	13.8

“…Take one part Subaru Outback, one part Subaru Forester, puff it up and give it a larger, upright grille, and you have the looks of the Subaru Ascent. The styling is tasteful and attractive, and the proportions are good, but while the looks are exactly what you’d expect from Subaru, they don’t stand out as much as other SUVs. That is by no means a bad thing, but when you see an Ascent on the road, it may take a second glance to realize this is an all-new SUV.-KelleyBlueBook”

Dimensions and Weight

The Subaru Ascent plays it safe, the design isn’t spectacular. After Subaru’s first attempt at a three-row SUV B9 Tribeca which wasn’t received well and eventually, it was discontinued in 2014. This time Subaru has decided to get rid of the quirky design elements from the Tribeca. Ascent has a familiar look, and you can easily see the similarities with the smaller Subaru Outback.

Model	2019 Subaru Ascent	2019 Honda Pilot	2019 Ford Explorer	2019 Toyota Highlander
Curb weight (lbs.)	4430	4036	4458	4134
Length(in)	196.8	196.5	198.3	192.5
Width(in)	76	78.6	78.9	75.8
Height(in)	71.6	70.6	70	68.1
Ground clearance (in)	8.7	7.3	7.8	8.0
Wheelbase (in)	113.8	111	112.8	109.8
Track width (in) F/R	64.4/ 64.2	66.3/66.3	67/67	64.4/64.2

Dimensionally, the Ascent follows the industry standards. At 4430 lbs., the Ascent is one of the beefier CUVs in the segment. Ascent offers the largest wheelbase (113.8 inches) in this comparison which translates to the maximum passenger volume in this segment. Even the ground clearance at 8.7 inches is the best in this segment. The Ascent has a dedicated X mode that equips the vehicle for mild off-roading.

Subaru Ascent focuses a lot on safety, it comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight system across all the trim levels. This system combines adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist. Subaru also offers its Starlink Connected Services standard on all models except the base model.

Subaru Ascent is equipped with following safety features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure warning and lane-keep assist
• Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert
• LED headlights that change angle as you drive around a curve

Subaru Ascent vs Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 hp and 262 lb-ft. of torque. Pricing for the Honda Pilot starts at $31,450. Honda Pilot has been one the best vehicles in this segment. The third generation of the Pilot was introduced in 2016. Honda Pilot is a can’t go wrong decision in the three-row CUV market.

When compared to the Subaru Ascent, the Pilot has a bigger engine as standard but it can’t match the towing and hauling capacity of the Ascent’s turbo-four engine which has better low-end torque. Moreover, the Ascent has better ground clearance, passenger volume, and cargo capacity. Choosing one between the two can be hard but it was our money we would choose the Ascent because it offers a powertrain is more refined and is hassle free, unlike Honda’s V6.

Subaru Ascent vs Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer is equipped with a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT engine that is rated for 288 hp and 254 lb-ft. of torque. Currently, in its fifth generation, the Explorer is the benchmark here. Explorer enjoys a status as the bestseller three-row SUV in the US market.

Unlike the Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer isn’t offered with standard AWD. Still, it manages a similar towing capacity. Explorer only offers seating for 7 people. It falls behind the Ascent when it comes maximum cargo space and passenger volume. The standard four-cylinder mill on the Ascent is much frugal and offers better drivability.

Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander

Powered by a 2.7-liter inline-four engine, the Highlander makes a meager 185 hp and 184 lb-ft. of torque. Those numbers are underwhelming for a three-row SUV. With a full load of passengers and cargo, this mill struggles to keep up with other vehicles in its class. The Highlander is priced at $31,330.

When compared to the Ascent, the base model of the Highlander doesn’t offer much value. We would recommend you to skip the base model. This family hauler offers decent interior room and cargo space but loses out to the newly introduced Subaru Ascent.

Newly introduced Ascent is powered by a horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine. Transmission duties are taken care by a CVT automatic transmission. Ascent is one of the better performing three-row SUVs available in the market. Being the costliest Subaru, Ascent brings a plethora of standard features. Unlike its competitors, it comes equipped with standard AWD and Subaru’s eyesight safety system.

Subaru Ascent offers an average passenger accommodation in the second and third-row seats. A lack of rear entertainment system is also missed dearly.

If you are in the market for a three-row SUV, then Subaru Ascent should be high on your list. Ascent is one of the better-driving three-row family haulers and it easily checks all the correct boxes.