2019 Subaru Ascent Touring: Spacious SUV Review

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving headfirst into the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring, a vehicle that quickly became a favorite among families needing space, safety, and a touch of luxury. As a comprehensive review, we'll cover everything from its roomy interior and impressive tech to its performance on the road. Buckle up, because we're about to explore what makes the Ascent Touring such a compelling choice in the competitive SUV market. This isn't just any SUV; it's a Subaru, known for its commitment to safety and reliability. So, is the 2019 Ascent Touring the right car for you? Let's find out! This review aims to give you a detailed understanding of the Ascent Touring, helping you make an informed decision. We'll explore its strengths and weaknesses, considering its design, features, and overall value.

Firstly, let's talk about the design and exterior. The 2019 Ascent Touring boasts a robust and modern design. It’s a bold statement on the road, with its commanding presence and distinctive Subaru styling cues. The front fascia features a prominent grille, flanked by sleek headlights. The overall aesthetic is one of strength and sophistication, which is a great start when considering buying a car for family use. Subaru did a fantastic job of giving the Ascent a premium feel. The exterior design incorporates practical elements, such as roof rails, which are standard on the Touring trim. These add to the vehicle's versatility, making it easy to carry extra cargo like bikes, kayaks, or skis. The Touring trim level also adds unique features, such as chrome accents and upgraded wheels, which enhance its overall appearance. We'll delve deeper into the features that distinguish the Touring trim later, but for now, know that the exterior design is practical, stylish, and built to make an impression. The Ascent's design is not just about looks. It's also functional, with a focus on aerodynamics and visibility. The designers paid careful attention to elements such as the angles of the windshield and the placement of the side mirrors to provide drivers with optimal views of their surroundings. This focus on visibility is a critical aspect of Subaru's commitment to safety, aligning perfectly with the vehicle's role as a family-friendly SUV. The exterior also demonstrates Subaru's attention to detail, from the flush-mounted door handles to the integrated rear spoiler, each element is thoughtfully considered to create a cohesive and appealing design. The Ascent's design is a blend of ruggedness and refinement, reflecting its versatility for both urban and off-road adventures. The choice of materials and the quality of the finish suggest that this vehicle is built to last. All these attributes make it stand out in the crowded SUV market.

Interior Comfort and Space: A Haven for Passengers

Now, let's step inside. The interior of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is where this SUV truly shines, especially for families. Space is the name of the game here, with three rows of seating designed to comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers. The Touring trim takes this a step further with luxurious touches that make every journey a pleasant experience. From the high-quality materials to the thoughtful layout, the interior is crafted to provide maximum comfort and convenience. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, and the Touring trim includes leather upholstery, which elevates the overall feel of the cabin. The front seats are heated and ventilated, ensuring that both the driver and front passenger stay comfortable regardless of the weather.

The second row offers plenty of legroom, and the bench seat is perfect for kids and adults alike. For those who prioritize comfort, the Touring trim is available with captain's chairs in the second row, which reduces the seating capacity to seven but provides an even more luxurious experience for the rear passengers. This configuration adds to the vehicle's premium feel. Getting into the third row is surprisingly easy, thanks to the Ascent's wide rear doors and the ability of the second-row seats to slide and tilt forward. Even adults can find a reasonable amount of space back there, making the Ascent ideal for carpools or family outings where everyone needs a seat. The third-row seats can also be folded down flat to create additional cargo space when needed.

Beyond the seating, the Ascent Touring's interior is packed with smart storage solutions. There are numerous cubbies, cup holders, and door pockets, ensuring that everyone has a place to store their belongings. The center console is spacious and well-designed, with a convenient storage area for smartphones and other devices. The overall atmosphere inside the Ascent is one of spaciousness and functionality, making it a comfortable place to spend time. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, and the fit and finish are excellent, reflecting Subaru's attention to detail. The Touring trim features additional enhancements, such as woodgrain trim and a premium audio system, which further enhance the vehicle's appeal. These features contribute to a sense of luxury and sophistication, making the Ascent a truly enjoyable place to be. Subaru has successfully created an interior environment that prioritizes comfort, convenience, and versatility, making the Ascent Touring a top choice for families. This is a must-have for people looking to buy a family car.

Technology and Infotainment Features: Keeping You Connected

Alright, let's talk tech. The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is loaded with technology designed to keep you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is a large touchscreen display that controls various functions, including audio, navigation, and vehicle settings. The touchscreen is responsive and user-friendly, with intuitive menus that make it easy to access the features you need. The Touring trim includes a premium sound system that delivers excellent audio quality, making your favorite music sound better than ever. The system is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle. This means you can access your favorite apps, make calls, and send texts without taking your hands off the wheel. The Ascent Touring also offers a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to stay connected on the go. This is a fantastic feature for families, allowing kids to stream movies or do homework during long road trips.

Beyond the infotainment system, the Ascent Touring is packed with advanced driver-assistance technologies. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system is standard on all Ascent models, and it includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. These systems are designed to help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. The Touring trim adds even more safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which further enhance the vehicle's safety profile. Subaru is known for its commitment to safety, and the Ascent Touring is no exception. The vehicle earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA, further reinforcing its reputation as a safe and reliable choice.

The Ascent Touring also includes a variety of other convenient features, such as a power liftgate, which makes it easy to load and unload cargo, and a panoramic sunroof, which lets in natural light and enhances the sense of spaciousness inside the cabin. The technology in the Ascent Touring is well-integrated and user-friendly, providing a seamless and enjoyable driving experience. From the intuitive touchscreen display to the advanced driver-assistance systems, every feature is designed to make your life easier and safer on the road. The Ascent Touring's tech features make it a leader in its class, offering a perfect blend of connectivity, entertainment, and safety. This is a vehicle that truly caters to the needs of modern families, ensuring that everyone stays connected and protected while on the move. Subaru has always been at the forefront of automotive technology, and the Ascent Touring is a perfect example of their commitment to innovation and safety.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth and Capable

Now, let's get into what really matters: how does it drive? The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces a healthy 260 horsepower. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The combination of the turbo engine and the CVT offers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making the Ascent Touring suitable for both city driving and long-distance travel. The Ascent also comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability in all types of road conditions. This is a key advantage for Subaru vehicles, and it makes the Ascent Touring particularly well-suited for driving in snow, rain, or on unpaved roads. The all-wheel-drive system continuously monitors the road conditions and adjusts power distribution to the wheels to optimize traction.

The Ascent Touring delivers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. The steering is light and responsive, making the vehicle easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The Ascent is not designed to be a sporty vehicle, but it provides adequate acceleration and passing power. The turbocharged engine provides plenty of low-end torque, making it easy to merge onto highways or climb hills. The CVT is well-matched to the engine, providing smooth and seamless power delivery. The Ascent Touring also offers good fuel economy for its class. The EPA estimates that it gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, making it an efficient choice for families who do a lot of driving. The vehicle's all-wheel-drive system does not significantly impact fuel economy, and the vehicle provides a great balance of performance and efficiency.

One of the Ascent Touring's strengths is its versatility. It is equally at home on city streets as it is on the open road. The all-wheel-drive system gives drivers confidence in all driving conditions. The Ascent is capable of handling various road types. The vehicle also has a good towing capacity. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Overall, the Ascent Touring's performance and driving experience are a great fit for its purpose as a family-friendly SUV. The engine provides plenty of power, the all-wheel-drive system gives drivers confidence and its fuel efficiency is decent for a vehicle of its size. The Ascent Touring provides a balanced and enjoyable driving experience. The Ascent Touring is a compelling choice for families seeking a versatile and capable SUV.

Trim Levels and Features: Touring's Touch of Luxury

Let's get into the specifics of the Touring trim. The Touring is the top-of-the-line trim for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. It offers a host of premium features and upgrades that enhance the vehicle's comfort, convenience, and style. The Touring trim builds upon the features of the lower trim levels, adding a layer of luxury and sophistication.

Some of the key features of the Touring trim include:

• Leather Upholstery: Premium leather seats provide a luxurious feel and add to the overall comfort of the cabin.
• Panoramic Sunroof: A large panoramic sunroof lets in natural light and enhances the sense of spaciousness inside the vehicle.
• Premium Audio System: The Touring trim is equipped with a high-quality audio system that delivers superior sound quality.
• Navigation System: A built-in navigation system helps you find your way with ease.
• 120-volt Power Outlet: Provides power for charging devices.
• Chrome Exterior Accents: Chrome accents add to the vehicle's refined appearance.
• Upgraded Wheels: Unique wheel designs enhance the Touring trim's stylish exterior.
• Heated Steering Wheel: Keeps your hands warm in cold weather.
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers: Automatically adjusts to rain and snow.

The Touring trim also includes all of the standard features found on the lower trim levels. These include the EyeSight driver-assist system, a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and all-wheel drive. The Touring trim truly elevates the Ascent experience, offering a blend of luxury and practicality. This trim level is ideal for buyers who want the best possible features and a more upscale driving experience. Subaru has put in the work to make this trim really worth it. The Touring trim offers a compelling package for families seeking a premium SUV experience.

Safety Features: Subaru's Commitment to Protection

Safety is a cornerstone of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring's design, reflecting Subaru's unwavering commitment to protecting its passengers. The vehicle is packed with advanced safety features designed to prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of impacts. The Ascent 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 SUV.

Key safety features of the Ascent Touring include:

• EyeSight Driver Assist System: This suite of safety technologies includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. The system uses cameras to monitor the road and can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an impending collision.
• Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: These systems alert the driver to the presence of vehicles in their blind spots and provide warnings when backing out of parking spaces or driveways.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set following distance from the vehicle in front, adjusting speed as needed to maintain a safe distance.
• Rear-Vision Camera: Provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle, making it easier to park and maneuver.
• Automatic High Beams: Automatically switch between high and low beams based on the presence of oncoming traffic.
• Multiple Airbags: Includes front airbags, side-curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag to provide comprehensive protection in the event of a collision.
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: This system enhances stability and traction, providing additional control in various driving conditions.

The Ascent Touring's safety features are not just about preventing accidents; they're also designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The vehicle's strong body structure and strategically placed airbags provide excellent protection. Subaru's focus on safety makes the Ascent Touring a top choice for families. This commitment to safety is a defining characteristic of Subaru vehicles, and the Ascent Touring is a perfect example of their dedication to protecting drivers and passengers. Subaru goes above and beyond to provide peace of mind to its customers. The Ascent Touring’s comprehensive safety features make it a safe and dependable option.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Before we wrap things up, let's quickly sum up the pros and cons of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring:

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: Offers ample space for up to eight passengers and plenty of cargo.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions.
• Advanced Safety Features: Includes a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.
• Comfortable Ride: Provides a smooth and composed driving experience.
• User-Friendly Infotainment System: Easy-to-use touchscreen with smartphone integration.
• Good Fuel Economy: Offers respectable fuel efficiency for its class.
• Touring Trim Enhancements: Includes premium features for added luxury and convenience.

Cons:

• CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not prefer the feel of a CVT.
• Turbo Lag: The turbocharged engine can experience slight lag.
• Price: The Touring trim is at the higher end of the price range.

Conclusion: Is the Ascent Touring Right for You?

So, is the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring the right SUV for you? If you're looking for a spacious, safe, and family-friendly vehicle, the answer is likely yes. The Ascent Touring offers a compelling combination of features, space, and safety, making it a top contender in the mid-size SUV segment. Its roomy interior, advanced technology, and standard all-wheel drive make it a versatile and capable vehicle for various driving needs. The Touring trim adds a layer of luxury that enhances the overall driving experience. However, potential buyers should consider the CVT transmission, the slight turbo lag, and the higher price point of the Touring trim. Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot to love, especially for families. It's a vehicle that provides peace of mind, comfort, and the ability to handle whatever life throws your way. Thanks for joining me on this review, folks! I hope this helps you make a decision. Happy driving! I hope this helps you decide if the Ascent is right for you. Drive safe, everyone!