2019 Subaru Ascent Touring: A Comprehensive Review

by Alex Braham 51 views

Hey guys, let's dive into the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring, a three-row SUV that's been making waves. This review will cover everything, from its features to its performance, and help you decide if it's the right ride for you. We'll go over what makes the Ascent Touring stand out, what it offers in terms of comfort and tech, and how it performs on the road. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Overview of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is the top-of-the-line trim for Subaru's family-friendly SUV. It's designed to provide a spacious and comfortable experience for everyone, whether you're taking the kids to soccer practice or embarking on a long road trip. The Ascent, in general, is Subaru's answer to the need for a larger vehicle, stepping up to compete in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. The Touring trim takes it a step further, adding a host of premium features and upgrades that elevate the overall driving experience. This review focuses specifically on the Touring, highlighting its unique attributes and how it distinguishes itself from the base models. We're talking about a vehicle that aims to blend practicality, safety, and a touch of luxury, all wrapped up in a package that's unmistakably Subaru. The Ascent Touring’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a well-rounded experience, making it a strong contender for those looking for a versatile SUV. It is specifically made for families that need a lot of space and comfort, and the Touring trim does not cut any corners when it comes to the amenities.

Key Features and Specifications

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring comes loaded with features designed to enhance both the driving experience and passenger comfort. Some key specifications and features include:

  • Engine: A 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
  • Transmission: Standard Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with an 8-speed manual mode.
  • Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a Subaru signature.
  • Seating: Up to eight passengers with the second-row bench seat or seven passengers with second-row captain's chairs (Touring trim has captain's chairs).
  • Infotainment: 8.0-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
  • Safety: Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking.
  • Comfort: Leather-trimmed seats, heated front and second-row seats, panoramic moonroof, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.

The Ascent Touring is a car of substance, offering a powerful engine that gives it a good amount of pep, especially when merging onto highways or overtaking other vehicles. The CVT transmission works well in most situations, providing smooth acceleration. Subaru's all-wheel-drive system is a standout feature, providing excellent handling and stability in various weather conditions. The inclusion of modern infotainment and a suite of advanced safety features further enhances the appeal of the Ascent Touring, making it a well-rounded choice for families. It provides a level of quality and performance that aligns with its price point, and it’s a car you can rely on.

Exterior Design and Styling

Let’s check out what the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring looks like from the outside, shall we? The Ascent has a design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It’s not necessarily going to turn heads in the same way as some flashier SUVs, but it exudes a sense of solidity and purpose. The Touring trim gets some specific touches that set it apart.

Design Elements

The exterior design is characterized by its bold, yet understated, styling. Key elements include:

  • Front Fascia: A prominent front grille, sleek headlights, and a muscular front bumper. The Touring trim typically features chrome accents.
  • Profile: Clean lines, a raised ride height, and a practical roofline that maximizes interior space.
  • Rear: Stylish taillights and a rear spoiler that adds a touch of sportiness. Touring models often have unique badging and trim details.
  • Wheels: 20-inch alloy wheels, which are usually exclusive to the Touring trim, enhance its overall appearance.
  • Lighting: LED headlights, fog lights, and taillights, providing excellent visibility and a modern look.

The design is very practical, the Ascent Touring isn't trying to be overly flashy. It's built for those who value functionality and space. It’s a design that’s made to age well, not to look dated in just a few years. Subaru has managed to create an SUV that looks capable and ready for anything, from daily commutes to weekend adventures. The exterior of the Ascent is all about blending utility with a touch of premium feel, especially in the Touring trim.

Interior Comfort and Features

Alright, let’s get comfy inside the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring. This is where the Touring trim really shines. It provides a luxurious and comfortable environment that's perfect for both short trips and long journeys. The interior is designed to accommodate families with ease, offering plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

Interior Highlights

The Touring trim elevates the interior experience with features like:

  • Seating: Premium leather-trimmed seats, with heated front and second-row seats. The second row features captain's chairs for a more luxurious feel.
  • Space: Generous legroom and headroom in all three rows, making it comfortable for adults to sit in any seat.
  • Materials: High-quality materials throughout the cabin, including soft-touch surfaces and tasteful trim.
  • Technology: An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, and multiple USB ports.
  • Convenience: Panoramic moonroof, power liftgate, and tri-zone automatic climate control.

Inside, the Ascent Touring feels spacious and airy, thanks to the large windows and available panoramic moonroof. The seats are supportive and comfortable, perfect for long drives. The layout is user-friendly, with intuitive controls and easy-to-reach features. The quality of the materials is noticeably better than in the lower trims, giving it a more premium feel. The tech features are integrated seamlessly, making the driving experience both enjoyable and convenient. The Ascent Touring’s interior is well-suited for families, and it manages to balance luxury with practicality very well.

Performance and Driving Experience

Now, let's talk about how the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring drives. Performance is a key aspect of any vehicle, and the Ascent Touring delivers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience. It’s designed to provide a smooth ride, confident handling, and a capable engine that can handle various driving scenarios.

Driving Dynamics

The Ascent Touring offers a commendable driving experience characterized by:

  • Engine Performance: The 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine provides sufficient power for daily driving and highway merges, with good low-end torque.
  • Transmission: The CVT transmission provides smooth and efficient gear changes, contributing to fuel economy and a comfortable ride.
  • Handling: Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system enhances handling and stability, providing excellent grip in various conditions.
  • Ride Quality: The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections effectively, making it a great vehicle for long trips.
  • Steering: The steering is responsive and provides good feedback, making it easy to maneuver in different driving situations.

The Ascent Touring is not intended to be a sports car, but it provides enough power for everyday needs, along with a comfortable and refined ride. The all-wheel-drive system gives you peace of mind, especially in adverse weather conditions. The CVT transmission, while not always the favorite of driving enthusiasts, does a good job of providing smooth acceleration and helping with fuel efficiency. The overall driving experience is very user-friendly, and it's something that both drivers and passengers will appreciate, whether you're taking a family trip or just running errands around town.

Technology and Infotainment

In terms of tech, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is pretty well equipped. It features a range of technology and infotainment systems that enhance convenience, connectivity, and the overall driving experience. Let's dig into what it offers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment system in the Ascent Touring is easy to use and provides a host of features:

  • Touchscreen Display: An 8.0-inch touchscreen display serves as the central hub for infotainment controls.
  • Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility allows for seamless integration with smartphones.
  • Audio System: A premium Harman Kardon audio system delivers high-quality sound throughout the cabin.
  • Connectivity: Multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity for devices.
  • Navigation: Built-in navigation system is available to help you find your way. This is very useful for long trips or unfamiliar areas.

Safety Technologies

Subaru is well-known for its focus on safety, and the Ascent Touring is packed with advanced safety features:

  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision braking.
  • Blind-Spot Detection: Provides alerts for vehicles in blind spots.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns of vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
  • Reverse Automatic Braking: Helps prevent collisions while reversing.

The tech in the Ascent Touring is well-integrated and user-friendly. The touchscreen display is responsive, and the smartphone integration makes it easy to stay connected. The Harman Kardon audio system offers impressive sound quality. The suite of safety features is particularly noteworthy, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind. Overall, the technology and infotainment systems enhance both convenience and safety.

Safety Features and Ratings

Let’s chat about safety—one of the most important aspects of any car, especially a family SUV. The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring shines in this area, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants. Subaru has a reputation for prioritizing safety, and the Ascent reflects this commitment.

Safety Technologies in Detail

The Ascent Touring includes many of Subaru's top safety technologies:

  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: This includes adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, and pre-collision braking, which can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision. Also, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist help keep the vehicle within its lane.
  • Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: These systems monitor the vehicle's blind spots and alert the driver to the presence of other vehicles. Rear cross-traffic alert warns the driver of vehicles approaching from the side when reversing.
  • Reverse Automatic Braking: This feature can automatically apply the brakes if the vehicle detects an obstacle while reversing.
  • Advanced Airbag System: Multiple airbags throughout the cabin, including front, side, and curtain airbags.
  • Structure: Subaru's Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame provides excellent protection in the event of a collision.

Safety Ratings

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring received excellent safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

  • IIHS: The Ascent earned the Top Safety Pick+ award, the highest rating given by IIHS.
  • NHTSA: The Ascent received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, the highest possible score.

The Ascent's excellent safety ratings and comprehensive safety features make it a top choice for families. The combination of advanced technology and robust construction ensures that occupants are well-protected in various driving scenarios. The emphasis on safety is clear, making it a reliable and trustworthy vehicle.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Now, let's break down the different trim levels and pricing for the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Understanding the trims and their associated prices will help you make an informed decision on which model best suits your needs and budget. Let's focus on the Touring trim, as that's our main focus here.

Trim Options

The 2019 Subaru Ascent was available in several trim levels:

  • Base: The entry-level model, providing essential features and a solid foundation.
  • Premium: Adds additional features like heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and a larger touchscreen.
  • Limited: Further upgrades with features such as leather-trimmed upholstery, a power liftgate, and additional safety features.
  • Touring: The top-of-the-line trim, loaded with premium features, including leather seating with captain’s chairs in the second row, a panoramic moonroof, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technologies.

Pricing

The pricing for the Ascent varied depending on the trim level:

  • Base: Starting around the mid-$30,000 range.
  • Premium: Typically priced in the mid-$30,000s.
  • Limited: Price generally in the high-$30,000s.
  • Touring: Starting at around the low-$40,000 range.

The Touring trim commands a higher price because of the added features and premium materials. However, the value proposition is strong, considering the level of equipment and comfort provided. The Ascent provides a great range of options, allowing buyers to choose a model that meets their requirements and budget. The Touring trim's pricing reflects its position as the top-tier model, offering a luxury experience for those who prioritize premium features.

Pros and Cons of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring

Okay, guys, to give you a clear view, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring. This will help you weigh the good and the bad so you can see if it’s the right pick for you.

Pros

  • Spacious Interior: Offers ample space for passengers and cargo, making it great for families.
  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's renowned AWD system provides excellent handling and stability in various conditions.
  • Advanced Safety Features: Packed with safety tech, earning top safety ratings.
  • Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for a smooth and comfortable ride.
  • Premium Features: The Touring trim comes with a lot of luxury features.

Cons

  • Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is good, but it could be better compared to some competitors.
  • CVT Transmission: Some drivers might not prefer the feel of a CVT transmission, even though it works well.
  • Price: The Touring trim's price is higher than the base models.

Knowing the pros and cons is a must when making a big purchase like a car. The Ascent Touring has a lot to offer, especially in terms of space, safety, and comfort. The cons are relatively minor and shouldn’t overshadow the many positives. Think about how you'll use the car, and see if the pros outweigh the cons for your needs.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring Right for You?

So, after looking at all the details, is the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring the right SUV for you? Overall, it's an excellent choice for families seeking a spacious, safe, and well-equipped vehicle. It offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and advanced technology that is hard to beat in its segment. Let’s break it down to see if it’s a good fit.

Who Should Buy It?

The Ascent Touring is ideal for:

  • Families: Those needing a three-row SUV with ample space for passengers and cargo.
  • Safety-Conscious Buyers: Buyers who prioritize safety features and high safety ratings.
  • Comfort Seekers: People who want a comfortable and luxurious driving experience.
  • Outdoor Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate Subaru's all-wheel-drive capability for various road conditions.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Ascent Touring isn’t the perfect fit, you might want to look at:

  • Honda Pilot: Known for its reliability and spacious interior.
  • Toyota Highlander: Offers a strong reputation for dependability and excellent resale value.
  • Mazda CX-9: A stylish SUV with a more sporty driving experience.

Final Recommendation

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market. Its combination of space, safety, and premium features makes it a solid choice. If you’re looking for a comfortable, reliable, and capable SUV for your family, the Ascent Touring should definitely be on your list. Make sure to test drive it and see how it feels. Happy car hunting, guys!