Used 2019 Subaru Ascent for sale 

The 2019 Subaru Ascent is available in four trim levels - Ascent base, Premium, Limited and Touring. Prices start at $31,995 for the base model soaring up till $44,695 for the top-end "Touring". While the higher Ascent models open up several premium niceties, even the base 2019 Subaru Ascent checks the elementary boxes pretty well. 

As standard, the base trim comes with Subaru's Symmetrical AWD, tri-zone climate control, touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get Subaru's "EyeSight Driver Assist Technology" as standard which brings in a bunch of advanced features. Apart from the respective standard fitment, Subaru also offers some notable options on the Premium and Limited models. 

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

Which trim should you buy?

For its massive value for money appeal, we would recommend the Premium trim of the 2019 Subaru Ascent. It offers a punchy motor that has a good low-end grunt. The standard AWD and notable safety features make the Ascent capable of battling out tough weather conditions. The Premium trim brings in just the adequate fitment that buyers would need on an everyday basis. Furthermore, you can also club the Premium model from a bunch of available options, as per your taste and needs.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent comes with a sole engine choice. We are talking about 2.4-liter turbo Boxer-4 engine that belts out 260 hp and 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 which helps it with an added advantage. The engine feels to gave the right amount of power and it also pushes a healthy torque wave, down the initial revv-range. 

Getting off the line with the Ascent is a no-drama affair at all. Courtesy of the refined and smooth transmission which being a CVT is very quick in its power-delivery. 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. However, it is not meant to push you into your seats. What it is meant for is to act like a workhorse for all your family needs.

Among the competition here, the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer beat the Subaru Ascent at the horsepower game. Ford's Ti-VCT engine in the Explorer 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. In terms of torque though, the Subaru takes an obvious lead with its turbocharged boxer engine's 277 lb.-ft. torque output.

How fast is the 2019 Subaru Ascent?

Don't expect any big surprise here, the 2019 Subaru Ascent with its turbo spooled up does considerably well for a three-row vehicle.  When floored harder, the 2019 Subaru Ascent races from 0-60 MPH in 6.9 seconds and runs through the quarter mile in 15.5 seconds. Despite the initial turbo-lag, the Ascent does show up decent acceleration for its class. 

Subaru uses a CVT in the Ascent as well in favor of increasing fuel efficiency but is unlike other CVT's in this segment. This CVT works well and comes with 8 electronically programmed 'shift' points to enhance power-delivery and reduce and possible lag. Subaru's standard Symmetrical AWD also helps the Ascent with better grip and traction during launches. 

The Ascent is definitely on the heavier side of the scales at 4430 lbs, yet it fares well when compared to the competition. Among the pack though, the Honda Pilot takes the lead with its 6.2-second run from 0-60 MPH. Honda's lead is closely followed by the Subaru while the Toyota with its least powerful engine stands last with 8.2 seconds on the board. However, like the Ford Explorer, the Toyota here is also available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine which adds a lot more vigour and enthusiasm into this family-friendly nature. 

Ride and Handling

The 2019 Subaru Ascent offers a compliant ride quality which is one of its biggest USPs when you compare it to other family oriented crossovers. The Ascent's suspension can easily level out the impact from road undulations with comfort being Subaru's priority here. This large Subaru is a little shy of the corners though. 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 doesn't feel like a large 3-row SUV. Like its smaller cousin, the Subaru Outback, the 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 as it keeps the passengers comfortable and makes sure that the driver also feels relaxed over any long-distance journey. Also, with a high ground-clearance of 8.7-inches and standard AWD, the Ascent is also more capable off-roader than its rivals here. 

Braking performance

The 2019 Subaru Ascent is equipped with the largest front and rear disc brakes in its class. The flagship Subaru SUV also comes with four-wheel anti-lock brakes as standard. Under emergency braking, a 2019 Subaru Ascent stops from 60-0 MPH in 119 feet. The brake pedal feels firm with easy modulation and very inspiring. Harder applications though, do invite some nose-dive owing to its sheer proportions.

Among the rivals here, the Ford Explorer manages to score an impressive stopping distance of 108 ft. which is the class best here. Although it does achieve the same with optional stickier tires. With standard wheels, the Honda Pilot's estimated braking distance of 117 ft turns out to be the shortest among the lot. The Toyota Highlander with its 126 feet stopping distance is not too far behind either. 

The Subaru Ascent uses a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission which helps it in offering a slightly better fuel economy than the competition. Even its 2.4-liter turbo Boxer-4 engine is more optimized towards a balanced output of power and efficiency. A 2019 Subaru Ascent delivers 21 and 27 MPG in the city and highway respectively alongside 23 MPG combined fuel economy. 

Apart from a humble economy, the Ascent's 19.3 gallons of fuel tank also promises 443 miles of combined driving range. In terms of economy, the 2019 Subaru Ascent surely has you covered nicely. Even among its rivals here, the Ascent offers class-leading combined economy. The Honda Pilot though, stands in-line with the Subaru here with its 27 MPG highway economy. 

Although the cabin layout of the Subaru Ascent is similar to its other siblings like the Subaru Forester, it holds its distinct charm. The cabin feels spacious and the overall fit and finish seems much better than any other Subaru. The dashboard is wide and clean amplifying its utilitarian SUV vibe and the build-quality feels robust as well. Leather upholstery hops in as low as the Premium model but the higher trims do get interior leather accents on the dashboard, center-console and door-panels. However, the plasticky surfacing in the lower models lacks that pristine ambience but it doesn't feel cheap either.

As standard, the 2019 Subaru Ascent gets you manual front seats with cloth upholstery and tri zone automatic climate control. Based on your trim choice, you can also have powered front seats with heating and ventilation, leather steering as well as heated outboard rear seats. The front seats are wide and nicely bolstered for optimal support on longer journeys. At the second row, you can also get captain chairs which are as comfy as the front chairs. In the base model, you get seating for 8 people but the third-row bench is a bit cramped and more suitable for adults. 

On paper, the Subaru Ascent may not be the most spacious in its class, it offers ample room for adults to ease themselves. Speaking of generosity, the 2019 Subaru Ascent also offers a 17.8 cu-fts of cargo space with all the seats up. The standard cargo could well serve your family trip packages, you can fold the third and second row for extra space, if needed. There's no dearth of in-cabin storage spaces either, starting with a total number of 19 cup holders distributed throughout the cabin. You get 14 cubbies in the first two rows and 5 in the third row. Probably that's how you make good use of your tailor-crafted long blazer.

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The base 2019 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. As standard, you also get a 6-speaker audio system with satellite radio. 

There are physical buttons for radio and climate controls placed below the display screen neatly stacked on the center stack. The infotainment screen also has a good height making it easily visible to the driver. The Ascent doesn't offer any rear seat entertainment to keep your children busy. In the higher models though, you can club an optional navigation system, WiFi hotspot and a 14-speaker Harman-Kardon audio.

Interior Features

• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Andorid Auto
• WiFi hotspot and Navigation
• 14-speaker Harman-Kardon audio
• Four USB ports
• Three-zone climate control
• Power front seats with heating and ventilation
• Leather upholstery
• Heated rear seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Second-row captain chairs

The Subaru Ascent plays it safe with an exterior design that isn't spectacular but is not overdone either. 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. It feels like an amalgamation of the Firester as well as the Outback’s design. This helps the crossover offer a balanced proportion but it certainly fails to stand out in terms of design. 

Even in the overall bits and pieces, you still see a good dose of Subaru's core attributes, a bit more pronounced though. The front grille is larger among all Subaru's which couples well with the blacked front bumper, tall hood and subtle hood-lines for a rugged and muscular stance. Even at the side, you get black roof rails and lower-body cladding alongside black wheel arches for an enhanced ruggedness. At the rear, a chrome bar connects the tail lamps highlighting the width of the car alongside a black bumper.

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. Overall, unlike the more elegant appeal of its rivals here, the Subaru Ascent does look raw and very capable when the going gets tough. 

The 2019 Subaru Ascent focuses a lot on safety, it comes equipped with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist technology 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.

Even in several crash-tests, the Ascent turned out to be on the safest side of things. The IIHS recognized the 2019 Subaru Ascent as a "Top Safety Pick+'' while the NHTSA awarded it a "5-star" overall safety rating. Some of its highlighted safety features are listed below:

Safety Features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Pre-collision braking
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• LED headlights that change angle as you drive around a curve
• Lane departure warning and lane-keep assist
• Reverse automatic braking
• Rearview mirror with rearview camera image

Subaru Ascent vs Honda Pilot

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. Also, the Ascent's turbo-four engine 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

Unlike the Subaru Ascent, the Ford Explorer isn't offered with standard AWD. Still, it manages a similar towing capacity. The Explorer only offers seating for 7 people and 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 as well.

Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander

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. However, the Toyota Highlander is more comfortable than the Ascent and also offers one of the most upscale interiors in its segment.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent is one of the better performing three-row SUVs available in the market. Being the costliest Subaru, the Ascent brings a plethora of standard features. Unlike its competitors, it comes equipped with standard AWD and Subaru's eyesight safety system and gets an energetic engine and is also more capable and rugged than its rivals. It also offers a decent passenger accommodation in the second and third-row seats. If you are in the market for a three-row SUV, then Subaru Ascent should be high on your list. It is surely one of the better-driving three-row family haulers and it easily checks all the right boxes.