New Ascent provides one of the roomiest cabins in the mid-size segment
July 05 2019, Docksteader Subaru
Ascent is an ideal fit for today's growing families
The Ascent measures 4,998millimetres front to back with a 2,890-mm wheelbase, while it stands 1,819 mm tall including its standard roof rails. Additionally, the big Subaru's width spans 2,176 mm with its side mirrors extracted, and its track measures 1,635 mm up front and 1,630 mm at the rear.
To put this into perspective, the new Ascent is 48 mm shorter than the Ford Explorer, albeit with a 24-mm longer wheelbase, while some might also be surprised to find out that the new Subaru is 42 mm taller than the sizeable blue-oval model. The Exploreronly exceeds the Ascent in width.
Comparing the new Ascent to other top-sellers shows that it's longer, wider and taller than the Toyota Highlander and Kia Sorento, longer and taller than the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Santa Fe XL, plus wider and taller than the Nissan Pathfinder.
Of more importance to most mid-size SUV shoppers will be passenger volume and cargo space, which measure4,347 litres for the former and 2,449 litres for the latter in the Ascent, when both rear rows are laid flat. These figures compare well against key rivals, with Ascent passenger volume even exceeding the Explorer's and its standard eight-occupant seating configuration a rarity in the class, while the big Subaru's maximum cargo capacity is amongst the segment's most accommodating too. Rear passenger access should be easy as well, thanks to rear doors that open to 75 degrees.
Ultimate traction combines with strong performance and great efficiency
Being a Subaru SUV the Ascent includes standard all-wheel drive,which is arguably one of the most capable systems available. The engineering behind Subaru's full-time Symmetrical AWD starts with its overall chassis layout, which ideally distributes weight thanks in part to the even balance and low profile of thelongitudinally mounted, horizontally opposed flat "boxer" engine.When combined with the full-time nature of Subaru's AWD system,plus more torque being applied to the wheels with the most grip,which not only enhances traction but improves control, the Ascent should be plenty capable no matter the road or trail surface, while its standard X-mode off-road system, complete with hill descent control, joins a generous 220 millimetres of ground clearance for a confidence-inspiring lift over obstacles, snow banks and more.
Power comes from a new turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, which is once again a horizontally opposed design. The powerplant makes a robust 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, the latter maximized between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm, all of which should answer why Subaru chose not to utilize the 3.6-litre H-6 used in top-line Outback trims. In fact, the new four-cylinder produces 4 more horsepower and 30 additional lb-ft of torque than the six.
Of course, the new 2.4-litre four should be more efficient than the larger displacement H-6 too,but not because of its transmission.Both make use of Subaru's High-torque Lineartronic CVT(Continuously Variable Transmission), considered to be one of the more efficient types of transmissions available and ideal for mid-size crossover SUV applications thanks to smooth, linear power delivery.
Great handling SUVprovides loads of standard comfort and safety
Subaru will also add a standard set of steering wheel paddle shifters to improve driver engagement, along with an eight-speedManual Modefeaturing sportier driving characteristics and standard Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI performance models, so expect the Ascent to be enjoyable to drive despite its large mid-size dimensions.
Additionally, the Ascent promises car-like ride and handlingdue to the use of the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP), which combines rigid yet lightweight unibody construction with a fully independentMacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspension system, enhanced further by a stabilizer bar mounted directly to the body at the rear and electric rack and pinion steering up front.Lastly, 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels get added depending on trim.
On that note,the 2019 Ascent can be had in Convenience, Touring, Limited and Premier trims, with standard Convenience features not already mentioned includingauto on/off headlights, three-zone automatic climate control, 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, a rearview camera, satellite radio, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, second-row USB ports, a total of 19 cup and bottle holders, and more.
Also impressive, every 2019 Ascent trim includesa standard suite ofSubaru EyeSight driver assist technologies, which include adaptive cruise control with lead vehicle start assist, pre-collision braking, pre-collision brake assist, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure warning, lane sway warning, andlanekeeping assist,while all the expected active and passive safety features come standard as well.
Three optional trims enhance convenience and luxury
Limited trim, available for $46,495 in the eight-passenger configurationand $46,995 in the seven-occupantsetup,adds the larger 20-inch alloys, steering-responsive LED headlights with high beam assist, a heatable steering wheel, and a 6.3-inch colour multifunction display that shows the time, temperature and dynamic features such as an inclinometer, while a navigation system with detailed mappingis included within the infotainment display, and additional Limited features include a14-speaker Harmon/Kardon audio system, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, leather upholstery, heated second-row outboard seats, integrated rear door sunshades,third-row USB ports, and more.
Top-line Premier trim, which comes fully equipped at$49,995,even includingstandard captain's chairs, adds an upgraded front grille, rain-sensing wipers, a front-view camera, a Smart Rearview Mirror with an integrated rear-view camera, brown perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, ambient interior lighting,a 120-volt power outlet on the rear centre console, and more.
