Hey guys, let's dive into the original pricing for the 2019 Subaru Ascent! If you're considering buying one of these used or just curious about what they cost when they first hit the dealerships, you've come to the right place. The Ascent, Subaru's largest SUV, was designed to compete in a crowded segment, offering three rows of seating and Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive system. Understanding the original MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) is super helpful for a few reasons. It gives you a baseline for depreciation, helps you negotiate a used car price, and lets you see how the trim levels stacked up against each other when they were brand new. Subaru typically offers a range of trims, and the price difference between the base model and the top-tier version can be quite significant. We'll break down what you could expect to pay for each of these trims back in 2019, so you can get a clear picture of the value.

Subaru Ascent Trim Levels and Their Original MSRPs

So, what were the sticker prices for the 2019 Subaru Ascent when it was fresh off the truck? Subaru offered the Ascent in four main trim levels: the Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring. Each of these came with a different set of features and, naturally, a different price tag. For starters, the Ascent Base model was the entry point into Subaru's three-row SUV experience. It came with essential features like Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and seating for up to eight passengers. The original MSRP for the 2019 Ascent Base typically started around $31,995. This was a pretty competitive price for a new, three-row SUV with standard AWD, especially considering Subaru's reputation for safety and reliability. It was designed to appeal to families looking for a practical and capable vehicle without breaking the bank. Even at the base level, you were getting a solid amount of tech and safety features that weren't always standard on competitors.

Moving up, we have the Ascent Premium. This trim added some nice creature comforts and convenience features over the Base model. You'd typically find upgrades like a larger 8-inch touchscreen, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The original MSRP for the 2019 Ascent Premium usually began in the $34,495 range. This was a popular choice for many buyers as it offered a good balance of features and price. It felt more upscale than the Base without venturing into luxury territory, making it a sweet spot for many families. The added safety features like blind-spot monitoring were a huge plus for parents navigating busy roads or parking lots.

Next on the list is the Ascent Limited. This trim really started to feel more premium, bringing in luxury touches and advanced tech. For the 2019 model year, the Limited trim often included features like leather-trimmed upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, and power-folding side mirrors. The original price for the 2019 Ascent Limited typically started around $39,495. This trim was for those who wanted a more refined experience and were willing to pay a bit more for the enhanced comfort and convenience. The leather seats and heated steering wheel made a noticeable difference, especially during colder months, and the power liftgate is a lifesaver when your hands are full of groceries or kids.

Finally, we have the Ascent Touring. This was the top-of-the-line model, packed with all the bells and whistles Subaru had to offer. The 2019 Ascent Touring trim typically came with features such as a panoramic power sunroof, built-in navigation, ventilated front seats, a second-row captain's chair configuration (reducing seating capacity to seven but increasing comfort for those passengers), and premium audio. The original MSRP for the 2019 Ascent Touring was usually around $45,595. This was the ultimate Ascent experience, designed for those who wanted the most luxurious and feature-rich version of Subaru's largest SUV. It was competing directly with more premium brands in terms of amenities, offering a comfortable and technologically advanced ride for the whole family.

Understanding the Value Proposition

When we talk about the 2019 Subaru Ascent original price, it's crucial to understand what that price actually got you. Subaru has always been known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and the Ascent was no exception. This was a major selling point, especially for those living in areas with inclement weather or who enjoyed outdoor adventures. Unlike many competitors who made AWD an optional upgrade, Subaru included it on every single Ascent trim level from the base model upwards. This immediately added significant value to the original purchase price. You weren't paying extra for a feature that many families consider essential for safety and capability. Furthermore, the standard suite of advanced safety features, Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, was also a huge draw. This package typically included features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, and lane departure and sway warning. Having these advanced safety systems as standard across the board, even on the cheapest 2019 Ascent, was a major differentiator and contributed to the vehicle's perceived value. This focus on safety wasn't just a marketing gimmick; Subaru consistently earns high safety ratings, and the Ascent was built with that legacy in mind. So, while the sticker prices might seem comparable to some rivals, the included standard features like AWD and comprehensive safety tech meant that buyers were getting more bang for their buck from the get-go. This made the Ascent a very compelling option for budget-conscious yet safety-aware consumers looking for a spacious family hauler.

Factors Influencing Original Price

Several factors influenced the 2019 Subaru Ascent original price beyond just the trim level. One of the biggest influences was the powertrain. All 2019 Ascents came standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine, producing a healthy 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired exclusively with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and, as mentioned, Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. While there weren't different engine options to choose from that would drastically alter the base price, the tuning and performance of this standard engine were designed to offer a good balance of power for a vehicle of its size and efficiency. Another factor affecting the final MSRP was the addition of optional packages and accessories. While Subaru is known for including a lot as standard, there were still available options that could push the price up. For instance, on lower trims like the Premium, you could opt for packages that might include things like a power moonroof, a navigation system, or specific driver assist upgrades that weren't standard on that trim. Similarly, accessories like roof rails, all-weather floor mats, rear-seat entertainment systems, or upgraded cargo management solutions could add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the final bill. The destination freight charge is also a standard component of the original MSRP. For the 2019 Subaru Ascent, this charge was typically around $1,000-$1,100, depending on the model and any minor regional variations, and it covered the cost of transporting the vehicle from the factory to the dealership. It's an important, albeit often overlooked, part of the original price that all buyers had to account for. Lastly, dealer markups or incentives could play a role, although this is more about the transaction price than the MSRP. Manufacturers often offer incentives like cash back or special financing deals, especially as a model year ages or to boost sales during certain periods. Conversely, high demand or limited supply could lead dealers to add markups over the MSRP. So, when looking at the original price, remember it was a starting point, and the final out-the-door price could vary based on these added options and market conditions.

Comparing Ascent Pricing to Competitors

Let's put the 2019 Subaru Ascent original price into perspective by comparing it to its key competitors in the three-row SUV segment from that year. The Ascent was going up against some pretty established players like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and the Mazda CX-9. Generally, Subaru positioned the Ascent very competitively. For example, the 2019 Toyota Highlander started around a similar price point, with its base LE trim often starting just under $32,000, also featuring standard V6 power and optional AWD. However, the Highlander's AWD was typically an option, not standard on all trims, meaning the Ascent offered that inherent advantage from the outset. The 2019 Honda Pilot also started in a comparable range, often around $31,500 for its LX trim, with a standard V6 and available AWD. Like the Highlander, AWD was usually an extra cost on lower trims. The 2019 Ford Explorer had a slightly higher starting MSRP, often around $33,000 for its base model, and again, AWD was an optional feature. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 was often positioned slightly more premium, with its base Sport trim starting around $32,000, but it also came standard with front-wheel drive, with AWD being an additional cost. What made the Ascent stand out, price-wise, was its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the comprehensive EyeSight safety suite on all trims. When you factored in the cost of adding similar AWD and advanced safety features to competitors, the Ascent's original price became even more attractive. For instance, adding AWD to a base Highlander or Pilot could easily add $1,500-$2,000 to the sticker price, and advanced safety suites were often bundled into higher, more expensive trims. Therefore, the 2019 Subaru Ascent original price, especially on its lower and mid-tier trims, represented a strong value proposition for buyers who prioritized safety and all-weather capability without needing to climb to the most expensive configurations. It offered a compelling blend of practicality, capability, and standard features that often surpassed what competitors offered at similar price points, making it a smart choice for families needing a dependable and versatile vehicle.