Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring, a family-friendly SUV that promises comfort, safety, and reliability. If you're in the market for a three-row SUV, the Ascent Touring might just be the perfect fit for your needs. Let's break down everything you need to know, from its performance and features to its pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision.

Overview of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is the top-of-the-line trim of Subaru's largest SUV, designed to cater to families needing extra space and versatility. It comes packed with premium features and advanced technology, setting it apart from the lower trims. The Ascent marked Subaru's return to the three-row SUV segment after the Tribeca, and it aimed to offer a more competitive and appealing option for families. Key highlights include its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and a suite of safety features that make it a standout choice in its class. The Ascent Touring also boasts a powerful engine and standard all-wheel drive, ensuring it can handle various driving conditions with ease. Its design focuses on practicality and comfort, making it an ideal vehicle for long road trips and daily commutes alike.

Exterior Design

The exterior of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring exudes a blend of ruggedness and sophistication. The front fascia features a bold grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights that provide excellent visibility. Chrome accents around the grille and fog lights add a touch of elegance, while the sculpted hood gives the vehicle a muscular stance. The side profile showcases clean lines and a slightly sloping roofline, contributing to its aerodynamic efficiency. Large windows surround the cabin, offering excellent outward visibility for both the driver and passengers. The rear of the Ascent is characterized by its distinctive LED taillights and a prominent Subaru badge. A power liftgate comes standard on the Touring trim, making it easy to access the cargo area, even with your hands full. The 20-inch alloy wheels not only enhance the vehicle's appearance but also contribute to its smooth ride. Overall, the exterior design of the Ascent Touring is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making it a standout in the crowded SUV market. The vehicle's robust build and attention to detail reflect Subaru's commitment to quality and durability.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring, you're greeted with a premium interior designed for maximum comfort and convenience. The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather, providing excellent support for long journeys. Both the front and second-row seats are heated, ensuring passengers stay cozy in colder weather, and the front seats also offer ventilation for added comfort in warmer climates. The driver's seat features 10-way power adjustability with memory settings, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The second-row captain's chairs provide ample space for passengers, and the third-row seating is surprisingly spacious for adults. Tri-zone automatic climate control ensures everyone stays comfortable, regardless of where they're seated. In terms of technology, the Ascent Touring is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, making it easy to connect your smartphone. A premium Harman Kardon sound system delivers crisp, clear audio throughout the cabin. Other notable features include a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera, and a suite of advanced safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The interior of the Ascent Touring is thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and connected experience for all occupants, making it an ideal choice for families on the go. High-quality materials and attention to detail enhance the overall ambiance, creating a pleasant and relaxing environment.

Performance and Handling

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The Ascent's continuously variable transmission (CVT) is smooth and responsive, contributing to a comfortable and efficient driving experience. Standard all-wheel drive ensures excellent traction in various weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for those living in areas with snow or rain. The Ascent Touring offers a composed and stable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. It handles corners with confidence and absorbs bumps and road imperfections effectively. While it's not a sporty SUV, the Ascent Touring provides a balanced and predictable driving experience that is well-suited for daily driving and family trips. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Fuel economy is decent for a three-row SUV, with EPA estimates of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring are well-rounded, offering a blend of power, comfort, and capability that is sure to impress. The turbocharged engine provides plenty of punch, while the all-wheel-drive system ensures confidence in all types of weather.

Key Features of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring comes loaded with features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety. Here are some of the key highlights:

• Leather Upholstery: Provides a premium feel and added comfort.
• Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: Ensures optimal comfort in all weather conditions.
• Second-Row Captain's Chairs: Offers more space and comfort for rear passengers.
• Panoramic Sunroof: Adds a touch of luxury and opens up the cabin.
• 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: Includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
• Harman Kardon Sound System: Delivers high-quality audio throughout the cabin.
• Power Liftgate: Makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze.
• Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Keeps all passengers comfortable.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides excellent traction and stability.
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
• Blind-Spot Monitoring: Helps you stay aware of your surroundings.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts you to approaching vehicles when backing up.
• Reverse Automatic Braking: Can automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision when reversing.
• 20-inch Alloy Wheels: Enhance the vehicle's appearance and ride quality.

These features combine to create a well-equipped and family-friendly SUV that offers a comfortable and safe driving experience. The Ascent Touring is designed to meet the needs of modern families, with a focus on practicality, technology, and safety.

Safety and Reliability

Safety is a top priority for the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring, and it comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on all Ascent models, including the Touring trim. This system includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, while automatic emergency braking can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate a collision. The Ascent Touring also features blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, and rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you of approaching vehicles when backing up. Reverse automatic braking is another valuable safety feature that can automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision when reversing. In terms of reliability, the 2019 Subaru Ascent has received positive reviews from owners and critics alike. Subaru has a reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles, and the Ascent is no exception. However, some early models experienced issues with the CVT transmission, so it's essential to check the vehicle's history and ensure that any necessary repairs have been made. Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring offers excellent safety and reliability, making it a smart choice for families looking for a safe and dependable SUV. The combination of advanced safety features and Subaru's reputation for durability provides peace of mind on the road.

Pros and Cons of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring

To give you a balanced perspective, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring:

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: Offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
• Comfortable Ride: Provides a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Ensures excellent traction in all weather conditions.
• Advanced Safety Features: Includes a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.
• Premium Features: Comes loaded with luxury features, such as leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.

Cons:

• CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not prefer the feel of a CVT compared to a traditional automatic transmission.
• Fuel Economy: While decent, it's not the best in its class.
• Infotainment System: The touchscreen can sometimes be slow to respond.

Final Verdict

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is a well-rounded and family-friendly SUV that offers a winning combination of comfort, safety, and reliability. It's an excellent choice for families needing extra space and versatility. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you're in the market for a three-row SUV, the Ascent Touring is definitely worth considering. Its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced safety features make it a standout in its class. Whether you're planning a long road trip or simply need a reliable vehicle for daily commutes, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is up to the task. So, go ahead and take it for a test drive – you might just fall in love with it!