2019 Subaru Ascent Limited
Everyone loves crossovers, or so we're told. When Subaru announced the all-new Ascent though, it's like everyone forgot about the B9 Tribeca.
Our episode of TestDrive Spotlight is on the 2019 Subaru Ascent Limited. This near-top trim mid-size 8 passenger crossover is built in the United States and uses Subaru's Global Architecture much like the 2019 Forester and 2018 Impreza we featured. Our full tour and in-depth review of this vehicle goes over everything a potential buyer should know if they're in the market for a sub-$50,000 crossover.
On the exterior of the Ascent we talk about the LED adaptive headlights with LED high beam assist and LED fog lights, along with the standard EyeSight package which adds adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance. This Limited trim also has blind spot monitoring, a high-definition backup camera with automatic rear braking, and rear parking sensors.
We jump inside the 2019 Ascent to find the black leather seats with space for 8 passengers across it's 3 rows. The Ascent comes with an 8" infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM Radio, and Subaru's navigation. Heated driver's steering wheel, heated front seats, and heated outboard second row seats are also found, along with 6 USB 2.1A charging ports, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a generous panoramic sunroof. Additional features include rear window sun shades, plenty of cup holders throughout, leather-trimmed materials, and a power adjustable rear lift-gate.
We then take the 2019 Subaru Ascent Limited on a winter road test with it's 20" Toyo Observe GSi5 245/50R20 winter tires. We discuss some of the similarities and differences between this and the 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature, along with our experience with how the Ascent performs and handles on the road with it's turbocharged 2.4L horizontally opposed engine and Linerartronic® CVT.
We also do a quick test on a relatively icy surface to see what X-Mode can do with the Ascent, and see if it can help on low-traction situations. We wrap up our episode of TestDrive Spotlight on the 2019 Subaru Ascent Limited with our likes and dislikes about this new entrant in the mid-size crossover segment, and what we hope to see for the future with this vehicle.