Hey guys! Ever wondered if the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is the right SUV for you? Well, buckle up because we're diving deep into a comprehensive review. We'll explore everything from its performance and features to its pros and cons, helping you decide if this three-row SUV deserves a spot in your driveway. The Subaru Ascent, introduced in 2019, quickly became a favorite for families needing space, safety, and a touch of adventure. The Touring trim sits near the top of the Ascent lineup, offering a blend of luxury and practicality. Let's get started, shall we?

Unveiling the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring: What's the Buzz?

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring immediately grabs your attention with its spacious interior and family-friendly features. This SUV isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about doing it comfortably and safely, all while enjoying the journey. Subaru packed the Ascent with their signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, making it a reliable companion in various weather conditions. That means you're covered whether you're cruising on a sunny highway or navigating a snowy mountain pass. The Touring trim takes it a step further, offering premium features that enhance the overall driving experience. Inside, you'll find leather-trimmed seats, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and a suite of advanced safety technologies.

One of the biggest selling points of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is its interior space. It offers plenty of room for passengers in all three rows, making it ideal for families with multiple kids or those who frequently transport friends and relatives. Plus, with the rear seats folded down, you get a massive cargo area for hauling luggage, groceries, or whatever else you need to bring along. The Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, delivering a solid performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency. It's a well-rounded package that aims to please a wide range of drivers. The Ascent Touring boasts a premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and other luxury touches that elevate the driving experience. We're not just talking about a practical SUV here; it's a vehicle designed to make every ride enjoyable. The Ascent’s design incorporates bold lines and a prominent grille. The vehicle projects an image of strength and capability. This is the perfect SUV to haul the kids and their friends.

Key Features and Specifications

• Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine
• Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers (7 with captain's chairs in the second row)
• Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen display
• Safety: Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and more)
• Fuel Economy: Around 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway

Driving the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring: Performance and Handling

Alright, let's get into the heart of the matter: how does the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring perform on the road? The 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency. It delivers enough punch for daily driving, merging onto highways, and even tackling some light off-road trails. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a star, offering excellent grip and stability in various conditions. You'll feel confident driving in rain, snow, or even on gravel roads. The steering is responsive, and the suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, even on rough surfaces. However, some reviewers note that the engine can feel a bit sluggish when fully loaded with passengers and cargo, especially when going uphill. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is generally smooth and efficient, but it might not offer the same driving feel as a traditional automatic transmission. Overall, the Ascent Touring offers a composed and predictable driving experience, making it a great choice for families who prioritize safety and comfort.

When you hit the road with the Ascent, you'll immediately notice the comfortable ride. The suspension does a great job of absorbing bumps and imperfections, ensuring a smooth experience for passengers in all three rows. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in both city and highway driving. While it's not a sports car, the Ascent handles well for its size, offering good body control and stability. The all-wheel-drive system provides a sense of confidence, especially in challenging weather conditions. The acceleration is adequate for most driving situations, but as mentioned, it might feel a little strained when fully loaded. The CVT does its job of maximizing fuel efficiency, but some drivers might miss the responsiveness of a traditional transmission. The Ascent Touring’s performance shines as a family-friendly SUV with a focus on practicality and safety. This is a solid pick for those who want a reliable and comfortable vehicle.

Pros and Cons of Driving Experience

Pros:

• Comfortable ride: The suspension absorbs bumps, making for a smooth experience.
• Responsive steering: Easy to maneuver in various driving conditions.
• All-wheel-drive: Provides excellent grip and stability.
• Good fuel economy: Relatively efficient for its size.

Cons:

• Engine can feel sluggish: Especially when fully loaded.
• CVT: Some drivers might prefer a traditional transmission.

Interior and Technology: What's Inside the 2019 Ascent Touring?

Let's step inside the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring and see what it has to offer. The interior is spacious, well-designed, and filled with features that enhance the driving experience. The Touring trim boasts high-quality materials, including leather-trimmed seats, which add a touch of luxury. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the second-row seats offer plenty of legroom, even for adults. Passengers in the third row also have decent space, making it a true three-row SUV. The Ascent also offers a lot of advanced technology. You'll find an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's easy to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system also features navigation, a premium audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, keeping everyone connected on the go. The Ascent Touring also comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, including Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pre-collision braking, and more. These features provide an extra layer of protection, making the Ascent a safe choice for families. The interior is a place where functionality meets luxury.

The layout of the controls is intuitive, and everything is within easy reach. The Ascent's design prioritizes both form and function. The panoramic sunroof creates a bright and airy cabin, making the interior feel even more spacious. The Ascent Touring’s interior is designed to make every journey as comfortable as possible. The cargo area is generous, providing plenty of space for luggage, groceries, or gear. The seats fold down easily, allowing you to create a flat loading floor for larger items. The infotainment system is easy to use, with a clear display and intuitive controls. The audio system provides excellent sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience. In addition to the standard features, the Touring trim also includes a number of luxury touches, such as a premium sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. These features add to the overall premium feel of the vehicle. For families that value comfort and convenience, the 2019 Ascent Touring’s interior is sure to impress.

Key Interior Features

• Seating: Leather-trimmed seats, available captain's chairs in the second row
• Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation
• Technology: Wi-Fi hotspot, premium audio system
• Safety: Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
• Comfort: Panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats

Safety Features: Keeping You and Your Family Safe

Safety is a top priority in the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring, and it shows. The Ascent comes packed with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. The Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is the star of the show, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. These features work together to help prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of a collision. The Ascent also features blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, which helps you avoid accidents when changing lanes or backing up. The Ascent earned excellent safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), further solidifying its reputation as a safe vehicle. The Ascent is built with a reinforced structure and a comprehensive airbag system, providing added protection in the event of a crash. Subaru has always been known for its commitment to safety, and the Ascent is no exception.

Another notable safety feature is the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. This system uses a camera to monitor the driver's face and alerts them if it detects signs of drowsiness or distraction. This is a valuable feature for long drives or when you're feeling tired. The Ascent also includes a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The Touring trim goes a step further by offering additional safety features, such as a surround-view camera system, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings. Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring offers top-notch safety features, providing peace of mind for families. The features will give you the confidence to drive with the family. The Ascent is a safe and reliable choice.

Safety Highlights

• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pre-collision braking
• Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert
• DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
• Excellent safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA
• Reinforced structure and comprehensive airbag system

Pros and Cons of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring

Alright, let's break down the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring into its pros and cons. Understanding these points is crucial when considering whether this SUV is the right fit for your needs. The Ascent has plenty of good qualities, but it also has a few drawbacks that you should know about. Being informed will help you make the best choice.

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers in all three rows.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides excellent grip and stability in various conditions.
• Advanced Safety Features: Subaru EyeSight offers a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension absorbs bumps, ensuring a smooth experience.
• User-Friendly Infotainment: The touchscreen system is easy to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Cons:

• Engine Can Feel Underpowered: When fully loaded, the engine can struggle a bit.
• CVT Transmission: Some drivers might prefer a traditional automatic transmission.
• Fuel Economy: While decent, it's not the most fuel-efficient in its class.
• Price: The Touring trim can be a bit expensive compared to some competitors.

Conclusion: Is the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring Right for You?

So, after taking a deep dive into the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring, the big question is: is it the right SUV for you? If you're looking for a family-friendly vehicle with plenty of space, advanced safety features, and standard all-wheel drive, the Ascent Touring is definitely worth considering. It offers a comfortable ride, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a long list of features that make it a great choice for families. However, if you prioritize performance and fuel efficiency above all else, you might want to consider other options. The engine can feel a bit sluggish when fully loaded, and the fuel economy isn't the best in its class. Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot to love. It's a great option for families who want a safe, comfortable, and practical vehicle. It's a solid choice that can be perfect for you, depending on your needs and priorities. Make sure to consider your own priorities before making a decision. Good luck with the purchase guys!