2019 Subaru Ascent Review

Name: 2019 Subaru Ascent
Brand: Subaru

Price Range: $12,995 - $29,998

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$23,176 avg. price

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Appraise My 2019 Subaru Ascent

Subaru Ascent model years

2019

Subaru Ascent for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Dan Frio

Pros

Seats up to eight passengers
Cargo room and third-row space are near top of the class
Generous set of standard driver safety aids
Can tow up to 5,000 pounds

Cons

Some more common driver aids are restricted to upper trims
Subaru CVT automatic not too impressive in other models

What's new

The Ascent is an all-new three-row SUV
Part of the first Ascent generation introduced for 2019

Subaru is back in the big SUV game. One of the last major mainstream automakers lacking a three-row SUV comes out swinging with the brawny 2019 Subaru Ascent. This isn't Subaru's first three-row SUV effort, the generally unloved Tribeca. It quietly slipped out the door five years ago after eight years of unremarkable sales, not helped any by the car's small third row and large thirst for fuel.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Elk River, MN

69 listings

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2019 Subaru Ascent
Premium 4dr SUV w/7-Passenger Sporty Pkg
$18,999
fair price
$306 below market
- 97,474 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 7 Seats, 20 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (26 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Maplewood, MN
3rd Row Seat,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,Keyless Start,Lane Keeping Assist,Navigation System,S...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4S4WMAHD3K3416004
Stock: K3416004A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2019 Subaru Ascent
Touring 4dr SUV w/7-Passenger
$19,998
fair price
$399 above market
- 111,975 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 20 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Walser Subaru (43 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Burnsville, MN
At Walser, you’ll get an exceptional car-buying experience. Our streamlined process means you’ll work with one dedicated customer speciali...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4S4WMARD5K3401633
Stock: 13S1541P
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-19-2025

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The Ascent is an altogether different SUV. With standard seating for eight passengers, or seven if specified with optional captain's chairs in the second row, the Ascent offers nearly 32 inches of third-row legroom, about the same as its Honda Pilot rival. Its 86.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space means you'll rarely run out of room for gear and luggage, while a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine not only returns 23 mpg combined, but can also tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Subaru equips the Ascent with standard all-wheel drive, a Subaru signature feature that drivers in wet weather areas will appreciate. And with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Ascent should also prove capable of getting far off the highway when the mood strikes.

Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent looks to be an ideal pick for a three-row SUV, but we'll know more for sure once we conduct a full test in the coming months.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Ascent as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs and Best Gas Mileage SUVs for this year.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

One of the last major automakers lacking a three-row SUV joins the game with the brawny 2019 Subaru Ascent. This new family mover offers impressive utility, a fuel-efficient engine and an adult-friendly third-row seat. Big cargo room, stout towing limits and all-wheel drive round out its versatility.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Subaru Ascent Limited (turbo 2.5-liter flat-4 | CVT automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	8.0

Driving

7.5

The Ascent's turbocharged engine cranks out an impressive amount of power, and acceleration is quicker than average. But it takes a smooth right foot to achieve harmony with the overactive transmission. Ground clearance and other off-road attributes are among the strongest in the segment. The brakes are also a highlight.

Acceleration

7.5

The Ascent feels strong and lively off the line. Fully mash the gas and the turbocharged engine will propel it to 60 mph in just 7.4 seconds. That's quicker than many three-row SUVs, including the V6-powered Volkswagen Atlas.

Braking

8.0

The brake pedal has a light effort yet delivers a smooth, linear braking response. In our testing, the Ascent needed just 117 feet to stop from 60 mph, making it among the shortest stoppers in the class. Plus, it does so with excellent stability.

Steering

7.0

The on-center sensation is slightly vague with the wheel pointed straight ahead. As you turn the wheel the weight increases, as does road feedback, but it eventually goes light again, which feels unnatural. What feedback there is helps you know what the front tires are doing.

Handling

7.5

Even with its high center of gravity and relatively narrow width, the Ascent does an acceptable job of cornering. It turns in quickly and has great steady-state grip. But the Ascent's suspension is less adept at providing control during rapid transitions or swerving maneuvers.

Drivability

6.0

You'll need a fine touch to make the CVT automatic work smoothly. Even moderate accelerator inputs result in surging acceleration, which can make passengers uncomfortable. There's also very little engine braking, so it's tricky trying to bleed off downhill speed for long stretches without using the brakes.

Off-road

8.5

The Ascent has standard all-wheel drive and includes software-controlled traction and hill descent control. Combine those features with its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and you've got an effective combination for taking on snow and dirt.

Comfort

7.5

For the most part, the Ascent's seats are comfortable and inviting. The climate control works well to keep the cabin environment pleasant, but the noise and vibration created by the tires detract from an otherwise nice experience.

Seat comfort

8.0

Firm and well-padded seats evenly distribute your weight, making you feel coddled. A wide seat bottom allows you to adjust your position should you need a stretch. Second-row passengers get supportive and reclining seats, but the middle passenger and passengers in the third row have stiffer padding that's less comfortable.

Ride comfort

7.0

The Ascent doesn't handle hard-edge cracks and road seams well, and driving over them sends harsh vibrations straight into the cabin. Smoother, rolling bumps are better managed. The Ascent doesn't feel floaty, but overall ride comfort falls below the class leaders.

Noise & vibration

6.5

The Ascent does a good job of keeping wind noise at bay, but pavement transitions, cracks and seams send a lot of tire slap into the cabin. There's also the issue of engine noise, which can grow from a muted hum to a loud groan as the rpm climb to redline.

Climate control

8.0

The three-zone automatic climate control system is easy to operate thanks to its tactile buttons and knobs. Second-row passengers get their own dedicated controls. Although the rear vents are located overhead, the system effectively cools the cabin without resorting to loud, gale-force fan speeds.

Interior

7.5

Get the seven-seater Ascent for full-size adults or eight-seater for cargo and/or kids. The Ascent is an approachable and easy-to-use crossover and fits drivers both big and small. Everything is clearly labeled, but there are a few controls that may require you to crack open the instruction manual.

Ease of use

7.5

Most controls are logically laid out and easy to access from the driver's seat, and the dedicated controls for the top information screen are useful. The lane departure and automatic emergency braking system controls should be near the blind-spot switch system, but instead they're inexplicably overhead by the sunroof controls.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

Thanks to large door openings, getting in and out is easy for the front-seat and second-row passengers. Third-row passengers have to deal with a two-step seat release and a second-row seat that doesn't slide forward enough. The doors extend below the doorsills, which can help with keeping your pants clean when the Ascent is dirty.

Driving position

8.0

The driver's seat has a lot of adjustability in both height and tilt, and it includes power lumbar and a manual thigh extension. The steering column also adjusts manually and has an adequate amount of tilt range. But the ability to extend an inch or two more would be welcome.

Roominess

6.5

Front-seat passengers have plenty of room, but the Ascent's back seats are less accommodating than in other three-row SUVs. Second-row seats are excellent for two, but three abreast should be reserved for smaller passengers. The Ascent's third row falls behind the leaders in both seat width and legroom.

Visibility

7.5

The large windows and door-mounted side mirrors allow excellent side visibility. A high-def rear camera helps supplement an already large rear window. The one downside is the way the hood slopes down, which makes it hard to place the front edges of the bumper. Touring models include a front camera, which would alleviate this issue.

Quality

8.0

The interior's many different panels and materials may turn off buyers preferring a sleek and simple look. Thankfully, all the parts on our test vehicle fit well and didn't creak or rattle. The seats are covered in thick leather, while touch points are covered in soft synthetic-leather material.

Utility

7.5

The Ascent is pretty efficient with its space, but others in the class do small storage better and have larger cargo holds. Folding the third row isn't as convenient either. Installing car seats is a straightforward process, though.

Small-item storage

7.5

There are a lot of places for items, but few are really generous in size. The door pockets are deep but narrow, and the door pulls can hold a few small things. You also get a bunch of cupholders in back. The dashboard shelf by the front passenger is perfect for smartphones, and the center armrest bin can conceal a large SLR camera.

Cargo space

7.5

With 17.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, the Ascent has an average amount of space for cargo. The third-row seats have to be folded from the back, and the second row must be done from the rear passenger doors. The resulting load floor isn't perfectly flat but should be sufficient for most.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

Top anchors are located in the seatbacks of all six rear seat positions. Second-row lower anchors are located under flaps. The second-row middle seat requires sharing a lower LATCH point with an adjacent seat. The third row features lower anchors only in the driver-side seat.

Towing

8.0

Most Ascent models provide 5,000 pounds of maximum towing weight. Standard Trailer Stability Assist helps minimize excess trailer sway. Towing requires the addition of an optional trailer hitch assembly that includes wiring harness, which can be covered by a panel when not in use.

Technology

8.0

Subaru's Starlink system features a crisp and responsive touchscreen and multiple ways to integrate your smartphone. It is easy to use and requires minimal setup time. A smattering of USB ports helps keep your passengers charged, but there isn't a 12-volt outlet for the second row.

Audio & navigation

8.0

Our test car was equipped with a responsive and easy-to-use touchscreen navigation system. Otherwise, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and can handle nav needs for those without it. The 14-speaker Harman Kardon system has excellent bass and midrange but is a little soft on the treble.

Smartphone integration

8.5

Your devices can be connected to the car via auxiliary input, Bluetooth and USB connection. Pairing is easy, and there are two USB jacks for charging in each of the three rows and a total of three 12-volt power sockets. As mentioned above, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on every Ascent.

Driver aids

8.0

Subaru's EyeSight provides adaptive cruise control, front collision mitigation and lane departure warning. The Ascent also comes with blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise works to a full stop, but it may vary by 1 or 2 mph from the set speed.

Voice control

8.0

The Starlink voice recognition system handles commands for audio, telephone and, optionally, navigation. The system recognized most commands on the first try in our testing, so long as you speak in the system's preferred format. Even the climate control system can be controlled via voice command.

Compare 2019 Subaru Ascent trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Subaru Ascent models

The 2019 Subaru Ascent is available in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trim levels. Base models offer good value, especially with driver assistance features, but the Premium adds more of today's desirable features, such as heated seats and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Limited classes things up with leather upholstery, while the Touring maxes out the Ascent's luxury, convenience and safety features.

All use a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (260 horsepower, 277 pound-feet of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup.

Base models start with 18-inch wheels, roof rails, automatic headlights, 60/40-split folding second- and third-row seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a rearview camera, four USB ports (two in front, two in the second row), a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio.

Also included is Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, which bundles forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

The Premium trim adds heated side mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear-seat climate controls, spill-resistant cloth upholstery, and an upgraded multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen, voice controls, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium trim also includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

Subaru offers a couple of optional packages for the Premium. The OP 12 package bundles a power liftgate with preferred height memory, keyless access and ignition, a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming mirror, and reverse automatic braking, which applies the brakes to avoid a collision while in reverse. An OP 14 version has those features plus 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system and a cargo area cover. When you pick one of these packages, second-row captain's chairs (seven-passenger max capacity) also become available.

The Limited is also available in a seven- or eight-passenger seating configuration and adds on to the Premium with the contents of the OP 12 package, 20-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, LED foglights, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, additional driver-seat adjustments, heated outboard second-row seats, rear door sunshades, dual third-row USB ports, and additional leather cabin accents.

An optional package for the Limited trim gets you the panoramic sunroof, navigation system, cargo, cover and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

The Touring trim bundles all of the Limited's features and options, then adds chrome exterior accents, automatic wipers, ambient cabin lighting, upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, a total of eight USB ports, a front-view camera display, and a rearview mirror with a rearview camera image, which lets you see out back even if your normal view is blocked by passengers or cargo.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Minnesota

$157/mo

$221/mo

Avg. Large SUV

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Reliability

The 2019 Subaru Ascent has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 8 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

8 recalls found

Recall Number:: 22V907000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WRL-22
Number of vehicles affected:: 271694
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
Defect Consequence:: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.

Recall Number:: 21V955000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WRK-21
Manufactured from:: 2019-07-15 to 2020-08-13
Number of vehicles affected:: 198255
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Defect Consequence:: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

Recall Number:: 21V587000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WRG-21
Number of vehicles affected:: 175968
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Defect Consequence:: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Recall Number:: 20V218000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WRD-20
Manufactured from:: 2018-06-18 to 2019-02-25
Number of vehicles affected:: 188207
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
Defect Consequence:: If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.

Recall Number:: 19V856000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WUW-08
Manufactured from:: 2018-09-11 to 2018-10-08
Number of vehicles affected:: 51613
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Defect Consequence:: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.

Recall Number:: 19V855000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WUV-07
Manufactured from:: 2018-02-22 to 2019-05-07
Number of vehicles affected:: 76842
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure.
Defect Consequence:: If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the transmission drive chain may not have the proper tension, resulting in a loss of drive power and an increased risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit. The hydraulic sensor harness will be replaced on vehicles with certain stored diagnostic trouble codes. In addition, any vehicle confirmed to have experienced low drive chain tension will have the transmission assembly will be replaced. All repairs will be free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUV-07.

Recall Number:: 19V519000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WUI-94
Manufactured from:: 2019-06-08 to 2019-06-11
Number of vehicles affected:: 166
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Ascent vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, possibly resulting in the front portion of the driveshaft disconnecting.
Defect Consequence:: If the front end of the driveshaft separates, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly, including the center support brace, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUI-94.

Recall Number:: 18V508000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WTU-80
Manufactured from:: 2018-07-16 to 2018-07-25
Number of vehicles affected:: 293
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength.
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to check for missing spot welds. If the welds are missing, the vehicle will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTU-80.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Subaru Ascent Owner Reviews

3.5

191 reviews

5(37%)

4(18%)

3(17%)

2(11%)

1(17%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Transmission issues

Melissa, 01/19/2019

2019 Subaru Ascent Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger Sporty Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

We preordered our Ascent (3rd generation) Subaru owners for our expanding family. We maxed out of ‘16 Forester and needed a bigger family vehicle. We have ‘11 legacy that we love and have had no issues. The Ascent started making noises that we now realize is a skipping chain around 3000 miles. We brought it in once it continued and was annoying around 5700 for the oil change. Since then, …

Love the car but not the transmission

New Ascent Owner, 01/23/2019

2019 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

I ordered my Ascent in July 2018 and took delivery of it in mid-September. I love the car. It is comfortable, handles well and is great for my family of 4 plus friends/cargo/dogs or whatever else we need to drive around. Around mid-November, I started to notice the car shuttering at low speed in city traffic and within a few weeks after that, the shutter would be followed by a screeching …

Lots of Highs, a Few Lows

Douglas, 08/27/2018

2019 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger Technology Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

We considered 8 different vehicles, and test-drove 5 before settling on the Ascent. What we love about it: Quiet, smooth ride. When test-driving the Atlas, Highlander and Pilot, I noticed considerable low-frequency noise on the highway. The Ascent is as very quiet...easy to have conversations with everyone in the car. Driver's seat thigh-support extends, making it more comfortable … for tall drivers like me. No one at the dealership I bought the car from knew it extended either. The windows are very quiet when going up and down...not a big deal, but something I noticed and appreciate. The second row seats can move forward, allowing you more room in the back if you put the third-row down to handle more cargo. I've tried out the X-Mode feature, and it worked quite well, keeping my speed going down a hill without having to ride the brake or gas. The 19.6 gallon tank will get me over 450 miles between fill-ups on road trips. The quality of the interior materials is very good, including the hand-stitched leather on the dash and steering wheel. I can fit my golf clubs in side to side, so I don't need to put the third row down when going golfing. And with the Cargo Net in place, I can put two sets in and not worry about them falling out when I open the rear hatch. The acceleration is quite good with the Turbo. I have no problem passing people, even when they are doing 70 MPH up hill. The Adaptive Cruise Control is fantastic...I use it in town and on the highway. What may bug you: Their Starlink Entertainment system is a joke. Its slow, with limited functionality. Carplay won't work over Bluetooth, only through one of the USB ports up front. The touch screen can be temperamental. I drove a Jeep rental a few months back, and really appreciated the control knob just in front of the driver's right arm rest that allowed me to navigate the screen without having to reach for it and try and touch a small spot on it while driving. There is no USB port in the console storage compartment, which would be great for simply charging something that you don't need access to. There are no front parking sensors!! This surprised the hell out of me. So, I back in as much as possible. The memory buttons only store the seat positions. I'm more than a foot taller than my wife, and I swore that the next car we got would have memory steering wheel and mirrors too... But I gave them up for this vehicle anyway. The Lane Assist doesn't function when the wipers are on high speed, because the Eye-site camera's are apparently confused by their movement. I would have thought this was something they would have anticipated and made corrections for. Cross-bars for the roof rack are additional, making the roof-rack pretty much useless unless you buy them.

Lemon law candidate

Debbie , 07/16/2019

2019 Subaru Ascent Touring 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

The car still has brake issues that the dealership will not address. This has been going on since I bought the car. Radio was fixed with recall. If I don’t hold the ignition button in long enough, the car won’t start, all the lights go in and I have to let the car sit at least 4 hours. This has happened 4 times now. The dealership says this is common. I think it’s nuts. The …

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2019 Subaru Ascent videos

2019 Subaru Ascent First Drive

Edmunds Senior Writer Mark Takahashi made the trek to Oregon to be one of the first to drive the all-new 2019 Subaru Ascent. After Subaru's five-year absence from the midsize SUV market, this family-friendly three-row crossover is a marked improvement over the automaker's last attempt. The Ascent simply hits the right notes for the class.

2019 Ascent Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$31,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$157/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Ascent models:

Reverse Automatic Braking: Automatically applies vehicle's brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.
EyeSight Assist Monitor: Provides a head-up display of EyeSight system warnings and system status data on the windshield.
Safety Plus Package: Offers emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and automatic collision notification to first responders, among other services.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover17%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2019 Subaru Ascent Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

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2019 Subaru AscentPremium 4dr SUV w/7-Passenger Sporty Pkg

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2019 Subaru AscentTouring 4dr SUV w/7-Passenger

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Ascent does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Subaru Ascent models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Subaru Ascent Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Transmission issues

Love the car but not the transmission

Lots of Highs, a Few Lows

Lemon law candidate

2019 Subaru Ascent videos

2019 Subaru Ascent First Drive

2019 Ascent Highlights

Safety

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2019 Subaru Ascent
Premium 4dr SUV w/7-Passenger Sporty Pkg

2019 Subaru Ascent
Touring 4dr SUV w/7-Passenger