2019 Subaru Ascent | CarGurus Test Drive Review

Subaru owners love their cars. It is, as the company likes to say, “what makes a Subaru a Subaru.” But Outback owners in need of more space, or Forester owners looking for a car to tow their boat, have long been left without options from their favorite brand. The B9 Tribeca was one attempt at a 3-row crossover, but thanks in part to some ungainly styling and clumsy engineering, it never took off. Now, with the 2019 Ascent, Subaru owners can upgrade to a truly capable (and handsome) 3-row crossover.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Ascent makes 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, sent to (of course) symmetrical all-wheel drive via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A tow-prep package boosts the Ascent’s towing capacity from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds.


Presenter: George Kennedy
Cinematographer: Andrew Zubatkin

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Crossovers & SUVs

[lakeseminole]

Owned one for 6 weeks now, I'm in love.

[dozer]

Walked into a Honda dealership thinking I was going to purchase a Pilot, ended up having a bad experience. Go over to Subaru around the corner. Test drove and boom. Cozy, classy, yet sleek, and fun. Having all the safety features was really a nice upgrade from what the pilot offered for the family. The Turbo engine is really fun and look forward To playing with the paddle shifters. They did well!

[mindyoldknow]

Love Love Love my Limited! The Power and room for cargo is awesome!

[brandonhoun]

I bought the premium edition a few days ago. It's a nice ride.

[MrJamesLuz]

Bought a white Ascent at the beginning of 2020 with the exact same option list as this review unit. The wife loves it. We test drove Toyota (RAV4 and Highlander), Explorer, and Kia Telluride. The Ascent Limited was the winner. Still love it even though it hasn’t been driven in 6 weeks

[billowney]

Spot-on review. Ascent joins Highlander and Pilot at top of the class.

[normt]

This is a sharp and somewhat luxurious in black as I seen one parked at Earthfare grocery store, figures.

But hood alignment is off on each side fender to keep the headlights and grill without unsightly gaps. This black one is no different.

[toycarcollector]

I've watched every Ascent video and yours is the best. Neat and tidy and to the point. Very clear presentation of the most important points. We bought a Touring model and love it. Almost a luxury car but for the odd smell of the interior materials. Its hot here the last 2 weeks and with the A/C running on high we are getting just 14.1 miles per gallon in the city with about 1/3 short highway trips. Hope it gets better. Not sure I really like the CVT transmission I miss the sounds of the tranny shifting gears.

[Precisionmetalheadx]

The part that blew my mind was how good the acceleration is for a 7/8 seater vehicle for 4 cylinder even if turbowed. The engine doesn't strain at all and instant acceleration.

[KW-ovdv]

I'm loving my Impreza Hatchback Sport. Excited to obtain an Ascent in two years!

[SAMblessed]

I like the review. Awesowe. Video is sharp and description is clear and precise. Great work there George Kennedy.

[jerminator]

No mention of the Traverse? Surprising. They are nice.

[keangfamily]

When it’s time for maintenance or repair, it will cost you like the premium German cars. I owned the 2012 forester since brand new.

[stephane]

I love his reviews that why I buy the Crosstrek and I love it

[bestcarreview]

Awesome 😀 😀 2019 Subaru Ascent review .

[seanc]

The front isn't sharp and the rear is plain. The interior is pretty good.. I lease a Pacifica and I'm thinking of what next.

[maximiliano]

I love my 2014 Outback; I’m not sure about this. To me this looks like a pathfinder. I’ll stick to Outbacks.

[iforc]

You failed to mention the updated Tribeca. Still cramped though.

[pacdm]

How would you compare the Volkswagen Atlas, as you never mention it when compare this vehicle to the others!

[premiercconstruction]

Looks front end heavy but Subaru makes great vehicles. It does look tough and nimble but looks heavy like a boat. I love the car but that’s just it... it should not be a car or a lowered suv. Lift the thing up a bit and punch the nose of the front end a bit. But I’m sure it’s nice...