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2019 Subaru Ascent review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
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Subaru Ascent highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • High cargo capacity
  • Versatile cabin with captain's chair on all models
  • Latest driver-assistance tech

Cons

  • Slow acceleration and limited passing power
  • Third-row seats are too narrow
  • Noisy engine at high speeds

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 26 highway, 22 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

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An exciting addition to the midsize SUV market

The midsize SUV market is one that is stacked with plenty of great vehicles. After only being on the market since late 2018, the Subaru Ascent has already made quite the splash, with drivers praising its upscale interior, impressive performance, and loads of tech features. Those in the market for a roomy family vehicle that is luxurious, powerful, and chock-full of useful technology options are sure to love this great new midsize SUV. While we currently do not have many of these vehicles on our lots, we look forward selling these at your nearest CarMax location in the future.

All Subaru Ascent years

2019 Subaru Ascent trims

Curious how Subaru Ascent trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Ascent:

  • The base trim of the 2019 Subaru Ascent features a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane keeping assist, and more!

Ascent Premium:

  • The Premium trim of the 2019 Subaru Ascent features everything found on the base trim as well as second-row captain's chairs, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, rear seat climate controls, and more!

Ascent Limited:

  • The Limited trim of the 2019 Subaru Ascent features everything found on the Premium trim as well as push-button start, a four-way power-adjustable front-passenger’s seat, leather-trimmed upholstery, and more!

Ascent Touring:

  • The Touring trim of the 2019 Subaru Ascent features everything found on the Limited trim as well as a panoramic power moonroof, chrome door handles, heated and ventilated front seats, and more!

View all Subaru Ascents in stock

Subaru Ascent photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 Subaru Ascent

1. Great cargo capacity

Cargo capacity is always an important concern when purchasing an SUV. Fortunately, the 2019 Subaru Ascent offers more than enough space for luggage or groceries. With all the seats up, the Subaru Ascent offers 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space. With the third-row seats folded down, you'll have 47.5 cubic feet of space to work with, and folding both the second and third-row seating down will give you a total of 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

2. Smooth handling

The Subaru Ascent is a roomy SUV, but it still handles like a much smaller vehicle. The vehicle's suspension absorbs bumps nicely, and the Ascent handles winding roads without much body roll. If you are looking for a midsize SUV that offers the smooth handling of a sedan, the Subaru Ascent is well worth considering.

3. A long list of technology features

The 2019 Subaru Ascent comes with a long list of both standard and available technology features. Even on the base trim of the 2019 Subaru Ascent, you'll still find standard features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and much more. On upper trims of the 2019 Subaru Ascent, you will find features such as heated front seats, push-button start, rear seat climate control, and more.

4. A roomy, upscale interior

The interior of the 2019 Subaru Ascent is booth roomy and aesthetically pleasing. Both the first, second, and third-row seating of the Subaru Ascent feel plenty comfortable and roomy, making the Subaru Ascent a great family vehicle. More than just being plenty spacious, though, the interior of the Subaru Ascent is upscale and eye-catching, featuring premium materials and a well-thought-out design.

5. Powerful performance

The turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine in the 2019 Subaru Ascent is an impressively capable drivetrain. Able to deliver up to 260 hp, this beefy engine gives the Subaru Ascent plenty of acceleration. When you are cruising down the interstate, the powerful performance of the Subaru Ascent is something that you are sure to appreciate.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2019 Subaru Ascent, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Chevrolet Traverse

If you're shopping for a three-row SUV with cavernous space and seating for up to eight, then the 2018–2021 Chevrolet Traverse is a worthy contender. Powering the 2018–2021 Traverse is a 310-hp 3.6L V6 engine, with stop-start technology and a nine-speed automatic transmission. If you fancy something fun, however, the 2018–2019 Traverse RS trim has another option—a turbocharged 257-hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine.

The Traverse's large rear doors and Smart Slide® second-row seating ensures easy access to both rear rows, while your taller teens and young adults will find the third-row's 33.5-inches of legroom agreeably generous.

The 2018–2021 Chevrolet Traverse base trim L features as standard:

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility

  • Teen Driver technology

  • Cloth upholstery

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Subaru Ascent features and specs

Premium 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Navigation System
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Remote Start
  • Rockford Fosgate Sound
  • Smart Key
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.4L

Horsepower

260

Torque (ft-lbs)

277

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

19.3

Wheelbase

113.8"

Overall length

196.8"

Width

76"

Height

71.6"

Leg room

F 42.2"/M 38.6"/R 31.7"

Head room

F 41.3"/M 40"/R 36.3"

Front tires

P245/60HR18

Rear tires

P245/60HR18

Seating capacity

8

Max towing capacity

500/5000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2019 Subaru Ascent FAQ

More about the 2019 Subaru Ascent

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Abyss Blue Pearl

  • Cinnamon Brown Pearl

  • Crimson Red Pearl

  • Crystal Black Silica

  • Crystal White Pearl

  • Ice Silver Metallic

  • Magnetic Gray Metallic

  • Tungsten Metallic

Interior details

The Subaru Ascent is a midsize SUV that is capable of seating up to seven passengers when equipped with second-row captain's seats and eight passengers when equipped with second-row bench seats.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent offers 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 47.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third-row seats folded down, and 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row and third-row seats folded down.

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