The 2019 Subaru Ascent has gone into production at
the company’s plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Set to arrive at dealerships
shortly, the all-new crossover is the largest model ever produced by Subaru and
it will fill the gap left by the unloved Tribeca. Four different trim levels
will be available and the base model starts at US$ 31,995.
The entry-level model comes equipped with a tri-zone
climate control system and a 6.5-inch Starlink infotainment system featuring
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The crossover seats eight people
and offers up to 2,449 liters of cargo space. The Ascent also
comes standard with an EyeSight driver assistance system which has automatic
pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning
as well as pre-collision throttle management.
The Ascent Premium starts at US$ 34,195 and features a
modestly revised exterior with body-color mirrors and privacy glass. Bigger
changes occur in the cabin as drivers will find a leather-wrapped steering
wheel, heated front seats and spill-repellent cloth upholstery. Other
highlights include rear seat climate controls, a larger 8-inch infotainment
system and additional safety systems such as blind-spot detection, lane change
assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
Buyers looking for more luxury can check out the
Ascent Limited which starts at US$ 38,995. It comes nicely equipped with leather
seats, second-row captain’s chairs, two additional USB charging ports and a
keyless entry system with a push-button ignition. Elsewhere, the model has LED
headlights, a power tailgate and 20-inch aluminum wheels.
The range-topping Ascent Touring costs US$ 44,695 and
comes with a number of special touches including Java Brown leather seats with
heating and ventilation up front. The model also has a heated leather steering
wheel, woodgrain trim and a panoramic glass moonroof. There’s also a 14-speaker
Harman Kardon premium audio system, rain-sensing wipers and additional chrome
exterior trim.
Regardless of which model is selected, all Ascents
ride on an extended version of the Subaru Global Platform and are equipped with
an all-new turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that develops 260 hp and 375 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to a continuously
variable transmission and a symmetrical all-wheel drive system with active
torque vectoring. This should enable the model to return approximately 20 mpg
city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.
