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2019 Subaru Ascent Elevates Subaru’s 3-Row SUV Lineup

Subaru Ascent Review: A Game-Changing 3-Row SUV | MotorVero

Subaru Ascent: Redefining Family Mobility with Premium 3-Row Capability

Subaru Ascent

Subaru made a bold statement with the introduction of its largest vehicle ever - the Ascent 3-row SUV. Designed specifically to address the needs of growing families, this midsize SUV represents Subaru's most ambitious foray into the competitive family hauler segment. With standard all-wheel drive, class-leading passenger space, and Subaru's renowned safety technology, the Ascent delivers on the brand's promise of "confidence in motion" for larger families.

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Filling a Critical Gap in Subaru's Lineup

For years, Subaru enthusiasts faced a difficult choice when their families outgrew the Outback or Forester. The discontinuation of the Tribeca in 2014 left the brand without a true three-row option, forcing many loyal customers to defect to competitors. Market research revealed this was Subaru's most significant customer retention challenge, particularly in the United States where 60% of the brand's sales occur.

Key Market Opportunity

The Ascent was engineered specifically for American families, addressing three critical needs:

  • Genuine adult-sized third-row accommodations
  • Class-competitive cargo capacity with all seats in use
  • Subaru's trademark all-weather capability in a larger package

Positioned between the Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas in size, the Ascent measures approximately 7 inches longer than Subaru's Outback while offering nearly double the passenger capacity in its eight-seat configuration.

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Thoughtful Interior Design for Real Families

3-row SUV

Subaru engineers focused intensely on creating one of the most functional interiors in the midsize SUV class. The Ascent's cabin demonstrates remarkable attention to detail for family use cases:

Passenger Comfort

Third-row headroom and legroom accommodate adults up to 6 feet tall, with a seat height nearly 12 inches from the floor - significantly higher than most competitors.

Family Convenience

19 cup/bottle holders and 8 USB ports (including 4 in the third row) lead the segment. Available Wi-Fi hotspot supports up to 8 devices simultaneously.

Flexible Seating

Second-row captain's chairs or bench seating available across most trim levels, including with cloth upholstery - a rarity in this class.

Intelligent Storage

Clever dashboard trays, a massive center console, and wide door pockets provide storage solutions for every passenger.

The interior design maintains Subaru's functional aesthetic while elevating materials quality, with soft-touch surfaces throughout the first two rows and thoughtful acoustic insulation to reduce road noise.

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Standard Safety That Sets the Benchmark

True to Subaru's brand values, the Ascent arrives with one of the most comprehensive standard safety suites in its class. Every trim level includes:

  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist
  • Advanced Airbag System: Front, side, curtain and driver knee airbags
  • High-Strength Frame: Ring-shaped reinforcement structure for impact protection

Higher trims add valuable enhancements like reverse automatic braking, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and Subaru's innovative DriverFocus distraction mitigation system.

Performance That Exceeds Expectations

The Ascent introduces a new turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant delivers several advantages:

Powertrain Highlights

  • 5,000 lb towing capacity - matching segment leaders
  • Direct-injection and turbocharging for strong low-end torque
  • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-Mode for off-road conditions
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with 8-speed manual mode

Built on Subaru's Global Platform, the Ascent benefits from increased rigidity that improves both safety and driving dynamics. Engineers paid particular attention to noise reduction, addressing a traditional Subaru weakness with enhanced insulation and vibration damping.

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Competitive Positioning in the Midsize SUV Market

The Ascent enters one of the most competitive segments in the automotive market, going head-to-head with established favorites like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas. Here's how it compares:

Space Advantage

More third-row headroom and legroom than Pilot and Highlander, with easier access through wide-opening doors.

Value Proposition

Standard AWD at a price point comparable to FWD competitors, with more standard safety features.

Technology Edge

Available 8-inch touchscreen with physical controls maintains Subaru's user-friendly interface philosophy.

While some competitors offer more powerful V6 engines, the Ascent's turbo four-cylinder delivers comparable real-world performance with potentially better fuel efficiency in everyday driving conditions.

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Trim Levels and Key Features

Subaru offers the Ascent in four well-equipped trim levels, each building on the impressive standard equipment:

Base Model

  • Standard EyeSight safety system
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control

Premium

  • Option for captain's chairs in second row
  • Power driver's seat
  • All-weather package
  • Available 8-inch touchscreen

Limited

  • Leather upholstery
  • Power liftgate
  • Heated steering wheel
  • LED headlights
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Touring

  • Premium Harman Kardon audio
  • Ventilated front seats
  • DriverFocus distraction mitigation
  • Ultrasuede upholstery inserts

Why the Ascent Matters for Subaru

The Ascent represents more than just a new model for Subaru - it's a strategic imperative for the brand's continued growth in North America. By finally offering a legitimate three-row option, Subaru can:

  • Retain customers who previously had to leave the brand when their families grew
  • Attract new buyers from mainstream competitors
  • Strengthen its reputation for building vehicles that meet real-world needs
  • Capitalize on the booming SUV market with a premium offering

Early indicators suggest the strategy is working, with the Ascent quickly becoming one of Subaru's best-selling models and earning numerous industry awards for safety and value.

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Final Verdict: A Strong Contender in the Family SUV Segment

The Subaru Ascent successfully addresses the needs of growing families while maintaining the brand's core values of safety, capability, and practicality. Its thoughtful design, premium features, and standard all-wheel drive make it one of the most compelling options in the three-row SUV category.

While pricing starts in the low $30,000 range, the Ascent's value proposition becomes particularly compelling when considering the standard equipment that often costs extra with competitors. For Subaru loyalists and new customers alike, the Ascent delivers a compelling combination of space, safety, and Subaru's trademark all-weather confidence.

MotorVero's Take

The Ascent represents Subaru's most complete family vehicle yet, combining thoughtful packaging with the brand's trademark engineering strengths. It's particularly well-suited for:

  • Families who regularly transport more than five passengers
  • Buyers prioritizing safety technology
  • Those living in areas with challenging weather conditions
  • Outdoor enthusiasts needing occasional towing capability

As the automotive market continues shifting toward SUVs, the Ascent positions Subaru as a serious player in one of the industry's most important segments - a remarkable achievement for what was once considered a niche brand.

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Last Updated On Aug, 12-2025

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