First Look: 2019 Subaru Ascent Specs & Gallery

Subaru finally joins the mid-size SUV race (sorry, Tribeca) sporting decent performance and interior specs.

Editor’s Note: check out our full 2019 Ascent review here.

Los Angeles, CA – Subaru has really stepped it up in the last five years since it first debuted the Crossrek – their all-new compact crossover selling like hotcakes, along with the all-new 2019 Forester unveiled in New York.

The company’s products have grown into more stylish, tech-savvy, all-wheel drive machines that now appeal to a broader market. But the Japanese automaker’s stable was missing a full-size family hauler. And we won’t get into the mid-size Tribeca SUV produced between 2005 and 2014 – that was a different time.

The 2018 Outback is the closest you’ll get to a Subaru SUV, but it’s more of a medium-frame utility wagon, void of that third-row larger families are yearning for.

Finally, Subaru introduces a 3-row sport utility – their most significant product – with seven or eight-passenger configurations designed for everyday versatility, comfort, and safety. Ascent trim levels include base, Premium, Limited, and Touring.

2019 subaru ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent. Photo: Amee Reehal

Powering the new Ascent is an all-new 2.4L engine making 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb.ft. of torque at 2,000-4,800 rpm.

This full-size hauler will tow up to up to 5,000-lb – paired to Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a high-torque Lineartronic CVT with an 8-speed manual mode function with steering wheel paddle shifters as well as X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, it’s clear the Ascent is all family-focused for those long journeys.

Riding on 18-inch wheels and a lower profile with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, Subaru’s goal was to create a 7-passenger machine that blends the capability and cargo of a full-size SUV with the ride and handling of a car. We should get a chance to test drive the Ascent in the new year and will provide our feedback on power and handling.

Performance specs:

  • Engine: Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded H-4, 2.4 L
  • Transmission: Transmission: Lineartronic CVT -inc: steering wheel paddle-shift control switches and 8-speed manual shift mode
  • Drivetrain: All Wheel Drive
  • Power: 260-hp @ 5600 rpm
  • Torque: 277 lb.ft. of torque at 2,000-4,800-rpm
  • Fuel System: Gasoline Direct Injection

2019 Subaru Ascent Interior

2019 subaru ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent. Photo: Amee Reehal

The cabin will feature loads of tech including a new 4G LTE Wi-Fi setup, and EyeSight Driver Assist comes standard in the Ascent – usually an option in other Subaru products.

Stepping inside, the cabin feels roomy, as you’d expect. With a 113.8-inch. wheelbase and 153.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, families have room and plenty of cargo space, especially with rear doors that open 75 degrees for improved access to the third row.

Add eight USB ports, a 120-volt power outlet based in the rear of the centre console, standard three- zone automatic climate control, and the STARLINK multimedia system with a multi-touch high-resolution display screen wit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, connectivity is pretty much covered.

Ascent interior specs:

  • Passenger Capacity: 8
  • Front Hip Room: 57.7 inches
  • Third Head Room: 36.3 inches
  • Front Leg Room: 42.2 inches
  • Second Shoulder Room: 60.3 inches
  • Third Hip Room: 45.9 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 153.5 ft³
  • Second Head Room: 40 inches
  • Third Leg Room: 31.7 inches
  • Front Shoulder Room: 61.1 inches
  • Second Hip Room: 57.5 inches
  • Front Head Room: 41.3 inches
  • Second Leg Room: 38.6 inches

Interior & exterior 2019 Subaru Ascent pictures

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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.