The enthusiasm and loyalty of Subaru owners is the envy of the car biz. Wagons
and sedans are passe. The people demand SUVs. Poof, good thing Subaru has entered
the mid-sized three-row SUV market with this guy, the Ascent.
To start, the cabin is a cleverly devised welcoming space offered in seven- or
eight-passenger arrangements. The Ascent interior has an elevated vibe with
mostly pleasing materials, this cheap feeling sunglass holder / conversation
mirror excluded. Let's see, three-zone climate control is standard, as are four
USB ports. There are wide opening rear doors, a flat step for easy thorough
access, large storage in the center console, a dash slot for holding
knickknacks, and nineteen cupholders. Wow! Where passenger space is concerned the
Ascent is roomy enough with some caveats. Achieving adequate legroom for all requires a little bit of cooperation, but hey,
isn't that what family is all about? A bigger challenge is third row headroom.
If you're a tall human you may want to slouch a little bit, or you can barter
your way forward to a better seat. RJ I have some chapstick knock off if you
want to swap?
Off-brand or not that is a perfectly usable lip balm. Similarly, a flat second-
row floor makes for a more usable center position at least in versions with the
second row bench. For hauling gear a generous 17.8-cubic feet hides behind
the third row. Like many SUVs the Ascent has an
underfloor storage area, but this has a really handy spot for holding the cargo
cover. I'm never quite sure what to do with these things when I'm not using
them, until now! Has this ever happened to you? Bigger loads can be accommodated by dropping
both rear rows revealing a sizable 86- cubic feet, a figure that tops
both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.
FYI, lowering the second row can be tricky. Pull lever one, then lever two and
you'll be just fine. Before wrapping up I'll add that the
optional power tailgate moves quickly, which is important because I do not have
time to waste.
Let's mask this discomfort with discussion of the infotainment system.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard displayed on a 6.5-inch screen.
An eight-inch screen is also available. The system is simple clear, and I don't
hate it, which is strong praise coming from me. If you plan to tow, the Ascent
offers a 5000-pound max. Pulling power across the board comes via a
turbocharged, horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine. Once it's spooled up
the engine has more than enough gusto for merging with freeway traffic,
climbing hills, or freaking out your neighbors as you blast on by, but a bigger
variable quite literally is the continuously variable transmission. It's
almost cliche for car reviewers to hate them, but many CVTs are quite good these
days. The Ascent's CVT isn't one of them. It's slow to change ratios and because
it's paired with a turbocharged engine off-the-line acceleration is
underwhelming. That said buy a Subaru Ascent and you'll get used to it. If you'd like
to pretend your Ascent actually has an automatic transmission there are eight
preset ratios to choose from with the paddle shifters. For normal suburban
commuting the Ascent works well. Unlike your children it's quiet, compliant and
good natured. Rounding out the drive experience our
confident feeling brakes, hall windows that facilitate good visibility and
handling I wouldn't describe a sporty, but I don't know how about we go with
eager, kind of like when you're speed phobic friend is still willing to drive
with you. Steering efforts are light enough for a parking lot duty or for
weaving down the street suspiciously, but I'm not dazzled by the steering feel, but
I'm the only guy on the planet who cares about steering feel anymore so just
disregard that. As you'd expect all ascents include Subarus symmetrical
all-wheel drive along with 8.7-inches of ground clearance and an
off-road oriented X Mode featuring hill descent control. It's hard to explore
all-wheel drive traction in the city, but let's give it a try.
Despite standard all-wheel drive fuel economy is good for the category, with
the swankier Limited and Touring trims seeing a slight efficiency hit. To
Subarus credit they've made their EyeSight suite of safety features
standard on all trims. That means even the lowest $33,000 base trim offers the
helpful magic of adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane
departure warning, but if you like safe cars, and I mean really like safe cars,
you can add blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, a front camera but
on a proper 360-degree camera system, and this cool smart rearview mirror. Beyond
mildly impressing your friends it affords an unobstructed view rearward no
matter how many camping lanterns or tents or climbing harnesses you have, and
yeah, I'm assuming that Subaru buyers have active outdoorsy lifestyles, prove
me wrong.
See you at the REI. Swing for the fences in a top-of-the-line Touring trim loaded
with Java brown leather ventilated front seats, 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio, a
massive moonroof and up to eight USB ports, lands at less than $46,000. For a three-
row SUV the Ascent is competitively priced,
but when mulling expenses it's wise to consider resale values as well. In that
regard Subaru ranks high giving the Ascent a
leg up in a crowded field that includes the Ford Explorer, Volkswagen Atlas ,Mazda
CX-9, Toyota Highlander, Chevy Traverse Honda Pilot, and quite a few others.
If you have devoted followers it's easy to abuse their trust that's why these
Micah Muzio Corolla posters never went into production. I respect you guys
too much, much like Subaru respects their devotees. Or is it devotees? I'm never
sure which one is right. Sure this badge alone would have inspired plenty of
sales, but Subaru worked hard to create a great SUV. It's practical and capable
with styling I don't hate, and for me that's strong
praise.