With the all-new Subaru Ascent for the 2019 model year, Subaru has again a three-row, mid-size SUV for its loyal baryes after the Tribeca retirement. The new model can seat up to eight and comes equipped with modern safety and infotainment tech from the base model. With the mid-size Ascent, the big families can also tow up to 5, 000 pounds and power provides the new turbo-4 engine.
The new version of the largest Subaru comes as the 2020 Subaru Ascent and except no major modifications. The model will offer new color and wheel options and new packages. It will return in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trim levels.
2020 Subaru Ascent: Design
There won’t be big news for the 2020 Subaru Ascent regarding its design and structure. The all-new Ascent based on the brand’s new global architecture is here for the 2019 model year and it will continue the journey in the same form and style.
The Ascent applies brands latest design language defined with the large signature grille and familiar headlights. It has a tall hood and defined line on the profile that stretching over fenders and door handles. The arched side window line and roof-mounted spoiler reduce the boxy shape and the rear also has nice taillights and trim chrome slat connecting them.
The 2020 Subaru Ascent will repeat the same style and offer several new colors and wheel options.
Interior, equipment:
The Ascent has the mission of transporting big families and their cargo and its interior is designed with that in mind. The model offers seven and eight seat configurations. The max cargo space is up to 82.5 cubes. With all seats in function, it offers 19.9 cubes while without the rearmost row 47.6 cubes are available.
The dash design is functional and with easy-to-use controls. The base version will have a 6.5-inch infotainment interface and also come with the cloth upholstery, tri-zone auto climate control, smartphone support features but also EyeSight package of advanced safety systems.
The next level trim will improve with an 8-inch touchscreen, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Wi-Fi hotspot, heated front seats and available will also be blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, etc.
The Limited version will add the leather upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, adaptive LED headlights, 20-inch wheels and more. The top Touting model upgrades with the woodgrain pieces, a moonroof, heated front two row and cooled front seats, rain-sensing wipers, a smart rearview mirror, front camera and more.
2020 Subaru Ascent: Performance
No signs that Subaru will add the new engine option for the 2020 Subaru Ascent. The three-row SUV will have a 2.4-liter turbo-4 engine under the hood coupled with the continuously variable transmission. The power output will stay at 260 horsepower and torque at 277 pound-feet.
The Ascent is the all-wheel drive by default. The model can tow up to 5, 000 pounds and Subaru claims 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The model will return about 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
The ride height of 8.7 inches and electronically controlled and capable all-wheel-drive system will provide strong performance behind the beaten paths but the model isn’t designed for the serious off-roading.
2020 Subaru Ascent: Arrival, Price
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is expected to go on sale next summer. The price won’t change radically from the current. The Ascent starts from $33, 995 and the top Touring version needs $44, 695.
Will the 2020 Touring have a selection of seat colors. I do not like the 2019. No choices.
I agree the interior kept me from buying was not apealing to me at all I love the exterior and I would like to see lighter colors grey on grey or cream
Personally, I would like to see different interior color options also, but, two other issues prevent me from purchasing this vehicle. There is no top of the line “touring” model with a 2nd row bench seat option and there is no HUD. I find this difficult to comprehend that at this price range and the telematics involved, Subaru could not make those options available. Looks like I will need to wait another year to see what 2021 brings or look to another vehicle that has these features.
I owned an earlier Outback with a 4 cyl engine, it was a good car overall, but lacked power when loaded with adults and cargo. My current Subaru is a 2015 Legacy with a 3.6R six cyl, what a difference a six makes. The Ascent is larger than my previous Outback. With a four cyl, I can’t help but feel the engine has to work harder, also another reason it needs a turbo. Overall I think a six would be better…
That chocolate brown interior in the Ascent Touring model does not compliment most exterior colors. Black interior would go better with all the exterior colors. It looks totally out of sync. Also, the 4 cylinder engine versus all the competitors with a V6 is deal breaker for me.