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 $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 86.5 cubic feet (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 $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 $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 $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 (193 kW / 263 PS) and 277 lb-ft (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.