Base

$36,000 (est)

$39,000 (est)

Restricted

$44,000 (est)

Touring

$50,000 (est)

We predict the Premium mannequin packs the most effective steadiness of fascinating options and general worth. Each mannequin has all 4 wheels spun through the identical plucky turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, however the base Ascent and the Premium have barely higher EPA fuel-economy scores than the highest two trims. In contrast with the bottom mannequin, the Premium will get commonplace upgrades that embody blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated entrance seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. Those that wish to ditch the second-row bench seat are in luck, as Premium, Restricted, and Touring all have an out there 7-passenger possibility for an extra charge. The Ascent Onyx comes with captain’s chairs completely. We might select that possibility on our Subie, because it additionally provides hands-free passive entry, a power-operated rear gate, and rear automated emergency braking.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

With the corporate’s trademark all-wheel-drive system, the Ascent is nicely fitted to four-season household highway journeys. Its 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder powertrain delivers middling acceleration—a 6.7-second 60-mph time—and may be noisy beneath duress, but it surely’ll pull a camper trailer or speedboat. Whereas the Subaru’s constantly variable computerized transmission (CVT) contributed to a sometimes-noisy journey throughout our testing, the gearless gearbox was in any other case receptive and regular. Paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel are there for many who need extra management over the transmission. The Ascent’s throttle response took some getting used to; it was notably abrupt at low speeds round city. In the meantime, the Subaru has a snug journey. Although our check automobile wore 20-inch wheels it did an excellent job of isolating us from bumpy roads and soaked up harsh impacts. Sadly, we observed lots of wind and highway noise whereas cruising on the freeway. Whereas the Subaru lacks the fun-to-drive nature discovered within the Mazda CX-9, the sizable three-row was properly composed in regular driving. Its gentle and correct steering responded to fast maneuvers and felt relaxed at increased speeds. The brake pedal on our check automobile was agency and progressive, with no play or sensitive suggestions.

Towing and Payload Capability

Each Subaru Ascent has a 5000-pound towing capability. Throughout our 40,000-mile long-term check with one, we put this capability to the check by hauling an assortment of toys akin to snowmobiles and even an Airstream camper. Throughout these hauls, the gasoline economic system of the Ascent usually dropped to single digits.

Gas Economic system and Actual-World MPG

The Ascent is predicted to earn 20 mpg within the metropolis and 26 mpg on the freeway. Those that choose the top-tier Restricted and Touring fashions will lose 1 mpg in each classes. Nonetheless, the Ascent has above-average EPA estimates and confirmed the latter in our 200-mile real-world check. The highest-of-the-line Ascent Restricted earned 26 mpg on our route, matching its EPA freeway score. Nonetheless, rivals such because the Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot proved to be much more environment friendly regardless of having decrease authorities scores. For extra details about the Ascent’s gasoline economic system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

The Ascent’s inside has all of the hallmarks of a big crossover, with a raised driving place and versatile seating configurations. Whereas the cabin accommodates a crowd, its third-row passenger house trails bigger, roomier options such because the Volkswagen Atlas. Too unhealthy solely the highest two fashions can be found with fascinating options akin to heated rear seats, a reminiscence driver’s seat, power-adjustable passenger seat, and leather-trimmed upholstery. The Ascent can pack as much as eight folks inside, however in our testing it solely held 5 carry-on luggage behind the third row. Whereas that was one lower than we match within the Traverse, the Subaru additionally had much less inside cubby storage than most rivals. Nonetheless, it stays a succesful journey companion with some intelligent cargo options. These embody Velcro straps within the cargo space to carry up the load flooring for those who want the added room. Our check automobile had the elective second-row captain’s chairs that use a number of levers for changes and can fold practically flat.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Subaru infotainment system lacks the customization settings and intuitive controls discovered on premier rivals. Nonetheless, it has options that customers love, akin to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The usual 11.6-inch touchscreen has giant onscreen icons which can be straightforward to see and reply to your inputs shortly. Whereas touch-only means there are extra alternatives for driver distraction, the display screen’s place and huge icons mitigate this problem.

Security and Driver-Help Options

Subaru does not save the most effective security and driver-assist know-how for the highest trims, both. Subaru’s EyeSight security suite is commonplace on each Ascent. For extra details about the Ascent’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:

• Commonplace forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Commonplace lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help
• Commonplace adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

Subaru’s guarantee protection is totally common and fails to supply the complimentary scheduled upkeep that some rivals do.

• Restricted guarantee covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled upkeep

Extra Options and Specs

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