Drive Time: Subaru Grows with 19 Ascent

The unveiling of a new mid-size SUV, the ascent of 2019, could be the key to continuing a sales pace of several years in Subaru Colorado

The new three-row of seats, will tow up to 5,000 pounds "The climb has attracted more interest than anything I remember with us," said David Slone, General Manager of Greeley Subaru. "Many Subaru Outback and Forester owners, whose families are becoming more numerous, prefer the showroom, and we get showroom traffic from many competitors."

L & # 39; Ascent is 7 inches longer and 900 pounds heavier than the two-row Outback van, which has been Subaru's "cash cow" for 20 years.

Performance for the new Ascent All-Wheel Drive comes from a turbocharged 2.4 liter direct injection turbocharger horizontally opposed. engine, which burns the regular quality fuel. The 260 horsepower (277 lb.-ft. of torque) boxer engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission, a fuel saver that is not normally badociated with high towing capacity. The Outback, with a slightly less powerful boxer engine, has a tow rating of only 2,700 pounds.

By switching the CVT to manual mode and using shift paddles, which mimic a traditional 8-speed transmission, I manage but I have not tried to tow with it. The transmission locks fairly quickly in a lower speed range, such as 4th or 5th, for more immediate response and constant power.

The Ascent places Subaru in the mid-size SUV / crossover mix with the new Volkswagen Atlas, Toyota Highlander, Kia Sorento, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and many more .

Rolling on a wheelbase of 113.8 inches, the Ascent is lined with some cladding, but not as dominant as the Outback. in his early years. Large, wraparound rear lights and a panoramic sunroof complete the exterior.

Inside, a white leather padded bar extends across the width of the dashboard. The seats in the second row slide completely forward to facilitate entry into the spacious third row. Behind the third row is 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space; fold the third row of seats and that extends to 47.6 feet. The amount of space for the legs in the third row is determined by the recoil distance of the middle row.

Fuel consumption ranged from 19 to 24 for the ascent. His estimate of the EPA is 20/26 mpg.

The Ascent is built in Subaru's badembly plant in Lafayette, Indiana, and offered in four levels, including Base, Premium, Limited and Touring. All models are equipped with Subaru symmetrical AWD.

Very thoughtfully designed, it is, until one counts the cupholders – 19 of them. I do not remember the report; is it a refueling stop for four cupholders?

The magazine model, a Limited trim with $ 2,950 of options, carried a price of $ 42,920. Among its additions are high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen navigation, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto / Bluetooth, premium Harman Kardon audio, power electric sunroof and 20-inch wheels.

A standard feature for the Ascent is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Auto Precollision Braking.

Standard, badistance to trailer stability with yaw sensors, automatic three-zone air conditioning and four USB ports. Originally from Wray, is a former publisher of the Denver Post and has reviewed automobiles over the past 40 years. He can be contacted at [email protected].