Subaru needed this.
To build on its uber-successful Forester and Outback crossovers, the brand has added a new, three-row SUV, the Ascent, for customers who need seven-passenger seating and/or more cargo capacity.
The interior of the new 2019 Subaru Ascent has supportive leather seats and a full compliment of high-tech equipment.Once before, Subaru dipped a toe in the three-row crossover market with the Tribeca model, which never really caught on and was euthanized in 2014 after a 9-year model run. The Tribeca, named after a neighborhood in New York City, had quirky trapezoidal grille. Frankly, it needed a nose job; and, from a marketing perspective, the timing was off - the Great Recession and higher fuel prices pushed down demand for larger SUVs.
By contrast, the new Ascent has a handsome design, more space inside and benefits from Subaru's growing reputation for overall quality and highly-evolved all-wheel-drive systems. More importantly, American consumers are on an SUV buying binge, and the Ascent is right in the sweet spot for mid-size models.
Kelly Subaru, in downtown Chattanooga, reports heavy interest in the new Ascent. Some customers even ordered the new SUV sight-unseen, according to dealer sources. Late last week, the dealership had two Ascents in stock and more on the way.
"People have a lot of faith in the product," says Danny McVay, Kelly Subaru sales consultant. "Interest (in the Ascent) has been phenomenal."
Captains chairs are featured in the second row of the new 2019 Subaru Ascent.
FAST FACTS
* Model: 2019 Subaru Ascent* Exterior color: Magnetite Gray Metallic* Interior color: Black* Engine: 2.4-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder* Horsepower: 260* Transmission: CVT* Fuel economy: 26 mpg highway, 20 mpg city* Local Dealer: Kelly Subaru* Price (as tested): $42,920
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WHAT IS IT? The 2019 Ascent is a brand-new, seven-passenger SUV from Subaru, equipped with a fuel-efficient, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 260 horsepower. Our tester is an Ascent Limited with such top-shelf options as a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a panoramic moon-roof.
WHY IT'S GOOD FOR THE MARKET: Chattanooga has always been a Subaru kind of town for two obvious reasons: our mountain terrain makes all-wheel-drive a plus and our growing reputation as an outdoor mecca dovetails with Subarus rugged, off-road-capable designs. Frankly, the Ascent is a Swiss-army-knife of family haulers that many Chattanoogan suburbanites will find irresistible.
WHAT WE LIKED MOST: The giant, pano roof; rear window shades; patterned floor mats; Subaru's EyeSight safety-tech features; 19 cup holders; perforated leather seats; second-row captain's chars; 20-inch split-spoke wheels; and a three-row climate control system with AC vents recessed in the headliner.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: All first-year models have some kinks to work out. We'd suggest the Subaru engineers concentrate on tightening up the steering some (it's a little sloppy on center) and smoothing out the throttle response, which can be a bit twitchy.
DRIVING IMPRESSION: The turbocharged, four-cylinder engine has plenty of power and enough torque to pull a 5,000-pound trailer. For those used to the firm, planted driving dynamics of other Subarus the Ascent may feel a little top-heavy. But all-in-all it's a highly-refined SUV that most drivers will find exceeds their expectations.
COMPETITION: The ascent competes with the Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas and Honda Pilot among others.
WHAT DOES IT COST? A base Ascent starts at $31,995. Step up to a Premium-trim model for $34,195, while a Limited starts at $38,995 and the top-of-the-line Touring trim begins at $44,695.
BOTTOM LINE: The bottom line for the new Subaru Ascent is "get in line." Demand for the new SUV will be strong for the immediate future, with good reason. Today there are very few Ascents on Chattanooga roads, but check back in three years and we predict you will see them everywhere.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.