“Comfortable driving. Driver assists create a sense of safety and control and new tech offered like active cruise an awesome option. Upgraded stereo is one of the best offered by manufacturer and sounds like it should. Dislike...noisy engine compartment and fuel econ, big car little engine.”
2019 Subaru Ascent: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Subaru Ascent is an all-new three-row family SUV and the first model year of the Ascent. Its debut brings a larger body, a turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and standard EyeSight driver-assist technology.
About the 2019 Subaru Ascent
1st generation, first model year
Subaru presents the Ascent as its family-focused three-row SUV: big enough for seven or eight people, built to handle road trips and daily kid-hauling, and shaped by the brand’s usual strengths in bad-weather traction and safety. The core appeal is simple: standard all-wheel drive, standard driver-assist tech, flexible seating, useful cargo space, and more towing and ground clearance than many suburban family crossovers. It is Subaru’s answer for households that want one vehicle to cover commuting, carpools, vacations, and winter travel.
The 2019 Ascent ranges from a practical eight-seat base model to more comfortable and upscale family versions. Premium adds an 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and 5,000-pound towing capacity, while Limited brings leather and more heated seating. Touring is the fully equipped version, with a panoramic moonroof, navigation, premium audio, ventilated front seats, and seven-passenger seating.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Ascent debuts on a larger body structure built from a strengthened and extended version of the Subaru Global Platform, providing three rows and seating for seven or eight.
Powertrain
Every 2019 Ascent uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a high-torque continuously variable automatic transmission. All-wheel drive, X-Mode for slippery conditions, and hill descent control are standard.
Safety
Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist suite is standard on every trim. It includes automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
2019 Subaru Ascent specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 27 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 86.5 cu-ft | 86.5 cu-ft | 86.5 cu-ft | 86 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is 2019 the first year of the Subaru Ascent?
Yes. The 2019 model is the first Subaru Ascent, launched as an all-new three-row family SUV.
Does every 2019 Subaru Ascent have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every 2019 Ascent has standard all-wheel drive, X-Mode for slippery conditions, and hill descent control.
What engine does the 2019 Subaru Ascent use?
Every 2019 Subaru Ascent uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
How many people does the 2019 Subaru Ascent seat?
The 2019 Subaru Ascent seats seven or eight people. The base model has an eight-passenger second-row bench, while seven-seat versions use second-row captain’s chairs.
Is EyeSight standard on the 2019 Subaru Ascent?
Yes. EyeSight is standard on every 2019 Ascent and includes automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
2019 Subaru Ascent Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Subaru Ascent.
4.3
2019 Subaru Ascent
(306 reviews)
“Only two bad things about Subaru:1., they don't make a nice passenger seat. The spouse should always have a seat as nice as the driver. The drivers seat is always more adjustable than the passenger. Bad!!!!!2.. the radio will turn itself on when you turn the car on and back up. That drives us crazy. !!!!!!!!”
“Great large SUV but has some flaws. I hate the front cup holders and is a hassle trying to get Subaru to do warranty work on it. Also, has a slight drinking problem lol. But all in all is a great SUV for a large family.”