It’s no secret that Subaru makes some of the most common economic family cars, catered especially to the outdoorsy patrons. It is also no secret that Subaru has never been known to be generous with cup holders in their cars.  Well now they have really decided to deliver what fans have been asking about for years: An SUV with some decent performance, and 19 cupholders.

The Subaru Ascent has become the talk of just about every Subaru enthusiast since its debut at the LA Auto show in 2017. The new Ascent is going to have a multitude of new features as well as those Subaru has been known for since their beginning.  In 2019 Subaru is hoping to appeal to not only their usual clientele, but also an even larger market.

While Subaru isn’t known for particularly  flashy or notable interiors, the extremely modern interior in the Ascent is a fresh new installment ready to rival the likes of BMW, Volvo, Lexus, etc. and at a fraction of their price tag. However the inside isn’t all flash; while it does boast features like apple car play, up to 8 USB ports, Harman Kardon speakers, and a multitude of other creature comforts, it does meet utilitarian  needs as well.  With 153.5 cubic feet (according to Subaru) of passenger volume, up to 72.8 cubic feet (according to Subaru) of cargo space, and 19 cup holders (the most in the industry according to Subaru)  the Ascent is really ready to fit all of your adventures (and cups).

Let’s talk performance and reliability for a second. Subaru is well known for reliable, low cost, low maintenance cars.  According to a study Subaru performed recently, 98% of their cars produced in the last 10 years are still on the road. Such an impressive figure must come at a cost of performance right? Think again, The Ascent will be the first of many Subarus (hinted at by Subaru) to be powered by a new 2.4l Direct injection flat four turbo engine, pushing out 260 horse power and 277 foot pounds of torque; pushing this beast from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Compared to the other cars in its class (Mazda CX-9, GMC Acadia, and Ford Explorer 4 cyl turbo) it is faster than both the CX-9, and Ford Explorer, (I couldn’t find a good consistent figure for the Acadia).  Subaru appears to be coming out swinging in this new venture.

So what’s my take on all this?

Subaru is trying to keep up with their competitors, it is rumored that the Ascent platform is also the testing ground for that special 2.4l Direct Injection Turbo engine. If everything works out well with it, the insiders suggest it may be the basis for the new power plant in the future generation STIs and other performance vehicles they plan to roll out in the future as well.  With cars like the Civic type R, Focus RS, and other cars in their class coming out with more power than ever before it is time for Subaru to retire the tired, 20 year old EJ257 and keep up with the times. Using the new engine in the ascent does two very important things in my eyes: 1) it opens Subaru to a new market of customers and thus brings in more money for R&D elsewhere. 2) it provides a good testing ground for this new engine and it provides the customers that do buy the Ascent an economic family commuter with a little pep in its step.  The Ascent is proof that Subaru is still committed giving the people what they want, and that only fills me with hope for their future.