Interior & Cargo Space
This midsize three-row SUV seats seven (with optional captain's chairs in the second row) or eight people (with standard three rows). Overall passenger space is very generous. The driver's seat offers a clear view and excellent support. The Ascent cabin is well-built and made out of high-quality materials.
The Ascent's audio and climate controls are well laid out. The SUV comes equipped with an intuitive infotainment system with straightforward and easy-to-use buttons. It comes with smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and provides multiple USB ports.
Optional technical upgrades include a larger eight-inch touch screen, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and navigation.
The Ascent offers functional cargo space that's perfect for every adventure in Palm Desert. Behind the third row, there are 17.8 cubic-feet, 47.5 cubic-feet with a folded-down third row, and a total of 86.5 cubic-feet when all of the back rows are folded down.
Performance
The Ascent has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 260-horsepower engine combined with an automatic transmission. It is a small engine for a midsize SUV but provides plenty of power. The Ascent achieves excellent fuel economy. It gets an EPA-estimated 21 miles-per-gallon in the city and 27 miles-per-gallon on the highway. This is particularly impressive given that the SUV is also equipped with all-wheel-drive.
The SUV offers composed and agile handling, responsive steering, strong brakes, and a smooth, comfortable ride through Indio. The base trim can tow up to a maximum of 2,000-pounds, and all of the other trims are able to tow up to 5,000-pounds.
Safety
Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist package comes standard with every Ascent. It comes with head-up display, lane sway and departure warning, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision throttle management, and forward auto emergency braking. A rear-seat reminder and a rearview camera come standard as well.
Available safety features include a front-view camera, rear-vision mirror camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse auto emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
Trim Options
There are four different trim levels available. All models come standard with all-wheel-drive, an automatic transmission, and a four-cylinder engine.
Ascent
This base trim offers several standard features, including roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels, adjustable front seats, and tri-zone auto climate control. The infotainment system has six speakers, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and four USB ports.
Ascent Premium
This trim adds second-row climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, stain-resistant cloth upholstery, heated front seats, and an adjustable driver's seat. Upgrades to the infotainment system include a Wi-Fi hotspot and an eight-inch touch-screen. Added standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear-cross traffic alert, and remote engine start.
Ascent Limited
The Limited trim comes with leather-trimmed upholstery. You can also choose either captain's chair or a bench seat for the second row. Upgraded interior features include second-row sunshades, heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, adjustable passenger seat, and a 10-way adjustable driver's seat.
Ascent Touring
The Touring model comes with a panoramic sunroof, captain's chairs in the second row, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and upgraded leather trim and upholstery. Other upgrades include a front-view camera, a rearview camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Harman Kardon 14-speaker audio system, and navigation.
Test Drive The Subaru Ascent SUV Today
Drivers from the La Quinta area can check out the full lineup of Subaru Ascent SUVs at Palm Springs Subaru. Call us today to get your test drive arranged and to apply for financing. We look forward to meeting you!