2019 Subaru Ascent release date, price, specs news: SUV starts at $33000, pre-orders now open

The 2019 Subaru Ascent in Crystal White Pearl.Subaru

Subaru is returning to the 3-row segment with the 2019 Subaru Ascent — the company's biggest vehicle yet. Unveiled November last year, Ascent has a base price of $32,970 in the United States, destination fee included.

For that price, buyers will get themselves a base model of the vehicle with all-wheel drive, Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a three-zone climate control, and a 6.5-inch Subaru Starlink multimedia system with CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ascent also comes with 18-inch wheels, four USB ports, power side mirrors, raised roof rails, and 19 standard cup and bottle holders.

Powered by a new 2.4-liter Boxer engine, the base model can run up to 21 miles per gallon in the city or 27 mpg on the highway. It offers up to nine seating configurations with two rows of flat-folding seats which can provide up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space. For comparison, the Subaru Outback only has 73.3 cubic feet of cargo space when seats are folded down.

A premium model is available at $35,170 with more option variety like second-row captain's chairs, 20-inch wheels, auto dimming rear view mirror, spill-resistant upholstery, and keyless access. Per Auto Guide, it also offers a power tailgate, an 8.0-inch multimedia screen, a panoramic moonroof, and stowable cargo carrier.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent also has a Limited and Touring model, priced at $39,970 and $45,670, respectively. The former offers everything on the Premium but with LED headlights and fog lights, second-row sunshades, body-color side mirrors, and two extra USB Ports. As for the top-of-the-line trim level, it includes everything on the Limited but with chrome and satin-silver accents, heated leather steering wheel, ventilated front seats, Java Brown leather-trimmed upholstery, and a Harmon Kardon 792-watt-equivalent audio system with 14 speakers and rain sensing wipers, among others.

Pre-orders for this new Subaru are now available in local dealers, with the official sale beginning this summer. The SUV will be available in four color options: Crystal Black Silica, Crystal White Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, and Ice Silver Metallic.