This is the 2019 Assent, the new three row SUV from Subaru.
Now when you think of large SUV's you probably think of families.
But can this eight passenger vehicle work for my single lifestyle?
Let's take it to the road and find out.
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So what's the first thing I look for?
Power, baby.
Under the hood is a 2.4 liter turbocharged engine, which is putting out 260 horsepower and 277 pound feet of torque.
Now, I've been in some supers that I felt a little underpowered.
I'm looking at you Cross Track but that is not the case with the Ascent.
I put my foot into it and I've got plenty of ohms to get off the line and emerge into traffic.
And the continuously variable transmission that's been specially atuned for the Ascent.
It's really nice, it's very smooth, and it's not whining.
And it's not loud.
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Well since I'm not gonna be hauling around any kids, I'm just gonna fold those rear seats down for 86 cubic feet of space.
That's more than enough for my camping gear, and the roof rails still support a roof top tent, so an awesome time for camping.
And since this is a Subaru, of course I've got all wheel drive plus a special off-road X mode driving so I can put all the way to get most of the places I want to go.
And Wi-fi connectivity means I can stay close to all my date map, so I can see that this can be a pretty cool car for singles.
But if you're a family looking at the Ascent, you're probably looking for roominess, comfort and.
Features, so getting into the third row is pretty easy, but once you're back there, if you bring that second row all the way back, ain't no room for my 5' 9" frame.
The second row can be had as captain's chairs, but we've got the bench seat, giving me room for eight passengers.
And Subaru tells me that can fit three car seats across that bench seat.
Both those rear seats have their own climate control, lighting, and USB port.
The limited trim that I'm in has a heated front and second row seats plus all these cool little cubbyholes for storage and that is in addition to the nineteen cup holders.
Not nine nineteen.
One two three four five six seven eight nine 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 17, 18, 19.
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And appealing to singletons and families alike is standard Apple car playing Android auto plus standard eyesight drivers technology.
So I've got blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and my favorite adaptive cruise control.
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You know behind the wheel of the Ascent I just feel really good.
I feel really safe.
I'm basically in a bigger version of the outback and that's always been a great car.
I can see why families would really like this vehicle, and with all the capability I can see why singletons would dig on it too.
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The 2019 Subaru Essence starts at just under $32,000.
But our mid limited trim here with navigation, a panoramic roof and an upgraded stereo system Well, that'll set you back $42,920, including destination.
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