You know that time... when you have a third kid and you KNOW your vehicle situation needs to change?
Leave it to Subaru to release a powerful *third row* contender!
The hubs and I have been torn which vehicle would best suit our growing brood, now, the answer comes clearer...
Leave it to Subaru to release a powerful *third row* contender!
The hubs and I have been torn which vehicle would best suit our growing brood, now, the answer comes clearer...
We stopped by the Cleveland Auto Show to give the Subaru Ascent the once over. She's lovely! Standard roof rails, a towing package, and (of course) ALL WHEEL DRIVE! The Ascent offers optional upgrades that include built in window shades for the second row, as you might find on a Cayenne. She has options for navigation, auto start, and larger wheels for adventurers, or heated leather seats, copious USB connections, and upgraded sound system for the discerning buyer.
The Subaru Ascent offers a tidy cargo space, first highlighted in their roll out video, also confirmed by my handy pocket tape measure (#dorkymom #whatfits #measuremuch)
It is a little tighter spacing on the top, where the third row headrests meet the rear window, but still respectable for a crossover style SUV!
The third row has observable LATCH indicators for two of the seats, as well as generous cup holders, USB connection, and plush leather (available).
Second row seats offer comfortable leg room and either bench or captain chair options. The captain chairs, on this model, glided nicely, folded forward with ease, and felt comfortable to sit in, too.
Driver and passenger seats were truly comfortable with the brown leather -- just like in the videos! The console was Subaru-familiar, but updated and pleasant to engage. The ample storage in both the console and side doors, seems a bit larger than our 2016 Outback. When asked if the driver's seat felt more like that of the Outback or that of the Forester, I would describe it as in-between. Personally, I appreciate the elevated feeling of the Forester driver's seat, but I prefer the cargo space of the Outback. The Ascent seems to merge the best of both worlds!
Subaru, as a brand, is heartwarming and authentic. They are adventurous, but not boastful. I've always appreciated that Subaru avoids interface elements that clutter and distract from the driving or entertainment/navigation objectives. Subaru is clean, even when she's splashing down muddy trails. She's a Swiss Army knife of a vehicle. She holds her value like a Porsche. Most importantly for us, she embraces the growing family (with dog) like no other! Subaru has impeccable safety ratings, consistently, and wide enough seat spacing that determined parents can still manage to fit three car seats across. They've kindly included LATCH connections in the majority of back seats, something that many automotive manufacturers are missing!
While I'm not an experienced automotive reviewer, I wanted to do my best to describe what I saw, for those who may be interested in the Ascent.
I am in not a representative of Subaru, but I do look forward to taking an Ascent for a test drive when she rolls off the production lines, in a few short weeks!
#subaruascentreview #subaru #ascent #thirdrow #carseatattatchments #clevelandautoshow #subie