Subaru steps up with three-row Ascent SUV

A menu of Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen on the Business page of The Sacramento Bee’s website – www.sacbee.com/news/business/article4005306.html

Sacramento, California -- You know Subaru: agile little cars with state-of-the-art all-wheel drive ... great little daily drivers that don't take up too much space in your garage.

Well, maybe you don't know everything about Subaru.  Take a look at the all-new 2019 Subaru Ascent, a three-row sport-ute that's the largest vehicle ever built by the automaker.

Everybody is getting into the SUV game, right?  It was only a matter of time before Subaru played its hand.  That's the simple summation.  The reality is a little bit more than that.

Simply put, the Ascent gives you all the advantages of a generously equipped SUV with the exceptional handling characteristics of a Subaru, long-time masters of AWD.

My tester was the Limited trim level, looking good in "Crimson Red Pearl" paint and priced at $42,920.  Extras on my ride included a panoramic power moonroof and an excellent navigation system with an easily seen eight-inch, high-resolution touchscreen.

While the Ascent has three rows seating up to eight, the tester did not feel -- or drive -- like a big brute.  Quite the contrary.

The sole engine offering, a 2.4-liter, turbocharged, horizontally opposed four rated at 260 horsepower, easily moved the Ascent in and out of tight spaces on the freeway and on city streets.  The turning radius was surprisingly compact. Steering was midsize-sedan easy.

The Ascent's interior cabin is comfortable and spacious, with various folding seat options.  I will say that getting into the third-row seats is a bit of a challenge.

For those who have been aching for a robust, cargo-hauling Subaru to come along, the Ascent has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Subaru says its biggest-ever vehicle "is designed for active families on the go," and that's a good fit.  I can picture it handling ski weekends in the Sierra Nevada, with driver security boosted by the Ascent's sure-footed manners.  Fuel mileage is fair at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway.

The Ascent rolls into a super-competitive automotive segment, so it will be interesting to see how sales go in 2019.  It has a lot going for it: Subaru's storied AWD perfection, sound engineering and exceptional fit and finish.

It's certainly worth a test drive if you're in the market for such an SUV.