Big news for golden retrievers, and their human companions. Subaru has announced pricing for its 2019 Ascent three-row SUV?its largest vehicle ever?and MSRPs start at $32,970. If the company’s achingly cute Los Angeles auto show press conference is any indication, showroom goers might have to fight their way through packs of golden retrievers, among whom the Japanese brand is evidently a favorite.
As with all Subarus that don’t end with a Z, all-wheel drive comes standard. So does an all-new turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four that, for the time being, is exclusive to the Ascent. We’re curious if this engine’s 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, distilled through a CVT, will be enough to shuffle 4600-plus pounds of Subaru (the company’s estimated curb weight for the top Touring trim). Subaru released fuel-economy estimates of 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, but subtract 1 mpg from each if the standard 18-inch wheels are swapped for 20s.
The base Ascent comes with Subaru EyeSight, the company’s bundle of camera-based driver assists including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, a throttle cutout linked with the collision-alert system, and a head-up display. A 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard, along with four USB ports, three-zone climate control, and 19 (!) cupholders.

For $35,170, the Ascent Premium brings an 8.0-inch touchscreen...