The very first 2019 Subaru Ascent has hit the road, being sold by Sommer’s Subaru in Mequon, Wisconsin to Samantha Ernest of Pewaukee, Wisconsin. To mark the occasion, the retailer held a small celebration for Ernest who was joined by her two sons Caden and Oliver, and their Boston Terrier, Brewer.
Production of the three-row SUV began in early May.
Personal Greeting
Subaru of America’s District Sales Manager, Mark Schreiber, was on hand with dealer principals Don and Wally Sommer. Sommer’s Subaru opened in 1997 and remains a family operation today; Wally’s son, Grant, and Don’s daughter, Elizabeth, are employees. All greeted Ernest personally when she arrived to take delivery.
“Samantha is a two-time Subaru owner,” Don Sommer said. “She bought her first Subaru from me in 2006, and in 2008 she bought a Tribeca. She’s been patiently waiting for the Ascent, and following it for a year-and-a-half.”
Ernest was presented with the Starlink Entertainment Anywhere kit that includes two 9.7-inch Apple iPads, two Harman Kardon Bluetooth headphones, and two OtterBox cases. The 2019 Ascent is also the first Subaru to have a dedicated, in-vehicle WiFi hotspot.
Like many Americans, however, Ernest simply needed more room to accommodate her growing family.
“My husband, Pat Henderson, and I have two active little boys,” she said. “They love sports, so we’re always running them to Taekwondo, swimming or team sports with their friends.”
Family Friendly
Subaru’s engineers were tasked with maximizing the vehicle’s available space, creating flexible seating options, and enhancing the overall interior comfort. The 2019 Ascent is now the largest Subaru ever built and comes with a third row, arguably the vehicle’s best feature.
“One of the reasons I wanted this new SUV is because it has the third row,” Ernest said, referencing her sons and their active lifestyle. “Now that they’re getting a bit older and have more friends, I need more room.”
Other family-oriented features include rear doors that open 75 degrees, making access to the third-row seats easier. The vehicle is powered by a 2.4-liter Boxer engine that creates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. of torque. All-wheel drive is standard.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Subaru Ascent is priced from $31,995 and is available now in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring. Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana plant is responsible for the SUV’s production, which resulted in 200 new jobs and $140 million in equipment and expansion investments. The plant already produces the Outback, Legacy, and Impreza.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc.
