[txascent]

Which would you choose?

I don’t know that we’d need the extra passenger space of 8 vs 7, and I kinda like the easier access to the third row between the Captains Chairs. Want to see in person how the load floor compares with the different 2nd row options and if there would be an easy way to bridge the gap left between the Captains Chairs when folded flat.

Also, if we were to go with the Touring model, that’s Captains Chairs only.

 

[racingclub]

2nd-row bench for me, please

Not a fan of the captain's chairs, unless they're in a minivan or a bigger SUV. Are you planning on buying the touring model of Ascent?

 

[Mr. WRX]

2nd-row bench for me, please

Not a fan of the captain's chairs, unless they're in a minivan or a bigger SUV. Are you planning on buying the touring model of Ascent?

Same here. I'll get 2nd row bench instead of captain's chairs.

 

[txascent]

Are you planning on buying the touring model of Ascent?

Not sure. If I can, I'll hold off for the second model year. With new engine, new tranny, etc, I'd prefer to let those initial kinks get worked out.


For the 2018 model, there are a some features on the Touring that I like that are optional or not available on the other trims. Will just have to see what the $ difference is for specific trims and options once I'm in the market. Sometimes vehicle availability plays into that too, if you wanted a limited in a specific color combo with an exact set of options that are standard on the Touring, it might be easier to find the Touring.

 

[tbarton]

Depending on pricing of trim levels

This will be a tough decision for my wife and I to decide, or rather me. I think the wife is sold on the bench seat for 2nd row while I am a coin toss away from deciding. However, I think it is depending on the pricing, the touring model is what we want which only offers the captain seats in the 2nd row. Is that correct? So if the touring model fits our budget, our decision will be the captain chairs otherwise we will go with the bench seats probably.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I would get the captain's chairs...and the third row would never be used anyway. I'd also likely buy the Touring trim level. But that's me...

 

[Trey T]

If you have teen or adult passengers, either one would work. It's easy to get in and out from 3rd row if you have the bench-seat. However, for young parents like myself that requires either baby car-seat or booster seats at all times, that can be a challenge.

For me, I need captain chairs

 

[familyrally]

If you have teen or adult passengers, either one would work. It's easy to get in and out from 3rd row if you have the bench-seat. However, for young parents like myself that requires either baby car-seat or booster seats at all times, that can be a challenge.

For me, I need captain chairs

Tell me about it, for that reason I have always liked the Suburbans and Tahoe's, they have some massive seats, hence why they're used so much as fleet vehicles for limo companies. Seats just about anyone... but the gas mileage is killing me

 

[R P]

Tell me about it, for that reason I have always liked the Suburbans and Tahoe's, they have some massive seats, hence why they're used so much as fleet vehicles for limo companies. Seats just about anyone... but the gas mileage is killing me

Yup, that's why I sold our Chevy Avalanche... Still waiting to see the Ascent in person before deciding to buy. In the meantime, we bought a 2018 Crosstrek as our 2nd car, and love it.

With the seats, wish they had the option to totally remove the 3rd seat, as most of the time we won't need it. I am sure that would have allowed for a lower floor and more cargo space. But yeah, I know, that is not how they make them anymore...

 

[Jim_in_PA]

With the seats, wish they had the option to totally remove the 3rd seat, as most of the time we won't need it. I am sure that would have allowed for a lower floor and more cargo space. But yeah, I know, that is not how they make them anymore...

Yea, it's unlikely they will ever offer a "3rd row delete" option since they are working hard to market into the third row marketplace, but it sure would be nice to have that option with a nice hidden compartment replacing the seating.

 

[Trey T]

People loves SUVs and I believe the root attribute is the decreasing trend in family size. Minivan is starting to show a slow down in sales and the SUV sales increases to cover the gap. I think ultimately 3-row w/ 2nd row captain chairs SUV (mid-size+) will continue to grow and perhaps will have a sliding door in the future.

 

[Fordlvr2]

I believe the captains chairs is an option in the limited trim level as well.

 

[Jason]

I believe the captains chairs is an option in the limited trim level as well.

Captains are optional on Premium and Limited. Standard on the Touring. The base is only available in 8 passenger bench seat, configuration.

I've got 3 kids with maybe a 4th in the next few years, but I won't even consider the bench seat. Its captains for sure. Ordering mine the very moment the orders open up. Crystal White Pearl with Black leather interior on the Limited Trim. I would go touring if it wasn't for the brown interior.

 

[Ascent]

Hmmmm, heated second rows aren't available even on the highest trim level.

 

[Cannibal869]

planning on 2nd row bench. Captain's chairs would be fine if the kids were older (but as it stands, they'll be in car seats for a good while longer).
-C

 

[R P]

Hmmmm, heated second rows aren't available even on the highest trim level.

They are on the Canadian version.

Available Features**

• All-new Subaru Global Platform offering enhanced body rigidity and all-around safety
• All-new 2.4-litre horizontally opposed 4-cylinder, direct injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine
• 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque (on regular gasoline)
• High-torque Lineartronic® CVT with an 8-speed manual mode
• Standard Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive
• Active Torque Vectoring
• Standard X-MODE for better traction on off-road terrain
• 220 mm of ground clearance for optimized approach and departure angles
• Maximum available towing capacity of 2,270 kg (5,000 lbs)
• Standard EyeSight® Advanced Driver Assist System and EyeSight® Assist Monitor
• Reverse Automatic Braking
• Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection System (SRVD)
• Steering responsive LED headlights
• High Beam Assist
• All-new front-view monitor
• Smart rear-view mirror
• Rain sensing wipers
• Rear-view camera
• 18-inch or available 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels
• Up to 1,252 L of cargo space
• Wide rear door openings allow easier access for second and third row passengers

• All-new power rear gate design that allows for maximum cargo space
• Power tilting and sliding panoramic glass sunroof
• 7-passenger configuration uses two captain chairs in the second row
• 8-passenger configuration uses a bench seat in the second row
• Driver and front passenger, driver knee, front seat side-impact and side curtain airbags
• Available ventilated front seats
• Available heated steering wheel
• Available heated rear seats
• Available 3rd row USB ports
• Voice activated, three-zone automatic climate control with rear climate control vents
• Available 2nd row window sunshades
• Available ambient lighting
• Advanced 8-inch infotainment system navigation, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with high-resolution capacitive touch screen, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, STARLINK™ smartphone integration (including Aha™ radio), dual USB port/iPod® control, auxiliary audio input, SMS text messaging capability, Bluetooth® mobile phone connectivity with voice activation and Bluetooth® streaming audio, SiriusXM™† Traffic, Travel Link and Satellite Radio installed (free 3-month trial subscription included)
• 120V power outlet on rear console

 

[cdc782]

planning on 2nd row bench. Captain's chairs would be fine if the kids were older (but as it stands, they'll be in car seats for a good while longer).
-C

Car seats are the exact reason I'm considering Captains chairs! I would probably have to remove a car seat to fold a bench seat forward to access the 3rd row. With captains I can just have a person slip through the middle without removing a car seat!

And with younger kids 7,8,9 they may have trouble folding a bench seat and getting it back into position which means i need to help. With captains the occasional extra kid can slide into the 3rd row as needed.

 

[meyeracer06]

Hmmmm, heated second rows aren't available even on the highest trim level.

They are standard on Limited / Touring in US as well. Pulled straight from the Ascent Brochure https://www.subaru.com/guides/ascent/#p=21.

 

[Tony Yarusso]

With the seats, wish they had the option to totally remove the 3rd seat, as most of the time we won't need it. I am sure that would have allowed for a lower floor and more cargo space. But yeah, I know, that is not how they make them anymore...

Agreed - I want more cargo room for dog crates, not human babies.

 

[ktalwar]

As of this morning the Touring model doesn't have the Bench option available anymore. Kind of disappointed by this development. Had my eyes set on the Java Brown interior.