[Subilee]

Would opt for the Touring trim level, except I'm not a fan of the brown leather interior, at least not from the photos. So to get the black leather, need to step down to the Limited, but I wonder if adding the Touring features will be an option on the Limited, and if so, if that will end up pricing the Limited actually higher than the Touring.

Wonder when the dealerships will start taking pre-orders. Not that I plan to do that before I drive it, but it would give me a chance to see the pricing and to the the "build your own" simulation on their website.

Would be interested to hear other opinions on the Limited vs. the Touring.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

On the Outback, some features in the Touring Edition are not available as options on the Limited. I'd almost bet that will likely be the case with the Ascent, too. So you may need to "pick your poison"...

 

[txascent]

If you download the brochure from Subaru you can see the trim level differences. I think featured standard on Touring but not available as options on Limited are upgraded leather steering wheel, ventilated seats, chrome exterior bits, Smart Rear view mirror, 180 degree front view camera, and rain sensing wipers.

 

[R P]

Subaru is pretty clever with their options and up selling their trims. Often their most desirable option items (but not necessarily highest cost to produce) are in their top trims. I have seen this in many of their other models.

For example, in Canada with the Crosstrek, you can get the top line 8" main screen in the Sport trim (similar to US Premium), which functions and looks identical to the Limited (top trim for the Crosstrek) screen. Except the Nav function (onboard map) is only available in the Limited trim, and then you have to pay for all the other stuff that maybe you didn't want, like leather seats, 18" wheels, turning headlights, etc.

I think the Ascent is the same, can't get Nav unless you buy the top Touring trim.

 

[Trey T]

I want the Premium trim package but w/ the Touring package (ventilated seat, leather, and power rear door). I'm not a fan of smartkey/push-to-start button simply because I'll install an aftermarket alarm/RS (better than stock RS feature) once I get it and not have to carry two remotes on keychain. I don't want wheels any larger than 18"; it's not really my taste. I really want the SUV to be more of utilitarian (a real SUV) than a people-hauler.

The biggest difference of the Touring package is the ventilated seats to cool your balls, which is something I really want for the hot/humid weather in Houston.

I'm not looking to spend $50K on a Touring; in the end, I'm thinking I might have to settle w/ the Limited.

 

[unsub1]

I'm with you, Trey. Bummer. Those of us who want something more utilitarian will be forced to downgrade and compromise. I own an Outback and a Crosstrek and had to make similar decisions, but didn't have to give up nearly as much. As a fellow Texan I have zero interest in any kind of sunroof but hate to miss on the power liftgate, for example.

I wish they had the Subaru equivalent of Toyota's sportier packages for the 4-Runner. I'm a Subaru Ambassador and everyone I've spoken with wants the Ascent for taking their family camping, on mountain road trips, etc. Little interest in luxury, more in utility.

 

[txascent]

The tire/wheel size shouldn’t be a deal breaker. The dealer or an owner on here would happily swap smaller wheels for the bigger Touring ones. You might be able to get a couple/few hundred dollars in the swap.

The Ascent will be an interesting vehicle in terms of cross shopping. Some may want utility mainly, others like me might cross shop the Ascent with a preowned Lexus RX450h or Audi Q7. There’s a ton of options in that $35k - $50k range.

 

[Trey T]

I'm with you, Trey. Bummer. Those of us who want something more utilitarian will be forced to downgrade and compromise. I own an Outback and a Crosstrek and had to make similar decisions, but didn't have to give up nearly as much. As a fellow Texan I have zero interest in any kind of sunroof but hate to miss on the power liftgate, for example.

I wish they had the Subaru equivalent of Toyota's sportier packages for the 4-Runner. I'm a Subaru Ambassador and everyone I've spoken with wants the Ascent for taking their family camping, on mountain road trips, etc. Little interest in luxury, more in utility.

4runner is a very unique SUV, it has a combined design features of a Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. I love 4runner and I thought about getting one, but the 2nd row bench seat was a deal breaker.

From the design features (RWD platform, independent suspension, 2nd row captain chairs like a minivan), the Ascent will puts itself uniquely between a true SUV and a minivan.

In the end, I believe Ascent will be more of a people hauler than a utility vehicle.

 

[familyrally]

What it boils down to me is the fact Subaru discovered how lucrative this segment is and as a result just wants to plug their product into the market. Its the easiest way to grow a brand and right now that's what Subaru needs more of. Even the next WRX is set to take on some drastic changes.

 

[Reknid]

The options that are included with the Touring trim package are enticing, but I'm almost honed in on the Limited trim package. Would I like the additional luxury and safety features? Sure. Plus, it was noted in one of the videos (see link at the 9:00 mark) that the Touring would be under $45K and if that's the case, I wonder where the Limited and Premium trim packages will fall. Furthermore, how much will the panoramic sunroof cost or the upgraded h/k audio system? There are lots of factors involved, including viewing and sitting in one, which I look forward to doing at the Chicago Auto Show.