2019 Subaru Ascent Touring Engine: Specs & Performance

Let's dive deep into the heart of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring: its engine. Guys, if you're considering buying or already own this awesome SUV, understanding what powers it is super important. We're going to break down everything you need to know about the engine, from its specs and performance to its reliability and common issues. Buckle up; it's gonna be an informative ride!

The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring comes equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, also known as the FA24. This engine is part of Subaru's family of horizontally opposed, or "boxer," engines. Boxer engines are known for their smooth operation and low center of gravity, which contributes to better handling and stability. The FA24 engine in the Ascent Touring produces a respectable 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is plenty of power for daily driving, hauling cargo, and even towing. The Ascent Touring can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a capable choice for families who need to tow trailers, boats, or other recreational vehicles. The engine is paired with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which helps to optimize fuel economy and provide smooth acceleration. The CVT has eight simulated gears that can be selected via paddle shifters on the steering wheel, giving the driver more control over the engine's performance. The Ascent Touring also comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction in all weather conditions. This system constantly monitors the vehicle's wheel speed, throttle position, and other factors to distribute power to the wheels with the most grip. This helps to prevent slippage and maintain stability, especially in snow, ice, or rain. The Ascent Touring's engine is also designed to be fuel-efficient. It gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. These figures are competitive for a three-row SUV. The engine also features direct injection, which helps to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Direct injection sprays fuel directly into the cylinders, rather than into the intake manifold. This allows for more precise control over the combustion process, which results in better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring's engine is a well-designed and capable unit that provides plenty of power, good fuel economy, and excellent reliability. It is a great choice for families who need a versatile and practical SUV.

Performance and Fuel Economy

When we talk about the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring, the performance and fuel economy figures are what really grab your attention. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine provides a robust 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is more than adequate for merging onto highways, tackling steep inclines, and generally feeling confident behind the wheel. The Ascent doesn't feel sluggish, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The engine's responsiveness is impressive, thanks to the turbocharger, which kicks in quickly to provide a boost of power when you need it. The CVT transmission also plays a role in the Ascent's performance. While some drivers may not be fans of CVTs, the one in the Ascent is well-tuned and provides smooth, seamless acceleration. It also helps to keep the engine in its optimal power range, which improves fuel economy. Speaking of fuel economy, the Ascent Touring gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. These numbers are respectable for a three-row SUV, and they're certainly better than some of the Ascent's competitors. Of course, your actual fuel economy will vary depending on your driving habits and the conditions you're driving in. If you're doing a lot of stop-and-go city driving, you can expect to get lower fuel economy than if you're doing mostly highway driving. And if you're towing a trailer, your fuel economy will be even lower. But overall, the Ascent Touring offers a good balance of power and fuel economy. It's not the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, but it's also not the least fuel-efficient. And it provides plenty of power for most drivers' needs. In terms of acceleration, the Ascent Touring can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 7.5 seconds. This is a respectable time for a three-row SUV. It's not going to win any drag races, but it's quick enough to get you out of trouble when you need it. The Ascent Touring also handles well for its size. The steering is precise and responsive, and the suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and potholes. The Ascent Touring feels stable and confident on the road, even when cornering. Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring offers a satisfying driving experience. It's not the sportiest SUV on the market, but it's comfortable, capable, and fuel-efficient. And it's a great choice for families who need a versatile and practical vehicle.

Common Issues and Reliability

Now, let's talk about the not-so-fun stuff: common issues and reliability of the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring engine. It's always good to be aware of potential problems, even with a generally reliable vehicle. While the FA24 engine is relatively new, some common issues have surfaced. One of the most reported issues is related to the CVT transmission. Some owners have experienced problems with the transmission slipping, hesitating, or even failing altogether. These issues can be frustrating and expensive to repair. However, it's important to note that not all Ascent owners have experienced CVT problems. Subaru has issued software updates to address some of the CVT issues, and these updates seem to have helped improve the transmission's performance. Another common issue with the 2019 Ascent is excessive oil consumption. Some owners have reported that their engines consume more oil than expected, requiring them to add oil between oil changes. This can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as worn piston rings or valve seals. If you notice that your Ascent is consuming a lot of oil, it's important to take it to a mechanic to have it checked out. In addition to these issues, some owners have also reported problems with the Ascent's infotainment system, such as freezing or crashing. However, these issues seem to be less common than the CVT and oil consumption problems. Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is a relatively reliable vehicle. However, it's important to be aware of the potential issues that can occur. If you're considering buying a used Ascent, it's a good idea to have it inspected by a mechanic before you buy it. This will help you identify any potential problems and make sure that the vehicle is in good condition. In terms of reliability ratings, the 2019 Subaru Ascent has received mixed reviews. Some sources, such as Consumer Reports, have given the Ascent a below-average reliability rating, while others, such as J.D. Power, have given it an average rating. It's important to consider these ratings when making your decision, but it's also important to remember that these ratings are based on data from a limited number of vehicles. Your own experience with the Ascent may be different. To improve the reliability of your 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring engine, it's important to follow the recommended maintenance schedule. This includes changing the oil regularly, checking the fluid levels, and inspecting the belts and hoses. It's also important to drive the vehicle responsibly and avoid harsh driving conditions. By taking good care of your Ascent, you can help to prevent problems and extend its lifespan.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Let's chat about keeping your 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring's engine running smoothly for years to come! Regular maintenance is the key to longevity, guys. Think of it like this: a little TLC now can save you from major headaches (and expenses) down the road. Here are some essential maintenance tips to keep in mind.

First and foremost, stick to the recommended oil change schedule. Subaru recommends changing the oil every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Using the correct type of oil is also crucial. The Ascent Touring requires synthetic oil, which provides better protection and performance than conventional oil. Check your owner's manual for the specific type of oil recommended for your vehicle. Regularly checking and maintaining fluid levels is also important. This includes checking the coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. Low fluid levels can lead to serious problems, so it's important to keep them topped off. Inspect the belts and hoses regularly for cracks, leaks, or other damage. Replace them as needed to prevent them from breaking down and causing engine problems. Keep an eye on the engine's temperature gauge. If the engine is overheating, pull over and let it cool down before continuing to drive. Overheating can cause serious damage to the engine. Listen to the engine for unusual noises, such as knocking, ticking, or hissing. These noises can be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed. If you notice any unusual noises, take the vehicle to a mechanic to have it checked out. Drive the vehicle responsibly and avoid harsh driving conditions. This includes avoiding excessive speeding, hard acceleration, and frequent stop-and-go driving. Harsh driving conditions can put extra strain on the engine and shorten its lifespan. Consider using a fuel additive to help keep the fuel system clean. Fuel additives can help to remove deposits from the fuel injectors and other fuel system components, which can improve fuel economy and performance. Keep the engine clean. A dirty engine can overheat more easily and can also be more susceptible to corrosion. Clean the engine regularly with a degreaser and a brush. Store the vehicle properly when it's not in use. If you're storing the vehicle for an extended period of time, be sure to take steps to protect the engine from damage. This includes changing the oil, adding fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, and disconnecting the battery. By following these maintenance tips, you can help to keep your 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring's engine running smoothly and reliably for many years to come. Remember, regular maintenance is the key to longevity!

Potential Upgrades and Modifications

Alright, let's spice things up a bit and talk about potential upgrades and modifications for your 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring engine! While the stock engine is pretty solid, there's always room for improvement, right? Just remember, modifying your engine can sometimes affect your warranty, so proceed with caution and do your research. One of the most popular upgrades is a cold air intake. A cold air intake replaces the factory air box with a less restrictive system, allowing the engine to breathe more easily. This can result in a slight increase in horsepower and torque, as well as improved throttle response. Another common upgrade is an exhaust system. A cat-back exhaust system replaces the exhaust system from the catalytic converter back, reducing backpressure and improving exhaust flow. This can also result in a slight increase in horsepower and torque, as well as a more aggressive exhaust note. A performance tune can also improve the engine's performance. A performance tune remaps the engine's computer, optimizing the air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, and other parameters. This can result in a significant increase in horsepower and torque, as well as improved fuel economy. However, it's important to choose a reputable tuner who knows what they're doing. Upgrading the turbocharger is another way to increase the engine's power. A larger turbocharger can provide more boost, resulting in a significant increase in horsepower and torque. However, this is a more complex upgrade that requires careful planning and execution. Upgrading the fuel injectors can also improve the engine's performance. Larger fuel injectors can provide more fuel to the engine, which is necessary when increasing the boost or making other modifications. Upgrading the intercooler can also improve the engine's performance. The intercooler cools the air that is compressed by the turbocharger, which can improve horsepower and torque. Upgrading the suspension can improve the vehicle's handling. A stiffer suspension can reduce body roll and improve cornering, making the Ascent more fun to drive. Upgrading the brakes can improve the vehicle's stopping power. Larger brakes can provide more stopping power, which is important when increasing the engine's power. Finally, upgrading the wheels and tires can improve the vehicle's appearance and performance. Larger wheels and tires can improve the vehicle's handling and traction. When making any modifications to your 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring engine, it's important to do your research and choose reputable parts and installers. It's also important to keep in mind that modifications can affect your warranty and may not be legal in all areas. But with careful planning and execution, you can significantly improve the performance of your Ascent's engine and make it even more fun to drive.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, a comprehensive look at the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring engine. From its specs and performance to potential issues and upgrades, we've covered it all. The FA24 engine is a capable and reliable powerplant that provides plenty of power for most drivers' needs. While there have been some reported issues, particularly with the CVT transmission and oil consumption, these issues are not universal, and Subaru has taken steps to address them. With proper maintenance and care, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring engine can provide years of trouble-free service. And if you're looking to take things to the next level, there are plenty of aftermarket upgrades available to boost its performance even further. Just remember to do your research and choose reputable parts and installers. Overall, the 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is a great choice for families who need a versatile and practical SUV. And its engine is a key part of what makes it so appealing. So, whether you're considering buying one or already own one, we hope this article has given you a better understanding of what's under the hood. Happy driving, guys! And remember, keep that engine purring! Taking care of your vehicle is always a worthwhile investment. Understanding the ins and outs of your engine can save you money and extend the life of your vehicle. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or a first-time car owner, there's always something new to learn about the inner workings of your vehicle. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep enjoying the ride! The 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot to its owners. Its engine is just one of the many reasons why it's such a popular choice. So, get out there and experience it for yourself! You won't be disappointed.