Hey there, fellow adventure seekers! If you're currently in the market for a family-friendly SUV that's ready to tackle anything life throws your way, chances are the Subaru Ascent has caught your eye. And for good reason! This three-row SUV packs a punch with its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and impressive safety features. But here's the kicker: deciding between the Subaru Ascent Premium and the Touring trims can feel like navigating a maze. Don't worry, though, because we're diving deep into the details to help you choose the Ascent that perfectly matches your needs and budget. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and see which one comes out on top in this Subaru Ascent Premium vs. Touring battle!

Understanding the Subaru Ascent Lineup: Premium vs. Touring

Alright, before we get into the specifics, let's take a quick overview of what these trims are all about. The Subaru Ascent offers a range of trims, each building upon the previous one with added features and premium touches. We're focusing on the Premium and Touring trims because they represent a sweet spot for many buyers. The Premium trim is a step up from the base model, offering a solid blend of features, value, and practicality. It's the workhorse of the Ascent lineup, providing a comfortable and capable ride without breaking the bank. The Touring, on the other hand, is the Ascent's top-tier trim (excluding the Onyx Edition and Limited trims). It brings a more luxurious experience to the table, with upgraded features and premium materials. Think of it as the Ascent's VIP section. Now, let's look at key areas to see how these two trims stack up against each other. This will give you a clear picture of what you get with each model and which is the better choice for your needs. We'll be looking at things like features, price, and interior differences.

Core Features and Capabilities

Let's kick things off with the basics. Both the Ascent Premium and Touring trims are built on the same sturdy platform and share the same core features. This means you're getting the same powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, which delivers plenty of pep for everyday driving and even some light towing. You're also getting Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which provides exceptional handling and grip in various road conditions. Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and both trims come standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This suite of advanced safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. Inside, you'll find a spacious and comfortable cabin with three rows of seating, making it ideal for families or anyone who needs extra passenger space. So far, so good, right? The core of the Ascent experience is consistent across both trims. The differences start to emerge when we delve into the specific features and creature comforts that each trim offers. In general, the Touring trim takes things a step further with added luxuries and premium features that elevate the driving experience. But even the Premium trim is well-equipped and offers a great value proposition for the price.

Interior: Comfort and Tech Showdown

When you step inside the Subaru Ascent, you're greeted with a roomy and well-designed interior, regardless of the trim you choose. But the Premium and Touring trims offer distinct experiences. Let's explore the differences in comfort and technology. The Ascent Premium provides a comfortable and functional cabin. You'll find cloth upholstery, which is durable and easy to maintain. The front seats are manually adjustable, and the second-row seats are a 60/40 split-folding bench. The infotainment system features a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration, so you can easily connect your smartphone. You'll also find a host of handy features like a rearview camera, tri-zone climate control, and a power driver's seat. Overall, the Premium trim strikes a good balance between comfort, practicality, and affordability. Now, let's step up to the Touring. This trim takes the interior experience to a whole new level. You'll be treated to leather-trimmed upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury and sophistication. The front seats are heated and ventilated, providing maximum comfort in any weather conditions. The second-row seats are captain's chairs, which offer even more comfort and individual space for passengers. The infotainment system gets a significant upgrade, with a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, built-in navigation, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. You'll also find a panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light and adds to the sense of spaciousness. Other premium features include a heated steering wheel, a digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. So, in terms of interior comfort and technology, the Touring trim clearly pulls ahead. But, whether these added features are worth the extra cost depends on your individual preferences and budget. If you prioritize luxury and advanced tech, the Touring is the clear winner. If you're happy with a comfortable and well-equipped cabin without the premium touches, the Premium is a fantastic choice.

Interior Features Comparison Table

Here's a quick side-by-side comparison of the key interior features:

Exterior: Style and Functionality

Both the Subaru Ascent Premium and Touring share the Ascent's overall rugged and capable design, but they have subtle differences that add to their visual appeal. Let's explore the exterior features and see what sets them apart. The Ascent Premium sports a practical and functional exterior design. It comes with standard features like a roof rack, which is perfect for carrying cargo or outdoor gear. You'll find 18-inch alloy wheels, which provide a good balance of style and performance. The headlights are LED, ensuring excellent visibility on the road. The Premium trim looks good without being overly flashy, focusing on practicality and value. Now, let's step up to the Touring. This trim takes the exterior styling up a notch with some premium enhancements. You'll find unique features like chrome exterior accents, which add a touch of sophistication. The wheels are upgraded to larger 20-inch alloy wheels, giving the Ascent a more commanding presence. The headlights are also upgraded with LED steering-responsive headlights, which help improve visibility around corners. The Touring trim also boasts a panoramic sunroof, which extends the glass area, enhancing the Ascent's already spacious feel. Other features may include power-folding side mirrors and integrated turn signals. So, if you appreciate a more refined and stylish exterior, the Touring trim will appeal to you. If you're more focused on practicality and value, the Premium offers a compelling package. It's worth noting that the exterior differences are relatively subtle, and both trims share the Ascent's overall rugged and capable aesthetic.

Exterior Features Comparison Table

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the key exterior features:

Safety and Technology: A Critical Comparison

Safety is a hallmark of the Subaru brand, and both the Ascent Premium and Touring come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Let's delve into the safety and technology aspects to see how these two trims compare. The Ascent Premium comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. The Premium also features a rearview camera and automatic headlights. Subaru's commitment to safety is evident in this trim. Now, let's explore the Touring trim's safety and technology offerings. The Touring builds upon the Premium's safety features with some notable additions. You'll find a front-view camera, which can be helpful in tight parking situations. The Touring also features a surround-view camera system, providing a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings. The digital rearview mirror, which can display a clear view of the road behind the vehicle, is also included. The Touring also includes DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which monitors the driver's attention and can issue warnings if it detects signs of fatigue or distraction. Both trims offer excellent safety ratings, and the added features in the Touring offer an extra layer of protection and convenience. If you prioritize safety and advanced driver-assist technologies, the Touring is the clear choice. The Premium offers a robust safety suite that will keep you and your family protected on the road.

Safety and Technology Features Comparison Table

Performance and Driving Experience

Both the Subaru Ascent Premium and Touring share the same 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, so the core driving experience is similar. The engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving, and the all-wheel-drive system ensures confident handling in various road conditions. The ride quality is comfortable, and the Ascent handles bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. However, there are some subtle differences in the driving experience between the two trims. The Touring trim, with its larger wheels and slightly more refined suspension tuning, may offer a slightly more composed ride on the highway. The Touring trim's added features, such as the digital rearview mirror, can also enhance the driving experience by providing a clearer view of the road behind the vehicle. Overall, the performance and driving experience are similar between the two trims. Both offer a comfortable ride, responsive handling, and capable performance. The differences are minimal and are unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers. If you're looking for a smooth, confident, and versatile SUV, both the Ascent Premium and Touring will deliver. The key difference here is a slightly more refined experience in the Touring, but the Premium still provides an enjoyable driving experience at a lower price point.

Price and Value: Making the Right Choice

Let's talk about the bottom line: price. The Subaru Ascent Premium is typically more affordable than the Touring trim. This makes it an excellent value proposition for buyers who are looking for a well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank. The Premium trim offers a great balance of features, practicality, and affordability. You get a comfortable and capable vehicle with plenty of standard equipment at a competitive price. The Touring, on the other hand, comes with a higher price tag. But, you're also getting a significant upgrade in terms of luxury, technology, and premium features. The Touring offers a more premium experience, but it comes at a premium price. So, which trim offers the best value? It depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for the most bang for your buck and are happy with a well-equipped and comfortable SUV without the premium touches, the Premium is the better value. If you prioritize luxury, advanced technology, and premium features, and you're willing to pay a premium for them, the Touring is the better choice. Consider your budget, your must-have features, and how you plan to use your SUV to make the best decision for your needs. Both trims offer excellent value, but they cater to different needs and budgets.

Final Verdict: Which Ascent is Right for You?

So, which Subaru Ascent trim should you choose? After carefully comparing the Premium and Touring trims, it's clear that both offer compelling features and value. The Premium is a great choice for those seeking a well-equipped and affordable SUV. It provides a comfortable and capable ride with a good mix of features and practicality. The Touring, on the other hand, is the Ascent's top-tier trim, offering a more luxurious experience with premium features and advanced technology. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you prioritize value and practicality, the Premium is the clear winner. If you desire a more luxurious and tech-laden experience, the Touring is the way to go. Consider your priorities, take a test drive of both trims, and decide which Ascent best fits your lifestyle and driving needs. Happy driving, and enjoy your adventures with your new Subaru Ascent!