2019 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

The 2019 GMC Acadia was a striking SUV with a shorter wheelbase that gave it an athletic stance, complemented by an upright grille that lent it an upscale appearance. Despite not being marketed as a luxury SUV, it rivaled the more expensive Buick Envision in terms of aesthetics. The Acadia was often seen as a step up for Chevrolet Equinox owners, but it had a broader appeal, feeling closer in size to compact competitors like the Nissan Rogue. The Acadia offered various trims, from the base SL to the luxurious Denali, each adding more features and options, such as the SLT-1 AWD with the Black Edition appearance package, which gave it a more aggressive look.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, resembling a larger Subaru Forester, was appealing in its practical and utilitarian design. It featured gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares for visual strength. The Ascent's robust roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels added to its purposeful design. The Ascent came in four trims, with the Touring trim offering premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, and special wood trim. The interior was stylish, with quality materials and thoughtful details, making it feel like a worthwhile investment. CarGurus recommended the Ascent Premium with option packages for a more cost-effective choice that retained much of the Touring's appeal.

The 2019 GMC Acadia offered two engine options: a 193-horsepower inline 4-cylinder and a more powerful 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The V6 was available in higher trims and provided excellent acceleration, with a 6-speed automatic transmission sending power to either the front wheels or available AWD. The AWD system featured GMC's Active Twin Clutch system, allowing drivers to switch between different modes for varied driving conditions. The V6 Acadia could tow up to 4,000 pounds and offered a balanced driving experience, with fuel economy figures of 17/25/20 mpg for the SLT-1 AWD.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and standard AWD. While the engine provided good acceleration, it was thirsty, averaging 18.9 mpg in real-world testing, below the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The Ascent's handling was not particularly engaging, with numb steering and a suspension that struggled with undulating surfaces. However, it excelled off-road, thanks to its Active Torque Split AWD system, X-Mode off-road traction system, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for adventurous driving.

The 2019 GMC Acadia offered ample space for the driver and front passenger, with deep trays and bins for storage. It featured 7-passenger seating in lower trims, while the SLT-1 AWD had captain's chairs, reducing capacity to 6. The second-row seats were comfortable and provided decent head- and legroom, but the third row was cramped, suitable only for children. Cargo space was limited, with 12.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 79 cubic feet with all seats folded. Rubberized floor mats made it practical for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent prioritized comfort, especially in the Touring trim, with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats offered significant track travel, appealing to tall individuals. The Ascent provided a choice between a second-row bench or captain's chairs, with the latter offering sliding and heated cushions. The third row was accessible and comfortable for short trips, with ample amenities for passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86 cubic feet with seats folded, and additional storage options available.

The 2019 GMC Acadia featured the IntelliLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims upgraded to an 8-inch screen and added navigation. The SLT-1 and SLT-2 trims included a 4.2-inch color information display, while the Denali offered an 8-inch display, creating a semi-digital instrument panel. A color head-up display was also available, providing essential information to the driver.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent came with the Starlink infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. Premium trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, text-messaging capability, and a WiFi hotspot. The Touring trim improved with a high-resolution screen and navigation. While the voice-control system was outdated, the Harman Kardon speakers delivered excellent sound quality. The Ascent also offered a 180-degree camera view and a PIN Code Vehicle Access system for secure adventures without a key fob.

The 2019 GMC Acadia included standard airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. The Driver Alert Package 1, standard on the SLT-1 and optional on the SLE-2, added blind-spot warning, lane-change alert, and rear park assist. The SLT-2 trim included the Driver Alert Package 2, with features like low-speed forward automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. However, these features were standard on base trims of some competitors.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, built on Subaru's global platform, received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured EyeSight, a suite of camera-based ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Premium trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Limited included LED steering-responsive headlights. The EyeSight Assist Monitor projected alerts onto the windshield, enhancing safety. New for 2020, a rear-seat reminder system was included, along with Starlink Safety Plus connected services for three years.