2019 Subaru Ascent vs 2019 Acura MDX

The 2019 Subaru Ascent marked a significant departure from Subaru's previous attempt at a 3-row SUV, the B9 Tribeca. Unlike the Tribeca, which suffered from minimal cargo space, poor fuel economy, and an almost nonexistent third row, the Ascent was a full and honest effort. It featured big, bold styling, ample cargo and passenger space, and the latest infotainment and driver-assistance technologies. The Ascent's upright design, pronounced fenders, and imposing grille gave it a commanding presence on the road.

Inside, the Ascent felt more like an extra-large Subaru Outback than a Forester. It offered plenty of space for occupants, with options for either a 7-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs or an 8-passenger layout with a second-row bench. The trims ranged from Base to Touring, each adding more features and luxury. The Limited trim, for instance, came with 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, leather seating, and a host of driver-assistance features. The top-tier Touring trim added even more luxury with ventilated front seats, woodgrain interior accents, and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2019 Acura MDX had long dominated the midsize, 3-row crossover segment, thanks to its continuous improvements and lack of strong competition. By 2019, the MDX had received a facelift, an upgraded infotainment system, and a new A-Spec Package trim level. The A-Spec trim added a unique front bumper design, Shark Gray 20-inch wheels, and a mix of dark chrome and gloss black trim elements, giving the MDX a more aggressive look.

Inside, the A-Spec trim featured heated and ventilated front seats upholstered in red leather and black Alcantara suede, an A-Spec steering wheel with paddle shifters, and metallic pattern trim with metal accents. The dual-cowl dashboard design housed dual infotainment screens, and the quality materials throughout the cabin added to the luxury feel. The MDX's interior was both serious and whimsical, blending Japanese practicality with a touch of colorful flair.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The CVT had a manual tap-shift function with simulated “gears,” providing plenty of pickup for both city and highway driving. The Ascent also boasted 8.7 inches of ground clearance and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity with the tow-prep package. Fuel economy for the Ascent was 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined, with the Limited trim returning 22.7 mpg in mixed driving.

The 2019 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, making 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The optional SH-AWD system, required for the A-Spec Package, added torque-vectoring AWD, thicker stabilizer bars, and improved weight distribution. The MDX Sport Hybrid model paired a 3.0-liter V6 engine with three electric motors, producing a total of 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, and offered better city fuel economy. The MDX A-Spec proved quick and enjoyable to drive, with a firm but comfortable ride quality. The A-Spec returned 19.7 mpg on a testing loop, just shy of its official EPA rating of 21 mpg combined.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent offered plenty of legroom and headroom in the first and second rows, while the third row was tighter for full-size adults. The third row was more suitable for children or could be folded down to increase cargo space. The Ascent featured 19 cupholders and provided 47 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row down, expanding to 86 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This was more than the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot.

The 2019 Acura MDX had an exceptionally comfortable and practical interior. The front seats provided proper cushioning and support, and the second-row seat was great for both adults and children. The third-row seat was less comfortable and more suitable for occasional use. With the third row folded, the MDX offered 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 68.4 cubic feet with the second row down. With all seats in use, cargo space was limited to 15 cubic feet.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent came standard with Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system. The base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims had an 8-inch touchscreen. The system had easy-to-follow menus, physical buttons for key functions, and real dials for volume and tuning. The optional Technology Package added a Harman Kardon premium stereo, panoramic moonroof, navigation, and real-time traffic and weather updates.

The 2019 Acura MDX featured a dual-screen infotainment system. The top display was used for navigation, smartphone projection, and vehicle settings, while the bottom touchscreen handled the radio and secondary climate functions. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the dual-screen setup was confusing and the voice-recognition system was unreliable. The screens were small for a luxury SUV, and the upper display’s resolution was outdated. The next redesign was expected to include Acura’s True Touchpad Interface, which was a significant improvement.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent came standard with a full array of front- and side-impact airbags, vehicle dynamics control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology was also standard on all trims, including pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The Ascent was backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2019 Acura MDX included the AcuraWatch suite of safety systems as standard on all trims, with the Technology Package adding blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with Acceptable ratings for headlight performance and child safety seat anchor accessibility. The Jewel Eye LED headlights were highly effective, and the AcuraWatch systems, while not as refined as some competitors, provided essential safety features. The MDX also included a 90-day trial of AcuraLink Connect services, offering automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calling, and a car-finding function.