2020 Acura MDX vs 2019 Subaru Ascent

2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$31,995

MSRP

$44,500

Listings

624

Listings

607

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Spacious

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Cramped third row

Pros

  • Standard advanced safety features

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Uninspired styling

  • Outdated technology

2019 Subaru Ascent Reviews Summary

There are certain vehicle types every major automaker needs to offer if they plan to be taken seriously. The largest automakers are able to offer a full spread of vehicles, from sports cars to full-size trucks. Not every automaker will be able to fulfill every vehicle segment, but if you are a growing automaker, offering a 3-row family-hauling SUV is a must.

Because of this, the 3-row segment is getting pretty saturated. From cornerstone vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer to alternatives like the Kia Sorento, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Santa Fe, the list of 3-row SUVs seems exhaustive… because it is!

Enter the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Like all the vehicles listed here, it is a midsize SUV capable of seating 7 or 8 passengers, depending on the configuration. It's clearly designed for families, and it begs the question: How does this newcomer stand out in such a crowded space?

2020 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, with solid performances through three generations of production since 2001. While it may not be an industry leader in any one category, the MDX delivers competitive levels of comfort, convenience, and technology and an attractive overall package that has spawned a loyal repeat audience.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.4L 260 hp H4

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

260 hp @ 5600 rpm

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

21

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

27
2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$31,995
$44,500
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.5

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Spacious

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Cramped third row

Pros

  • Standard advanced safety features

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Uninspired styling

  • Outdated technology

Summary

There are certain vehicle types every major automaker needs to offer if they plan to be taken seriously. The largest automakers are able to offer a full spread of vehicles, from sports cars to full-size trucks. Not every automaker will be able to fulfill every vehicle segment, but if you are a growing automaker, offering a 3-row family-hauling SUV is a must.

Because of this, the 3-row segment is getting pretty saturated. From cornerstone vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer to alternatives like the Kia Sorento, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Santa Fe, the list of 3-row SUVs seems exhaustive… because it is!

Enter the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Like all the vehicles listed here, it is a midsize SUV capable of seating 7 or 8 passengers, depending on the configuration. It's clearly designed for families, and it begs the question: How does this newcomer stand out in such a crowded space?

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, with solid performances through three generations of production since 2001. While it may not be an industry leader in any one category, the MDX delivers competitive levels of comfort, convenience, and technology and an attractive overall package that has spawned a loyal repeat audience.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.4L 260 hp H4
3.5L 290 hp V6
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
8
7
Horsepower
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
21
20
MPG Highway
27
27
Look and feel

2019 Subaru Ascent

8/10

2020 Acura MDX

6/10
The 2019 Subaru Ascent, rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, offers a bold and commanding presence with ample cargo and passenger space. It features an upright design, pronounced fenders, and an imposing grille. The interior boasts a spacious cabin with the option of a 7-passenger or 8-passenger layout, depending on the trim. On the other hand, the 2020 Acura MDX, rated 6 out of 10, presents a sleek and low-slung profile with chiseled details and a fast roofline. The interior exudes a modern and simple look, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easier access to the third row.
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Picture of 2019 Subaru Ascent
Performance

2019 Subaru Ascent

7/10

2020 Acura MDX

6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Ascent 7 out of 10 for performance. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Ascent offers precise steering, minimal body roll, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. Conversely, the 2020 Acura MDX, rated 6 out of 10, comes with a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It offers good straight-line performance and impressive handling, especially with the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system.
Form and function

2019 Subaru Ascent

8/10

2020 Acura MDX

7/10
The 2019 Subaru Ascent, rated 8 out of 10, provides ample legroom and headroom in the first and second rows, with a tight but functional third row. It boasts an impressive 19 cupholders and offers up to 86 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. In comparison, the 2020 Acura MDX offers sliding and reclining second-row seats, accommodating headroom in all three rows, and up to 90.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded.
Technology

2019 Subaru Ascent

8/10

2020 Acura MDX

7/10
The 2019 Subaru Ascent, rated 8 out of 10, comes standard with Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Technology Package adds a Harman Kardon premium stereo, panoramic moonroof, navigation, and real-time traffic and weather updates. On the other hand, the 2020 Acura MDX offers advanced tech features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio, and a surround-view camera system available in the Advance Package.
Safety

2019 Subaru Ascent

9/10

2020 Acura MDX

9/10
Both the 2019 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Acura MDX receive high safety ratings, with CarGurus experts rating them 9 out of 10. The Ascent comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, while the MDX includes AcuraWatch, a suite of passive and active safety features.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Subaru Ascent emerges as the more compelling choice, offering a well-rounded package with a competitive price point, impressive performance, and a spacious and functional interior.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Subaru Ascent emerges as the more compelling choice, offering a well-rounded package with a competitive price point, impressive performance, and a spacious and functional interior.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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