2019 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

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 had an upright design with a commanding presence, pronounced fenders, and an imposing grille, making it the largest Subaru passenger vehicle ever built with a wheelbase of 113.8 inches. Inside, it felt more like an extra-large Subaru Outback, offering plenty of space for occupants with either a 7-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs or an 8-passenger layout with a second-row bench.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, was visually and dimensionally identical to its gasoline-powered counterpart. It featured the same length, width, and height, and even the 19-inch alloy wheel pattern was the same. The cabin was also a carryover, with the same dash, multi-function center console, 7-inch infotainment screen, steering-wheel-mounted functions, and driver information panel. The hybrid model had subtle exterior differences, such as blue-outlined Honda emblems and “Hybrid” designations on the A-pillars and tailgate. Inside, the gear shifter was replaced with a push-button gear selector, and paddle shifters were used to adjust brake regeneration aggressiveness. The instrument panel displayed the vehicle’s driving modes: Normal, EV, Econ, and Sport.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, 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.” The turbo engine provided ample pickup for both city and highway driving. The Ascent offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity with a tow-prep package. Fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined, with the Limited and Touring trims slightly lower at 20/26/22. In a week of mixed driving, the Limited test model returned 22.7 mpg.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a two-motor hybrid system powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric generator/starter motor and a propulsion motor. This setup produced a total system power of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid was EPA-rated at 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined, significantly better than the gasoline model’s 27/32/29. During a 65-mile city drive, the CR-V Hybrid Touring AWD test car achieved nearly 41 mpg. The hybrid system’s EV mode operated on electricity alone for up to a mile under specific conditions. The CR-V Hybrid offered a comfortable ride with good steering feel and on-demand torque, making it more fun to drive than the gasoline model.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent provided ample legroom and headroom in the first and second rows, while the third row was tighter for full-size adults. The third row was mainly for children or could be folded down to increase cargo space. The Ascent offered 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 Ascent also featured 19 cupholders spread throughout the cabin, making it highly practical for road trips.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid had to compromise on cargo capacity to accommodate the battery pack beneath the cargo floor. It offered 33.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Although less than the non-hybrid’s 39.2 and 75.8 cubic feet, it still provided more volume than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid featured a low cargo floor for easy loading and unloading and 8.2 inches of ground clearance. It offered more overall passenger space than its direct competitors, with better front headroom and rear legroom. The configurable center console bin was practical, though the armrest’s locking mechanism was too loose.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent came standard with Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system. The base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen. The system had easy-to-follow menus, physical buttons for radio, maps, apps, and media, 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 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single 1.0-amp USB connector. Higher trims, starting with the EX, included a 7-inch touchscreen display, Honda Link, smartphone integration, SiriusXM and HD radio, a 180-watt stereo, and additional USB ports. The Touring trim offered navigation, wireless device charging, and a 330-watt premium audio system. However, the infotainment system lacked haptic feedback, and turning off the automatic beep sound required navigating through multiple menus. The instrument panel provided useful information but required flipping through various menus, which could be distracting while driving.

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 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, which included automatic braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim.