2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2019 Subaru Ascent

The 2019 Subaru Ascent represented a significant improvement over Subaru’s previous 3-row SUV, the B9 Tribeca. The 2019 Ascent was a full-fledged effort boasting big, bold styling and ample cargo and passenger space. The vehicle had an upright design, giving it a robust and commanding presence on the road. Pronounced fenders and an imposing grille added to its assertive look. Its 113.8-inch wheelbase made it the largest Subaru passenger vehicle ever built. In many ways, the 2019 Ascent resembled an enlarged Subaru Forester, though its interior felt more akin to an extra-large Subaru Outback.

Internally, the 2019 Ascent offered either a 7-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs or an 8-passenger layout with a second-row bench. Trims included Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring, with varying configurations on seating. For example, the Base and Premium trims came standard with a bench, while the Premium allowed the option of captain's chairs. The Limited offered a choice of either, and the Touring trim came exclusively with captain's chairs.

Standard equipment on the Base trim included 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, four USB ports, and 19 cupholders. It also featured 3-zone climate control with vents for all three rows. The Premium trim added enhancements such as a windshield de-icer, heated front seats, an upgraded infotainment system, and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring. The Limited trim included standard leather upholstery, heated seats, a power liftgate, and high-end safety technologies. The range-topping Touring trim featured even more luxurious touches, including satin chrome side mirrors, ventilated front seats, and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent continued the trend of practical and utilitarian styling. Its design mirrored that of a puffed-up Subaru Forester, complete with gray plastic cladding along the lower edges for 360-degree protection. The large grille and exaggerated fender flares emphasized its strong visual appeal. Roof rails added practical value while 20-inch aluminum wheels were standard across most trims, democratizing its design.

Base models, focused on affordability, started at $31,995, featuring 18-inch wheels and lacking dark-tinted privacy glass. The Premium trim, priced at $34,395, included better detailing and a superior infotainment system. The Limited trim at $39,345 brought leather seats and additional features, while the top-tier Touring trim, at $45,045, introduced premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, special wood trim, and other luxury enhancements. The Touring trim stood out with its Abyss Blue Pearl color option and stylish Java Brown leather interior, which made a strong impression with its high-quality materials and thoughtful design touches.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer engine generating 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 system. The CVT provided a manual tap-shift function with simulated “gears.” The turbo engine supplied ample power for both city and highway driving, making it an impressive performer across various driving conditions.

Steering in the 2019 Ascent was well-weighted and cornering was precise with minimal body roll. The vehicle offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds with the optional tow-prep package, otherwise, it dropped to 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the 2019 model stood at 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with higher trims achieving slightly lower values. During mixed city and highway driving, the 2019 Limited achieved an average of 22.7 mpg.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent also employed the same turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing an identical 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT and AWD, maintained good acceleration even at elevation due to its turbocharging.

However, fuel economy for the 2020 model was less impressive, achieving just 18.9 mpg during testing, significantly lower than the EPA estimate of 22 mpg combined for versions with 20-inch wheels. The CVT also had quirks that resulted in uneven power delivery and an unpredictable driving experience. The steering was nicely weighted but lacked responsiveness, and suspension issues made for a stiffer ride over rough pavement. While the Ascent's suspension was adept at handling smooth highways, it struggled with undulating road surfaces.

On a more positive note, the Ascent was capable off-road, featuring an Active Torque Split AWD system, Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction system, Hill Descent Control system, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

In the 2019 Subaru Ascent, both the first and second rows offered ample legroom and headroom. The third row, however, was tighter, suitable mostly for children or short trips. This was comparable to other 3-row SUVs in the segment, such as the Toyota Highlander. The Ascent’s 19 cupholders, spread throughout the cabin, added to its road trip utility. Cargo space was robust: 47 cubic feet with the third row down and 86 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, outshining competitors like the Ford Explorer, Highlander, and Honda Pilot.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent's interior, especially in the Touring trim, provided high comfort levels with soft, supple leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was a 10-way power-adjustable with manual thigh support. Though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, it was comfortably situated. The dashboard's logical layout and ambient lighting added to the overall premium feel, although the control design appeared slightly dated. In terms of storage, the 2020 model featured useful compartments, including a super-useful shelf on the dashboard.

The 2020 Ascent also offered varied seating configurations, including a 3-person second-row bench or captain’s chairs. Entry into the third row was relatively easy through large side doors and a convenient pass-through between the captain’s chairs. While the third row offered better comfort than some competitors, it still presented limited space for adults on longer trips.

Cargo space in the 2020 Ascent was substantial, offering 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and an underfloor storage compartment. With the third-row seats folded down, the cargo volume expanded to 47 cubic feet and 86 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Ascent's upright design made the rear storage area especially useful.

The 2019 Ascent came standard with Subaru’s latest StarLink infotainment system. The base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen. The higher trims also featured redundant physical buttons for easy navigation, real dials for volume and tuning, and a minimal learning curve. Optional technology packages for the Limited trim added features like a Harman Kardon premium stereo, panoramic moonroof, GPS navigation, and real-time traffic and weather updates.

The 2020 Ascent also included the StarLink infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and integrated apps. The Premium trim and above were equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, text-messaging capability, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and StarLink Safety and Security services. The Touring trim upgraded the setup with a high-resolution screen and GPS navigation. Despite the relatively small screen size by contemporary standards, the Touring trim's display functioned satisfactorily.

Subaru’s voice-control system was lagging, often failing to recognize natural commands and causing frustration during navigation. Bluetooth pairing and streaming were straightforward, and the Harman Kardon speakers produced excellent sound quality. USB ports were available in all three rows, supplementing the lack of a wireless smartphone charging pad. Additional features included a 180-degree front and rear camera view and a useful PIN Code Vehicle Access system for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features. Standard equipment included multiple airbags, vehicle dynamics control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology was also standard across all trims, offering 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 model was backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent built on this safety foundation with standard EyeSight technology, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Premium trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited trim included LED steering-responsive headlights and reverse automatic braking. The EyeSight Assist Monitor provided useful visual cues on the windshield, enhancing safety without causing distractions. New for 2020, Subaru introduced a rear-seat reminder system to prevent leaving children or pets in the backseat. StarLink Safety Plus services were complimentary for three years, with upgrade options available for enhanced security features.