2019 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Toyota RAV4
Overview | |
MSRP$31,995 | MSRP$25,950 |
Listings77 | Listings254 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2019 Subaru Ascent Reviews SummaryThere 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 Toyota RAV4 Reviews SummaryAmericans love the Toyota RAV4. The compact crossover SUV is the most popular vehicle in the U.S. that isn’t a pickup truck, and when you live with one for a while, it’s easy to understand why so many people buy a RAV4. Available with a gasoline 4-cylinder or a gas-electric hybrid powertrain (covered as a separate model), and in a wide range of configurations including sporty XSE, luxurious Limited, and rugged Adventure, the 2020 RAV4 meets a variety of customer wants and needs. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 260 hp H4 | Engine2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City21 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway35 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 260 hp H4 | Engine Name2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Torque277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway35 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space17.8 cu ft | Cargo Space37.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight4430 lbs | Curb Weight3370 lbs |
Height71.6 in | Height67.0 in |
Length196.8 in | Length180.9 in |
Width85.7 in | Width73.0 in |
Wheelbase113.8 in | Wheelbase105.9 in |
Maximum Payload1570 lbs | Maximum Payload1240 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,995 | $25,950 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 8.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
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? | Americans love the Toyota RAV4. The compact crossover SUV is the most popular vehicle in the U.S. that isn’t a pickup truck, and when you live with one for a while, it’s easy to understand why so many people buy a RAV4. Available with a gasoline 4-cylinder or a gas-electric hybrid powertrain (covered as a separate model), and in a wide range of configurations including sporty XSE, luxurious Limited, and rugged Adventure, the 2020 RAV4 meets a variety of customer wants and needs. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | 2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
MPG City | 21 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 35 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | 2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 35 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 17.8 cu ft | 37.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4430 lbs | 3370 lbs |
Height | 71.6 in | 67.0 in |
Length | 196.8 in | 180.9 in |
Width | 85.7 in | 73.0 in |
Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 105.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1570 lbs | 1240 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | 1500 lbs |
















CarGurus highlights

Based on the ratings, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 emerges as the slightly more favorable choice with a higher overall score of 8.7 out of 10 compared to the 2019 Subaru Ascent's 8.0 out of 10.
Choose the 2019 Subaru Ascent if:
- You prioritize a spacious and versatile interior with the option for 7 or 8-passenger layout.
- You seek a vehicle with a strong towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
- You value a comprehensive suite of standard and available driver-assist and safety features.
Choose the 2020 Toyota RAV4 if:
- You desire a technologically advanced SUV with a perfect 10 out of 10 rating for technology.
- You are looking for a versatile and rugged SUV with off-roading capabilities, especially in the TRD Off-Road trim.
- You prioritize a comfortable and spacious interior with generous rear-seat legroom and ample cargo space.
CarGurus highlights

Based on the ratings, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 emerges as the slightly more favorable choice with a higher overall score of 8.7 out of 10 compared to the 2019 Subaru Ascent's 8.0 out of 10.
Choose the 2019 Subaru Ascent if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious and versatile interior with the option for 7 or 8-passenger layout.
- You seek a vehicle with a strong towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
- You value a comprehensive suite of standard and available driver-assist and safety features.
Choose the 2020 Toyota RAV4 if:
Shop Now- You desire a technologically advanced SUV with a perfect 10 out of 10 rating for technology.
- You are looking for a versatile and rugged SUV with off-roading capabilities, especially in the TRD Off-Road trim.
- You prioritize a comfortable and spacious interior with generous rear-seat legroom and ample cargo space.

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.








































