2019 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Volvo XC90
Overview | |
MSRP$31,995 | MSRP$48,350 |
Listings624 | Listings295 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.5 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 Volvo XC90 Reviews SummaryThe XC90 has been one of our favorite family shuttles for 18 model years. This 3-row Volvo continues for 2020 as it was during its 2016 redesign, which brought dramatic new design language, chassis architecture, electrified powertrains, infotainment, and semi-automated driving capability. Among midsize SUVs, the XC90 is among the few I would recommend without any hesitation. Families who can afford to splurge will find a stylish and pampering truck that's built upon decades of safety research, which very few automakers can match. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 260 hp H4 | Engine2.0L 250 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower250 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway30 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 260 hp H4 | Engine Name2.0L 250 hp I4 |
Torque277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower250 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway30 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space17.8 cu ft | Cargo Space15.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight4430 lbs | Curb Weight4375 lbs |
Height71.6 in | Height69.9 in |
Length196.8 in | Length195.0 in |
Width85.7 in | Width84.3 in |
Wheelbase113.8 in | Wheelbase117.5 in |
Maximum Payload1570 lbs | Maximum Payload1210 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity4000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,995 | $48,350 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 8.5 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? | The XC90 has been one of our favorite family shuttles for 18 model years. This 3-row Volvo continues for 2020 as it was during its 2016 redesign, which brought dramatic new design language, chassis architecture, electrified powertrains, infotainment, and semi-automated driving capability. Among midsize SUVs, the XC90 is among the few I would recommend without any hesitation. Families who can afford to splurge will find a stylish and pampering truck that's built upon decades of safety research, which very few automakers can match. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | 2.0L 250 hp I4 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 250 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 21 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 30 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | 2.0L 250 hp I4 |
Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 250 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 30 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 17.8 cu ft | 15.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4430 lbs | 4375 lbs |
Height | 71.6 in | 69.9 in |
Length | 196.8 in | 195.0 in |
Width | 85.7 in | 84.3 in |
Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 117.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1570 lbs | 1210 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | 4000 lbs |
















CarGurus highlights

Based on the ratings provided by CarGurus experts, the 2020 Volvo XC90 edges out the 2019 Subaru Ascent with a slightly higher overall score of 8.5 out of 10. The XC90 offers a luxurious and safe driving experience, albeit at a higher price point, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium midsize SUV.
Choose the 2019 Subaru Ascent if:
- You prioritize practicality and versatility, with ample cargo space and numerous cupholders.
- You seek a capable and well-equipped 3-row SUV at a competitive starting price.
- You are a loyal Subaru owner looking to upgrade to a larger and more capable vehicle within the brand's lineup.
Choose the 2020 Volvo XC90 if:
- You value luxury, safety, and advanced technology in a midsize SUV.
- You are willing to invest in a premium vehicle with impeccable safety ratings and a high level of comfort.
- You prioritize a stylish and elegant design, along with a range of advanced features and amenities.
CarGurus highlights

Based on the ratings provided by CarGurus experts, the 2020 Volvo XC90 edges out the 2019 Subaru Ascent with a slightly higher overall score of 8.5 out of 10. The XC90 offers a luxurious and safe driving experience, albeit at a higher price point, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium midsize SUV.
Choose the 2019 Subaru Ascent if:
Shop Now- You prioritize practicality and versatility, with ample cargo space and numerous cupholders.
- You seek a capable and well-equipped 3-row SUV at a competitive starting price.
- You are a loyal Subaru owner looking to upgrade to a larger and more capable vehicle within the brand's lineup.
Choose the 2020 Volvo XC90 if:
Shop Now- You value luxury, safety, and advanced technology in a midsize SUV.
- You are willing to invest in a premium vehicle with impeccable safety ratings and a high level of comfort.
- You prioritize a stylish and elegant design, along with a range of advanced features and amenities.

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.







































