2019 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Volvo XC90

2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volvo XC90
2020 Volvo XC90
$48,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volvo XC90
$48,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$31,995

MSRP

$48,350

Listings

624

Listings

295

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Spacious

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Cramped third row

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great safety ratings

  • Premium interior materials

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Underwhelming base engine

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 Volvo XC90 Reviews Summary

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.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.4L 260 hp H4

Engine

2.0L 250 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

260 hp @ 5600 rpm

Horsepower

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

21

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

30
2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volvo XC90
2020 Volvo XC90
$48,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volvo XC90
$48,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$31,995
$48,350
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.6

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

8.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Spacious

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Cramped third row

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great safety ratings

  • Premium interior materials

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Underwhelming base engine

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
Look and feel

2019 Subaru Ascent

8/10

2020 Volvo XC90

10/10
The 2019 Subaru Ascent is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Volvo XC90 scores a perfect 10 out of 10. The Ascent boasts big, bold styling, ample cargo and passenger space, and the latest infotainment and driver-assistance technologies. On the other hand, the XC90 exudes beauty with its sleek design, high-quality materials, and impressive attention to detail. The Ascent's upright design with a commanding presence, pronounced fenders, and an imposing grille gives it a scaled-up Subaru Forester appearance. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with the option of a 7-passenger or 8-passenger layout, along with a range of trims offering various features. The XC90, on the other hand, showcases a modern and elegant exterior with a well-crafted interior featuring luxurious materials and thoughtful design elements.
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 Volvo XC90

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Volvo XC90 both at 7 out of 10 for performance. The Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, delivering impressive pickup and precise steering. It offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it a capable and versatile SUV. The XC90 offers three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T6 model, with all-wheel drive and a supercharged engine, delivers 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant provides 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, along with an 11.6-kWh battery for up to 18 gas-free miles. However, the XC90's performance is noted to be less impressive compared to some competitors, with concerns about fuel economy and acceleration.
Form and function

2019 Subaru Ascent

8/10

2020 Volvo XC90

8/10
Both the 2019 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Volvo XC90 receive an 8 out of 10 rating from CarGurus experts for form and function. The Ascent offers ample legroom and headroom in the first and second rows, with a tighter third row suitable for children. It also boasts an impressive 19 cupholders and generous cargo space, making it highly practical for family use. The XC90 features a well-organized Sensus infotainment system and offers seven seats as standard, with an integrated booster cushion for young children in the middle of the second-row bench. However, the third row is noted to be tight and less roomy compared to some competitors, and the infotainment system has minor grievances in terms of functionality.
Technology

2019 Subaru Ascent

8/10

2020 Volvo XC90

8/10
Both the 2019 Subaru Ascent and the 2020 Volvo XC90 receive an 8 out of 10 rating from CarGurus experts for technology. The Ascent comes standard with Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system, offering easy-to-follow menus, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The XC90 features Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system, and a phenomenal Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power.
Safety

2019 Subaru Ascent

9/10

2020 Volvo XC90

10/10
The 2019 Subaru Ascent receives a 9 out of 10 rating for safety, while the 2020 Volvo XC90 scores a perfect 10 out of 10. The Ascent offers a full array of standard safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, while the XC90 boasts impeccable safety ratings, advanced safety features, and a history of prioritizing safety in its vehicles.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

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.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

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.

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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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