2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice made sense, as the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester with a third row. Inside, the Forester's cabin looked modern but prioritized function over aesthetics, ensuring all utility aspects were considered first. Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, the Forester featured standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems across all trims.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, looking like an enlarged Forester, was practical and utilitarian. It featured gray plastic cladding for 360-degree protection, an oversized grille, exaggerated fender flares, and robust roof rails. The Ascent's base model started at $31,995, with Premium, Limited, and Touring trims offering progressively more features and luxury. The Touring trim, priced at $45,045, included premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, and special wood trim. The Ascent's interior was stylish, with quality materials and thoughtful details, making it feel worth the investment.

The 2019 Subaru Forester housed a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement from the previous model's 170 hp and 174 lb-ft. However, the lack of a turbocharged engine option, which was available in the 2018 Forester, left some drivers wanting more power. The Forester's symmetrical AWD and continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized efficiency over performance, resulting in underwhelming acceleration. The SI-Drive system, standard across all trims, allowed drivers to switch between Intelligent and Sport modes for better throttle response. Fuel economy was impressive, with 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This provided good acceleration for a vehicle of its size, but the powertrain was thirsty, averaging 18.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 22 mpg combined. The Ascent's CVT, while decent, produced uneven power delivery and unpredictable performance. The suspension struggled with undulating road surfaces, and the brakes heated up quickly. However, the Ascent excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its Active Torque Split AWD system, X-Mode off-road traction system, Hill Descent Control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the base trim, with other trims providing 70.9 cubic feet. The larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance was beneficial for dirt and snow. The cabin was designed with function in mind, featuring numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders. The tall greenhouse provided excellent rearward visibility, a rarity among modern crossovers.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent's Touring trim offered comfort with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat included a manual thigh support extension. The Ascent's second-row captain's chairs were comfortable and slid forward and back to maximize legroom. The third-row seats provided acceptable space for shorter trips. Cargo space was 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Ascent's upright liftgate and rear glass made the cargo area more useful.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with a 6.5-inch or 8-inch screen. The system was responsive, with high resolution and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included Lead Vehicle Alert, which notified drivers when the vehicle ahead moved away at a stoplight.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent's Starlink infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and a CD player. Premium trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen, text-messaging capability, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Starlink Safety and Security connected services. The Touring trim added a high-resolution screen and navigation. The Ascent's voice-control system was outdated, but the Harman Kardon speakers provided rich sound quality. The Ascent also offered a 180-degree front camera view and a PIN Code Vehicle Access system.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with EyeSight driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Lane-keeping Assist, front- and side-impact airbags, and a reversing camera were also standard, making the Forester a very safe vehicle.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Premium trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Limited included LED steering-responsive headlights and reverse automatic braking. The EyeSight Assist Monitor projected alerts onto the windshield, and the rear-seat reminder system was new for 2020. Starlink Safety Plus connected services were free for three years, with Security Plus available for six months.