2019 Volvo XC40 vs 2019 Subaru Ascent

2019 Volvo XC40
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$33,700

MSRP

$31,995

Listings

143

Listings

624

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Pros

  • Powerful engine

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Irritating transmission

  • Poor visibility

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Spacious

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Cramped third row

2019 Volvo XC40 Reviews Summary

If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance.

Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world.

This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices.

Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out.

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?

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 187 hp I4

Engine

2.4L 260 hp H4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

8

Horsepower

187 hp @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower

260 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

27
2019 Volvo XC40
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$33,700
$31,995
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.7

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Powerful engine

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Irritating transmission

  • Poor visibility

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Spacious

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Cramped third row

Summary

If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance.

Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world.

This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices.

Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out.

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?

Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 187 hp I4
2.4L 260 hp H4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
8
Horsepower
187 hp @ 4700 rpm
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
23
21
MPG Highway
33
27
Look and feel

2019 Volvo XC40

9/10

2019 Subaru Ascent

8/10

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 as 9 out of 10 and the 2019 Subaru Ascent as 8 out of 10.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 boasts standout styling, offering an upright appearance and ample head- and legroom. It comes in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, each offering unique design elements and features. The XC40's interior is well-equipped, with a large 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment display and premium materials.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent features bold styling and ample cargo and passenger space. It offers a choice of 7-passenger or 8-passenger layouts and comes in Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring trims, each offering a range of features and amenities.

Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Performance

2019 Volvo XC40

7/10

2019 Subaru Ascent

7/10

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 and the 2019 Subaru Ascent both as 7 out of 10.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offers responsive handling and a range of drive modes for various driving conditions.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It offers impressive pickup, precise steering, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Form and function

2019 Volvo XC40

9/10

2019 Subaru Ascent

8/10

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 as 9 out of 10 and the 2019 Subaru Ascent as 8 out of 10.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 offers a well-designed interior with ample front-seat and backseat legroom. It features innovative storage solutions, a hands-free power liftgate, and a spacious cargo area.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent provides generous legroom and headroom in the first and second rows, with a third row suitable for children. It also offers an impressive number of cupholders and a spacious cargo area.

Technology

2019 Volvo XC40

8/10

2019 Subaru Ascent

8/10

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 and the 2019 Subaru Ascent both as 8 out of 10.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 features a large touchscreen with a portrait layout, offering seamless integration of vehicle controls, smartphone connectivity, and available navigation and premium audio systems.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent comes standard with Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system, offering easy-to-follow menus, smartphone integration, and available premium stereo and navigation systems.

Safety

2019 Volvo XC40

7/10

2019 Subaru Ascent

9/10

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 as 7 out of 10 and the 2019 Subaru Ascent as 9 out of 10.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 comes standard with a comprehensive set of safety features, including airbags, automatic braking, and driver-assist technologies. However, it has some visibility and shifter design issues that may impact safety.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent offers a robust suite of standard safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert, providing peace of mind for all occupants.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings, the 2019 Subaru Ascent emerges as the more highly rated vehicle, offering a compelling combination of performance, form and function, technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings, the 2019 Subaru Ascent emerges as the more highly rated vehicle, offering a compelling combination of performance, form and function, technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

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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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