2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Acura MDX

In terms of aesthetics, the 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a well-proportioned and attractive crossover SUV, albeit not particularly groundbreaking in its design. It wasn't a head-turner in parking lots or a showstopper at high-end venues, but it offered a dignified and pleasant appearance that blended in well. This approach certainly had its merits, as the MDX wasn't an eyesore but neither did it stand out dramatically.

Acura distinguished itself early with its incorporation of LED headlights, and the signature Jewel Eye headlights on the MDX added a touch of sophistication. These headlights featured five horizontally arranged LED elements per side, housed alongside the turn signals and running lamps. The front design was further anchored by a trapezoidal grille featuring a dominant Acura emblem at the center, lending the vehicle an assertive yet refined look.

With its sleek and low-slung design, especially for a three-row SUV, the MDX exuded elegance. Its paint and chrome finishes were impeccable, a testament to Acura's consistent quality in these areas. Inside, the MDX maintained a modern and clean aesthetic without indulging in excessive padding and stitching that seemed to dominate luxury interiors at the time. The center stack was particularly noteworthy, featuring twin infotainment screens—a high-mounted 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation above an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen, complemented by a set of buttons and a central command wheel.

Materials in the MDX showcased high quality and superb fit and finish, contributing to its solid and well-built feel. Knobs and switches operated with a satisfying sense of authority, further enhancing the overall experience.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent brought a much-needed three-row SUV to Subaru's lineup. Reflecting familiar elements from the Forester and Outback but on a larger scale, the Ascent delivered on what one would expect from a three-row Subaru SUV. Its design continued seamlessly from the brand’s smaller offerings, incorporating the practical and functional aesthetics Subaru fans appreciated.

Inside, the interior shared design cues with other Subaru models, likely a deliberate choice to create a sense of familiarity across the lineup. Trim levels ranged from Standard, Premium, Limited, to the top-tier Touring, with the Standard trim featuring essential equipment like a 6.5-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, multiple USB ports, and remote keyless entry.

Upgrading to the Premium trim provided a larger 8-inch touchscreen, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, stain-resistant upholstery, remote start, and additional comfort features such as heated front seats and second-row climate controls. The Limited trim added further luxury with push-button start, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and heated second-row seats and steering wheel.

At the pinnacle, the Touring trim offered even more luxury, including second-row captain's chairs, ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system, making it the most opulent choice in the Ascent lineup.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided two credible powertrain options. The standard offering was a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine with direct injection and variable valve timing. This engine generated 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and offered either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. For those seeking more power, the MDX Sport Hybrid was available, sporting a 3.0-liter V6 engine coupled with three electric motors, resulting in a combined output of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and all-wheel drive.

The gasoline-only model tested featured Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. This system showcased impressive straight-line performance with prompt takeoff and acceleration. The transmission, managed by paddle shifters, could seamlessly shift between Comfort and Sport modes to suit performance needs. The SH-AWD system also demonstrated remarkable agility in corners, utilizing torque-vectoring technology that directed power to the outside wheel during cornering maneuvers. This facilitated sharper turn-ins and improved handling, seamlessly managing acceleration around corners without unsettling the vehicle or engaging traction control—an impressive capability.

Moreover, the MDX’s four-wheel independent suspension system effectively absorbed road bumps, ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride over long distances.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent came equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Power was seamlessly routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Although it only offered one engine, this unit effectively handled day-to-day driving scenarios, proving particularly adept at city driving and capable on highways.

In terms of ride quality, the Ascent prioritized comfort and exhibited a well-mannered demeanor through corners, efficiently absorbing road imperfections. Subaru’s X-Mode system, combined with the Ascent's 8.7 inches of ground clearance, enhanced its capability in inclement weather and light off-roading scenarios, such as reaching a ski resort or a remote campsite. Additionally, the Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and included Trailer Stability Assist as a standard feature, demonstrating practical versatility.

The 2020 Acura MDX, like many three-row SUVs, positioned itself as a family-friendly vehicle, inheriting functional features from once-popular minivans. The MDX’s second-row seats could slide and recline, facilitating easier access to the third row and allowing for adjustable legroom distribution between rows. Passengers enjoyed good headroom across all three rows, enhancing the vehicle’s comfort quotient.

Behind the third row, the MDX offered 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space. This expanded to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat in a 50/50 split, and a further increase to 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down in a 60/40 split, providing a spacious and relatively flat load floor up to the back of the front seats. Additional storage included a recessed cubby hole on the left side of the rear cargo area and an underfloor storage space for concealed items.

In the front, the MDX featured a large glove box, an overhead sunglass pocket, and a versatile center console with two big cupholders and a sliding armrest that uncovered a bin with USB, power, and auxiliary jacks. This console was deep enough to hold a tablet, small laptop, or a medium-sized purse. Each door panel also had water-bottle pockets and other open storage spaces. Second-row passengers had access to cupholders on the back of the center console and seat-back pouches, while third-row passengers could utilize outboard armrests with storage bins and cup holders. Tri-zone climate control allowed for individual climate settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear cabin occupants, further emphasizing the MDX’s family-friendly credentials.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent took pride in its cargo space versatility. Behind the third row, the Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the third row expanded this to 47.5 cubic feet, and with all rear seats folded, the Ascent provided up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Though this was generous for its class, it fell short of competitors like the Volkswagen Atlas and Chevrolet Traverse, which offered up to 96.8 and 98.2 cubic feet, respectively.

Standard seating in the Ascent included provisions for up to eight passengers, but opting for second-row captain's chairs reduced this to seven. The first two rows were especially spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The third row was adequate for adults on short trips, but was best suited for children on longer journeys. With 19 cupholders distributed across all three rows and various trays and cubbies scattered throughout the interior, the Ascent was exceptionally accommodating for gear and beverages.

The 2020 Acura MDX simplified its technology offerings into comprehensive packages rather than individual customization. The base model was well-equipped with technology, featuring Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text messaging and email capability, a CD/MP3 and WMA-compatible compact disc player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. However, it lacked some of the contemporary tech features available in higher-end models.

Upgrading to the Technology Package, priced at $5,000, added an array of advanced tech features, including rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED puddle lights, front and rear parking sensors, navigation with Acura Real-Time Traffic and Traffic Rerouting, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and the Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio system with 10 speakers. The next tier, the Advance Package ($6,750), incorporated all Technology Package features plus the Active Damper System suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, power lumbar support, heated rear outboard seats, a surround-view camera system, Head-Up Warning, and extra USB ports for the third row.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent utilized Subaru's intuitive StarLink infotainment system, featuring user-friendly menu layouts and large, legible icons for its touchscreens. Both the base 6.5-inch and the upgraded 8-inch screens benefited from hard buttons and dials, along with a home button for easy navigation. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two front and two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Optional tech features for the Ascent included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system, enhancing the vehicle's technological appeal.

The 2020 Acura MDX emphasized safety, featuring the AcuraWatch suite of passive and active safety features along with advanced driver assistance systems. Standard safety equipment included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package incorporated Head-Up Warning. All MDX models featured a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, front airbags, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, a driver's knee airbag, stability control with traction control and motion-adaptive steering, Trailer Stability Assist for AWD models, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH child-seat mounts, and a theft-deterrent system with electronic immobilizer. Acura’s sophisticated ACE Body Structure was designed to absorb impact in a crash, protecting occupants by transferring energy through the frame.

The MDX received high safety ratings, with the IIHS rating it as “good” in all crash-test categories, and “acceptable” for headlights and LATCH ease of use. Its front crash prevention was rated “superior.” The NHTSA awarded the MDX a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was recognized as a 2021 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, an accolade that acknowledged its excellent crash test results and comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, branded as EyeSight. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. EyeSight also included a useful driver alert that indicated when the vehicle in front had moved in traffic.

For 2021, the Ascent added standard automatic high beams and headlights that adjusted with steering angle. Optional safety features included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.