2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat boring, design. This simplicity, however, was likely to age well, making it a good long-term investment. The King Ranch model stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and exclusive gray-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added to its appeal, though some design elements like the taillights and roof C-pillar could have been improved. Inside, the King Ranch featured special Del Rio leather and numerous King Ranch logos, though the presence of hard plastic in lower trims was disappointing for a vehicle in this price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Ascent, introduced in 2019, filled a long-standing gap in Subaru's lineup. It borrowed design elements from the smaller Forester and Outback, scaling them up into a three-row midsize SUV. The cabin design was consistent with other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of familiarity for buyers. The Ascent came in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering progressively more features. The Standard trim was well-equipped with driver-assistance features, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and tri-zone climate control, while higher trims added more luxury and convenience features.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered power to the rear wheels or an optional four-wheel-drive system. The Expedition had a ground clearance of 9.8 inches (9.7 inches for the MAX 4WD) and impressive towing capacities: 9,300 pounds with rear-drive and 9,200 pounds with 4WD. The driving experience was generally pleasing, with the engine providing ample power and the 10-speed automatic ensuring smooth gear shifts. However, the steering was slow, and the ride could be busy on imperfect pavement due to the oversized wheels. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior space, but fuel economy was a modest 17.7 mpg in real-world testing.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, generating 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. While the engine was effective for most driving scenarios, it excelled in urban environments and was competent on highways. The Ascent prioritized comfort, offering a smooth ride and responsive handling, especially in inclement weather. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and Subaru’s X-Mode system, the Ascent was capable in snow and light off-roading. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds and included Trailer Stability Assist as standard.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo capacity, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch model featured power running boards for easy access, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults. Cargo space was 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The long-wheelbase Expedition MAX offered even more cargo space.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. While this was on the higher end for midsize SUVs, some rivals offered more. The Ascent came standard with a power liftgate but lacked a hands-free option. It could seat up to eight passengers, with the first two rows offering ample space and the third row suitable for adults on shorter trips. The Ascent also featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage trays and cubbies.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, which was user-friendly but occasionally slow. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The rear-seat entertainment system and Pro Trailer Backup Assist were notable highlights, especially for those who frequently towed trailers.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent came with Subaru's StarLink infotainment system, offering logical menus and large icons. Both available touchscreens were supported by hard buttons and dials, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Ascent included two front and two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Optional features included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests and a 4-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+, thanks to its crash test results and Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite. EyeSight included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a feature that alerted drivers when the vehicle in front had moved. The Ascent also offered optional safety features like reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.