2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, resembling a larger Subaru Forester, was designed with practicality and utility in mind. It featured gray plastic cladding for 360-degree protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares for a robust appearance. Roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels added to its functional design. The base model, starting at $31,995, came with 18-inch wheels and lacked privacy glass. Upgrading to the Premium trim at $34,395 offered better detailing and a superior infotainment system. The Limited trim at $39,345 added leather seats, while the top-tier Touring trim at $45,045 included premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, and luxury enhancements. The test vehicle, priced at $46,285, featured Touring trim, third-row quick-charge USB ports, and a striking Abyss Blue Pearl paint job. The interior, with Java Brown leather, showcased quality materials and thoughtful details, making it feel worth the investment. CarGurus recommended the Ascent Premium with additional packages for a similar look to the Touring trim but at a lower price.

The 2020 Audi Q7 offered multiple variations, including the 45 TFSI with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and the 55 TFSI with a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The performance-tuned SQ7 featured a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. The Q7 55 TFSI, starting at $60,800, was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. The test vehicle, with Prestige trim, Navarra Blue metallic paint, and additional packages, totaled $74,290. Design updates for 2020 included new front and rear styling, wheels, and lighting elements, aligning the Q7 with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle's 20-inch wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires provided protection against curbing. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, featuring three digital displays and Audi's Virtual Cockpit panel. The cabin, with Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, was upscale and high-tech, with multi-color ambient lighting adding a soothing vibe at night.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and all-wheel drive (AWD). With 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, it provided good acceleration for its size. However, it was a thirsty powertrain, averaging 18.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The Ascent's handling was not particularly sporty, with slow and numb steering and a suspension that struggled with pavement undulations. The brakes also heated up quickly. The CVT, while decent, produced uneven power delivery and had a cheap-feeling shifter. The Ascent excelled on freeways and off-road, thanks to its AWD system, X-Mode off-road traction system, Hill Descent Control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI introduced a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, enhanced by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This system helped conserve fuel and reduce the load on the engine. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, the Q7 offered several driving modes through Audi Drive Select. The 55 TFSI drivetrain accelerated the 5,082-pound SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, with a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The EPA estimated 18 mpg combined, but the Q7 averaged 21 mpg during testing. The Prestige trim included an adaptive air suspension, adjustable through Audi Drive Select. The Q7 performed well on both pavement and off-road, with agile handling and a quiet cabin. The mild-hybrid technology operated transparently, and the Q7's acceleration was responsive, especially in Dynamic mode.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered comfort, especially in the Touring trim. The leather seats were soft, and the front seats were heated and ventilated, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The dashboard featured a useful shelf and ambient lighting, though the controls appeared dated. The Ascent provided significant track travel for the front seats, making it appealing to tall people. Storage options included a center bin, door panel bins, and a glove compartment. The Ascent could be configured with a second-row bench seat or captain's chairs, with the latter offering comfort and convenience. The third-row seat was accessible and provided acceptable space for short 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 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best used as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat was suitable only for young children and required the second-row seats to be slid forward. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 14.2 cubic feet, expanding to 35.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 69.6 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Q7's front seats were comfortable, with eight-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The second-row seats provided ample legroom and thigh support, with four-zone climate control and heated cushions. The panoramic sunroof was ideal for sightseeing. However, the Q7 lacked practical interior storage, with limited space in the center console and door-panel bins. Second-row occupants had netted storage on the front seatbacks and door-panel bins, with cupholders in the center armrest.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent featured a Starlink infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and integrated apps. Premium trim added an 8-inch touchscreen, text-messaging capability, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Starlink Safety and Security connected services. The Touring trim included a high-resolution screen and navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with stereo knobs and separate climate controls. However, the voice-control system was outdated and unresponsive. The navigation system occasionally misplaced the vehicle's location. Bluetooth pairing and music streaming were easy, and the Harman Kardon speakers provided rich sound quality. The Ascent Touring offered a 180-degree front camera view and a 180-degree rear camera view, but lacked a 360-degree view camera and front parking sensors. The PIN Code Vehicle Access system allowed the key fob to be securely locked inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen with an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with Google Earth imagery, and Audi Connect subscription services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While the system was generally intuitive, dry fingertips sometimes made the virtual buttons unresponsive. The user interface was easy to navigate once set up, with a volume and tuning knob on the center console. The voice-recognition technology was excellent, making it easy to get directions, change cabin temperature, and choose radio stations. The Prestige trim included a head-up display, though it was invisible with polarized sunglasses. The test vehicle had a Bose premium sound system, which was replaced by a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system in 2021.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was built on Subaru's latest global platform, designed for exceptional occupant protection. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The EyeSight system 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 trim included LED steering-responsive headlights and reverse automatic braking. The EyeSight Assist Monitor projected lights onto the windshield to indicate system status. A rear-seat reminder system was new for 2020, and Starlink Safety Plus connected services were free for three years, with Security Plus available for six months.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, which performed well but were rated "poor" by the IIHS due to excessive glare. The Q7 included numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, with upgrades available through the Executive Package or Prestige trim. Highlights included Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist with traffic-jam assistance and lane-centering. The adaptive cruise control worked well, but the traffic-sign-recognition technology caused issues by misreading signs. Active Lane Assist was also problematic, especially on roads with passing lanes. The Q7 received the highest ratings from the IIHS, except for the headlight assessment.