2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, with its practical and utilitarian design, resembled a larger Subaru Forester. It featured gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares for visual strength. The robust roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels added to its appeal across most trim levels. The Ascent's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was stylish with quality materials and thoughtful details, offering a sense of value for money. CarGurus recommended the Ascent Premium trim with additional packages for a similar look to the Touring trim but at a lower price point.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, maintained the same dimensions and design as its gasoline counterpart. It featured subtle differences like blue-outlined Honda emblems and "Hybrid" badges. The interior was largely unchanged, with a familiar dash and center console. The hybrid model included a push-button gear selector and paddle shifters for brake regeneration. Despite these changes, the CR-V Hybrid's design remained largely consistent with the gasoline model, offering a familiar and comfortable experience.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a CVT and AWD, providing good acceleration but falling short on fuel efficiency, averaging 18.9 mpg compared to the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The Ascent's handling was not particularly sporty, with numb steering and a suspension that struggled on uneven surfaces. However, it excelled in off-road conditions with its AWD system, X-Mode, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid system, delivering 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It offered impressive fuel economy, rated at 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined. The CR-V Hybrid's performance was enhanced by its on-demand torque, making it more enjoyable to drive than the gasoline model. However, its EV mode was limited, and it lacked additional driving options compared to competitors. The CR-V Hybrid provided a comfortable ride with good steering feel, making it a practical choice for daily commutes.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered a spacious and comfortable interior, especially in the Touring trim. It featured soft leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Ascent provided ample storage options and a user-friendly control layout. It offered flexible seating arrangements with second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat, and a third row suitable for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, while slightly compromised in cargo capacity due to the battery pack, still offered 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.7 cubic feet with seats folded. It provided more passenger space than its competitors, with ample headroom and legroom. The CR-V Hybrid featured a configurable center console bin for added convenience. Despite the reduced cargo space, it maintained a low cargo floor for easy loading and unloading, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent came equipped with the Starlink infotainment system, offering Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The Premium trim added an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Touring trim included a high-resolution screen and navigation. The system was user-friendly, but the voice-control system was outdated. The Ascent also featured a 180-degree front camera view and a PIN Code Vehicle Access system for added convenience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid included standard Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a USB connector. The EX trim introduced a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and additional USB ports. The Touring trim offered navigation and a premium audio system. However, the infotainment system was criticized for its lack of haptic feedback and complicated settings. Despite these issues, the CR-V Hybrid provided a comprehensive suite of tech features for a connected driving experience.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety features. It included Subaru's EyeSight system with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. The Ascent also featured a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services for added peace of mind.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, offering automatic braking, lane-keep assist, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims, providing comprehensive safety coverage.