2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 BMW X5

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 that added visual strength. The robust roof rails highlighted its purpose, while the 20-inch aluminum wheels added a touch of style across most trim levels. The base model, starting at $31,995, came with smaller wheels and lacked privacy glass, but upgrading to the Premium trim at $34,395 offered better detailing and features. The Limited trim, priced at $39,345, added leather seats, and the top-tier Touring trim at $45,045 included premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, and luxury enhancements. The Touring trim, tested at $46,285, featured a stylish interior with quality materials and thoughtful details, making it feel worth the investment. However, CarGurus recommended the Ascent Premium with option packages for a similar look and comfort at a lower price.

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, maintaining the brand's signature design with its kidney grille and unmistakable body shape. While this consistency was reassuring, it also meant the X5 could blend in with other BMWs. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and upscale matte aluminum finishes on standard xLine models, while M Sport models boasted sportier styling with body-color trim and high-gloss black accents. Wheel options ranged from 19 to 22 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the X5's design was familiar, with many elements shared across BMW's lineup. Despite the abundance of black plastic, the interior was well-appointed with leather and soft-touch materials. M Sport models offered unique styling elements, enhancing the sporty feel.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, it provided decent acceleration. However, the powertrain was thirsty, averaging 18.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The Ascent's handling was not particularly engaging, with slow steering and a suspension that struggled on uneven surfaces. The CVT, while decent, had issues with power delivery, leading to unpredictable performance. Despite these drawbacks, the Ascent excelled off-road, thanks to its AWD system, X-Mode, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid delivered 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's steering and dynamics were less engaging than expected, with issues at both low and high speeds. However, the cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. The X5 xDrive45e offered efficient charging and a driving range of about 400 miles, with premium gasoline required for all models.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered comfort, especially in the Touring trim, with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was highly adjustable, and the armrests were well-padded. The dashboard featured a useful shelf and ambient lighting, though the controls appeared dated. The Ascent provided flexible seating options, with a choice of second-row bench or captain's chairs, and a third row that was accessible and comfortable for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86 cubic feet with seats folded. The Ascent's upright liftgate and underfloor storage added to its practicality.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard over time. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, and an optional third row was available. The climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with power functionality facilitated loading cargo. The X5's air suspension allowed for vehicle height adjustment, aiding in cargo handling. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. Accessing the second row was somewhat challenging due to narrow door openings.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent featured the Starlink infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. Premium trim added an 8-inch touchscreen, text messaging, a WiFi hotspot, and connected services, while Touring trim improved the display and added navigation. The system's voice control was outdated, and navigation accuracy was an issue. However, Bluetooth pairing was easy, and the Harman Kardon speakers delivered quality sound. The Ascent lacked a wireless charging pad but offered USB ports in all rows. Visibility aids included front and rear camera views, though a 360-degree view was absent. The PIN Code Vehicle Access system was a standout feature for active users.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a digital gauge cluster, and a 10-speaker sound system. Additional features included voice recognition, Bluetooth, USB ports, navigation, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, massaging seats, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar. Wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity quirks, occasionally taking over audio functions unexpectedly.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was built on a platform designed for exceptional occupant protection, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured EyeSight, a suite of camera-based ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Premium trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Limited included LED headlights and reverse automatic braking. The EyeSight Assist Monitor provided helpful visual cues, and a rear-seat reminder system was standard. Starlink Safety Plus services were free for three years, with additional features available through the Security Plus plan.

The 2021 BMW X5 included a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.