2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback remained largely familiar to fans of the model, embracing Subaru’s incremental improvement strategy. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, engineers boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base engine, a 2.5-liter, 182-horsepower powerplant, featured 90% new parts for enhanced performance and efficiency. For those desiring more power, higher trims offered a 260-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged engine.

Externally, the Outback's updates were subtle. However, attentive observers would notice refined head- and taillight designs. Inside, the big news was the debut of an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all trims except the base 2.5i, which instead received dual 7-inch screens. With seven trim levels ranging from the affordably equipped 2.5i at $26,645 to the luxuriously outfitted Touring XT at $39,695, the Outback catered to a broad array of buyers.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, on the other hand, resembled a larger Forester, radiating practicality with a touch of ruggedness. Gray plastic cladding encircled its lower extremities, while the prominent grille and exaggerated fender flares emphasized its robust aesthetics. Standard roof rails and 20-inch wheels enhanced its purposeful look and feel.

Starting at $31,995, the Ascent offered smaller 18-inch wheels for the base trim, with 20-inch wheels available on higher trims. Moving up the price ladder to the $45,045 Touring trim brought upscale finishes like premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, and wood accents. The Ascent’s thoughtfully styled interior contrasted beautifully with its bold exterior, making it compelling for those seeking a blend of utility and style.

The 2020 Subaru Outback presented two engine choices: a 2.5-liter engine producing 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine generating 260 horsepower. The base engine's direct injection technology, combined with its updated components, increased fuel efficiency to 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, a slight improvement over the previous year. While suitable for daily driving, the 2.5-liter engine lacked the zest some drivers might crave.

For more dynamic driving experiences, the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine accelerated to 60 mph in around 7 seconds, delivering 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines featured a CVT, which Subaru fine-tuned to mimic traditional automatic transmissions. The Outback's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system enhanced stability and traction in various conditions, thanks to its constant engagement and the low center of gravity afforded by the boxer engine.

Off-road, the Outback proved capable with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and an upgraded X-Mode with hill-descent control available in the Onyx Edition XT. However, it wasn’t geared for extreme off-roading, with approach, departure, and breakover angles designed for moderate adventures.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine across all trims, offered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided sufficient acceleration and strong performance at higher elevations. The Ascent’s drivetrain, however, struggled with fuel efficiency, averaging 18.9 mpg in real-world testing, below its EPA estimate of 22 mpg combined.

Despite its turbo engine’s potential, the Ascent’s driving dynamics were less spirited than expected. Its steering, though nicely weighted, was relatively uninspiring. The CVT aimed to replicate traditional automatic behavior but resulted in uneven power delivery and unpredictable response to throttle inputs, making for a less-than-smooth driving experience.

The Ascent excelled on freeways and conquered snowy or icy conditions confidently, utilizing Subaru's X-Mode and Hill Descent Control. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it matched the Outback's off-road capabilities, again underscoring Subaru's commitment to adventure-ready vehicles.

In terms of interior space and cargo capacity, the 2020 Subaru Outback outshined many traditional SUVs. With 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down, the Outback provided ample room for passengers and cargo. The rear seats folded down smoothly via convenient handles in the trunk, enhancing its practical design. Despite its spaciousness, the Outback maintained a low profile, rewarding drivers with a lower center of gravity and improved handling.

The cabin design of the Outback facilitated taller drivers, and excellent proportions contributed to outstanding visibility, although the rear quarters still had minor blind spots. The attention to detail in crafting a user-friendly, spacious, and versatile interior placed the Outback at the forefront of functional design.

Conversely, the 2020 Subaru Ascent impressed with its capacity to comfortably seat up to eight passengers. The Touring trim level's interior featured soft, premium leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel for maximum comfort. Adjustable captain’s chairs in the second row allowed easy access to the third row, which, while relatively tight compared to the rest of the cabin, was still manageable for adults on shorter trips. The Ascent's accommodating nature manifested in its substantial cargo volumes: 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Such versatility made it ideal for family adventures.

Comparing the cargo capacities between the Outback and Ascent, the Ascent held a clear advantage in maximum volume, proving more suitable for larger families or those needing extensive storage space.

The 2020 Subaru Outback tried to captivate tech-savvy consumers with an 11.6-inch touchscreen interface. Though visually striking and generally intuitive, the system suffered from notable lag, affecting tasks as simple as volume adjustment to more complex navigation operations. While the climate control settings were occasionally buried within the touchscreen, users found the overall layout manageable but frustratingly slow.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent featured Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system across all trims, with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. While smaller than the Outback’s screen, the Ascent’s interface was praised for its easy operation, separate climate controls, and inclusion of traditional knobs and buttons. However, the built-in voice-control system lagged behind competitors, failing to recognize natural commands and responding slowly.

While the Outback faced performance issues with its tech setup, the Ascent’s more reliable, though less technically advanced, interface proved more user-friendly in everyday use. The Ascent also featured a helpful 180-degree camera, missing in the Outback’s suite, enhancing parking and maneuvering safety.

The 2020 Subaru Outback came with an extensive array of standard safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight system with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, this optical system turned off occasionally due to environmental conditions such as fog or direct sunlight, which compromised reliability. The DriverFocus system also faced criticism for being overly sensitive, frequently alerting drivers unnecessarily during normal driving conditions.

For the 2020 Subaru Ascent, safety was a highlight. Built on Subaru’s robust global platform, the Ascent achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Equipped with EyeSight technology, the Ascent added useful features such as a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.

The Ascent demonstrated better overall safety system reliability and effectiveness compared to the Outback, making it a more reassuring choice for safety-conscious buyers.