2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium. Each trim added features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate, with the SE trim being particularly recommended for its practicality.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent resembled a larger Subaru Forester, appealing in its practical and utilitarian design. It featured gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversized grille, and robust roof rails. The Ascent came in four trims, with the base model starting at $31,995 and the Touring trim reaching $45,045. The Touring trim offered premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, and special wood trim. The Ascent's interior was stylish, with quality materials and thoughtful details. CarGurus recommended the Ascent Premium with option packages for a balance of features and price.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered stout acceleration and a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive (FWD) version delivered the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available for all trims except the base L, providing better traction in inclement conditions. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its steering was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard AWD. While it provided good acceleration, the Ascent's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 18.9 mpg in real-world testing. The Ascent's handling was not particularly sporty, with slow and numb steering and a suspension that struggled with undulating road surfaces. The CVT's behavior was inconsistent, leading to uneven power delivery. However, the Ascent excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its AWD system, X-Mode, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such accommodations.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent provided comfort, especially in the Touring trim, with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Ascent offered a choice between a second-row bench seat or captain's chairs, with the latter providing sliding and reclining options. The third row was accessible and comfortable for short trips, with large side windows and available USB ports. The Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86 cubic feet with the seats folded. Its upright liftgate and underfloor storage compartment added to its practicality.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. It also included a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims added features like navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent came with a Starlink infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. Starting with the Premium trim, it included an 8-inch touchscreen, text-messaging capability, and a WiFi hotspot. The Touring trim added a high-resolution screen and navigation. While the voice-control system was outdated, the Harman Kardon speakers provided excellent sound quality. The Ascent also featured a 180-degree front camera view and a PIN Code Vehicle Access system for active lifestyles.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and a top rating of Superior from the IIHS for its driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Its EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Premium trim added blind-spot monitoring, while Limited included LED headlights and reverse automatic braking. The EyeSight Assist Monitor projected alerts onto the windshield, enhancing safety. The Ascent also featured a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services.