2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, showcasing a modern aesthetic that was both elegant and commanding. The SUV's exterior featured distinctive elements like the "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and a sleek grille with blacked-out, honeycomb detailing on the R-Design trim. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint added a sophisticated touch, contrasting beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options for wool fabric seats and matte wood trim, emphasizing simplicity and quality. The seats were designed for comfort, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features, making long journeys a pleasure. The cabin was thoughtfully crafted, with padded materials for safety and quality, and subtle details like the Swedish flag tag and a twist-action ignition knob.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru Ascent presented a more utilitarian design, reminiscent of a larger Subaru Forester. It featured practical elements like gray plastic cladding for protection, robust roof rails, and appealing 20-inch aluminum wheels. The Ascent's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was more stylish than previous Subaru models, with soft Java Brown leather and a panoramic sunroof. The cabin was designed for functionality, with a logical layout and quality materials. The Ascent offered a comfortable ride with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and significant track travel for the front seats, making it suitable for tall passengers. The second-row captain's chairs provided flexibility, and the third row was accessible and comfortable for short trips, especially for children.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing adequate power for highway driving. A Polestar tune was available, boosting the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, but the XC90 was not known for its sporty performance. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight negated the speed benefits. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 averaging 20 mpg over 800 miles, and the T8 not significantly better once the battery depleted. The XC90 excelled in comfort and quietness, but its handling and steering were not as precise as some competitors.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, a CVT, and AWD, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided good acceleration, even at higher elevations. However, the Ascent's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 18.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 22 mpg combined. The Ascent's handling was not sporty, with numb steering and a suspension that struggled with undulating surfaces. The CVT, while decent, had issues with power delivery, causing unexpected surges or delays. The shifter felt cheap, and the Ascent rolled significantly when parked on a hill. Despite these drawbacks, the Ascent excelled on smooth highways and off-road, thanks to its AWD system, X-Mode, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured a refined interior with a faster and more responsive Sensus infotainment system. The touchscreen controlled most functions, including climate settings, which could be cumbersome. The cabin layout was praised for its organization and quality, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for children. The XC90 offered generous legroom in the first and second rows, but the third row was tight, suitable only for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent prioritized comfort, especially in the Touring trim, with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was 10-way power-adjustable, and the armrests were well-padded. The Ascent offered flexibility with a choice of a second-row bench or captain's chairs, and the third row was accessible and comfortable for short trips. Cargo space was practical, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Ascent's upright liftgate and underfloor storage added to its utility.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel was limited in customization compared to competitors.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent included a Starlink infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. Premium trim added an 8-inch touchscreen, WiFi hotspot, and connected services, while Touring trim offered a high-resolution screen and navigation. The voice-control system was outdated, and the navigation system had issues with accuracy. The Harman Kardon speakers provided rich sound, and USB ports were available in all three rows. The Ascent's PIN Code Vehicle Access system was a standout feature, allowing secure access without a key fob.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative systems like whiplash protection.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its robust global platform. Subaru's 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 provided clear visual cues, and a rear-seat reminder system was new for 2020. Starlink Safety Plus services offered additional safety features and remote engine start.