2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, moving away from the boxy sedans and wagons of the past to a more refined and elegant aesthetic. The XC90 showcased a sophisticated exterior with features like the blacked-out honeycomb grille on the R-Design trim, "Thor's hammer" LED headlights, and a sleek arching shoulder crease that emphasized its width and stability. The interior was equally impressive, with options for matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and luxurious leather upholstery. The seats were designed for comfort, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage functions, making long journeys a pleasure. The attention to detail, such as the Swedish flag tag and the twist-action ignition knob, highlighted Volvo's commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Ascent was a practical addition to the Subaru lineup, filling the gap for a three-row SUV. Its design was reminiscent of the smaller Forester and Outback models, scaled up to accommodate more passengers. The cabin mirrored this approach, with a dash design similar to other Subaru models, creating a sense of familiarity for brand loyalists. The Ascent offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped Standard to the luxurious Touring, each providing a variety of features to suit different needs. The interior was spacious, with seating for up to eight passengers and numerous storage options, including 19 cupholders. The Ascent's design was functional and family-friendly, appealing to those seeking a reliable and versatile SUV.

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 a more suitable performance for the XC90's weight. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, though it still lacked linear acceleration and refinement. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant boasted 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight diminished its speed advantage. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city and 26 highway, and the T8 offering limited improvement. Despite its power, the XC90 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a lifeless steering feel and significant body roll.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT and Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, provided adequate performance for most driving scenarios. The Ascent excelled in comfort, offering a smooth ride and responsive handling, particularly in adverse weather conditions. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru's X-Mode system, the Ascent was capable of light off-roading and towing up to 5,000 pounds. Its performance was well-suited for families seeking a reliable and versatile SUV.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which had improved in speed and responsiveness. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with limited physical buttons for essential functions. The cabin layout was praised for its organization and comfort, offering seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for children. The XC90 provided generous legroom in the first and second rows, though the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. While not the largest in its class, the Ascent's cargo capacity was competitive. The interior accommodated up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs. The first two rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was more suitable for children. The Ascent featured numerous storage options, including 19 cupholders, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining 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 user-friendly, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent's StarLink infotainment system featured logical menu layouts and large icons, supported by hard buttons and dials. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Available tech options included a WiFi hotspot and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo. The Ascent's infotainment system was praised for its ease of use and comprehensive connectivity options.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight performance prevented it from achieving the highest designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative airbag systems.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, thanks to its crash test results and Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance suite. EyeSight included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The Ascent also offered optional safety features like reverse automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing its safety credentials.