2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Ford Edge

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was a much-anticipated addition to Subaru's lineup, filling a noticeable gap in the three-row SUV segment. Its design was a natural extension of Subaru's existing models, resembling a larger version of the Forester and Outback. The interior followed suit, with a dashboard design that mirrored other Subaru vehicles, likely to create a sense of familiarity for brand loyalists. The Ascent offered four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each progressively adding more features such as larger touchscreens, power-adjustable seats, and premium audio systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Edge maintained a consistent exterior design since its 2019 refresh, which successfully integrated Ford's contemporary styling cues. The Edge offered a cleaner aesthetic compared to some of its competitors. The Titanium trim featured chrome accents, while the ST trim sported a blacked-out grille and larger wheels. Inside, the Edge's design showed its age, despite attempts to modernize it with features like a larger touchscreen. The interior offered leather upholstery in the Titanium and sporty seats in the ST, but overall, it lacked the freshness of its exterior.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, provided adequate performance for most driving situations. The Ascent excelled in comfort and handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and features like X-Mode for enhanced traction in challenging conditions. It was capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families with towing needs.

The 2021 Ford Edge offered a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Edge ST model featured a more powerful 2.7-liter V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive and performance-oriented suspension tuning. The Edge's towing capacity varied by model, with the base FWD model towing up to 3,958 pounds, while the V6-powered ST could tow up to 4,525 pounds. Despite its performance focus, the Edge ST's driving dynamics were not quite on par with high-performance SUVs.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered generous interior space, with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. It provided seating for up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was more suitable for children. The Ascent featured numerous storage options, including 19 cupholders, but lacked a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 Ford Edge, a two-row midsize crossover, excelled in rear-seat headroom and offered competitive legroom. It provided 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with them folded. The Edge included a foot-activated power liftgate on higher trims. While the rotary shift knob freed up some console space, the narrow design limited its practicality. The Edge's interior storage solutions were average, with some hard-to-reach areas.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system, known for its intuitive menu layouts and easy-to-read icons. It came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered additional tech features like a WiFi hotspot and a premium Harman Kardon stereo system.

The 2021 Ford Edge was equipped with Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It included standard Bluetooth, SiriusXM with 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Edge ST trim boasted a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Sync 4 system was praised for its user-friendly interface and straightforward menu layouts, offering a seamless tech experience.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, thanks to its strong crash test results and comprehensive EyeSight driver-assistance suite. This included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Additional safety options included reverse automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Ford Edge received the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, with top ratings in crash tests and front crash prevention. However, it had mixed ratings for pedestrian detection and headlight performance. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The Edge came with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering features like automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and Evasive Steering Assist.