2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Subaru Ascent

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was a much-anticipated addition to Subaru's lineup, filling the gap for a three-row SUV that had been missing since the ill-fated Tribeca. The Ascent's design was a natural extension of Subaru's existing models, resembling a larger version of the Forester and Outback. Its interior mirrored this approach, with a dashboard design that was consistent with other Subaru vehicles, likely to create a sense of familiarity for brand loyalists. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering a range of features from driver-assistance technologies to upgraded infotainment systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a crossover that took cues from the Impreza hatchback, adding rugged elements like black body cladding and a higher ride height to appeal to those seeking an SUV-like experience. The Crosstrek's design changes gave it a distinct character, enhanced by vibrant color options like Plasma Yellow Pearl. While the interior remained largely unchanged from the Impreza, the Crosstrek offered unique touches like water-repellant StarTex upholstery in the Sport trim. The Crosstrek was built on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with other models like the Ascent, ensuring a refined driving experience.

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 a balanced performance suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. The Ascent's ride prioritized comfort, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and features like X-Mode for light off-roading. It was also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrain options. The Sport and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the Base and Premium trims retained the 2.0-liter engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on lower trims, with a CVT available as an option. The Crosstrek's standard all-wheel drive included torque vectoring and X-Mode, enhancing its capability on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek maintained the handling characteristics of the Impreza, though with noticeable body roll due to its higher center of gravity.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered generous interior space, with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. It could seat up to eight passengers, or seven with optional second-row captain's chairs. The Ascent featured numerous storage solutions, including 19 cupholders and various trays and cubbies, though it lacked a hands-free power liftgate option.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55.3 cubic feet with them folded. While competitive in passenger space, the Crosstrek lagged behind some rivals in cargo capacity. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a convenient front cubby with USB and auxiliary ports, though rear passengers had limited access to USB ports. The Crosstrek's driving position was higher than the Impreza's, providing good visibility without the commanding view of larger SUVs.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system with intuitive menus and large icons. It came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with available features like a WiFi hotspot and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo. The Ascent also included multiple USB ports across its three rows.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek also utilized the StarLink system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and options for an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with additional features like WiFi and SiriusXM on higher trims. The Crosstrek's infotainment setup included a secondary screen for displaying information, and it was equipped with analog knobs and buttons for easy control of audio and climate functions.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, thanks to its crash test performance and standard EyeSight driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. It also offered optional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. While the IIHS had not tested the 2021 model, the 2020 version was a Top Safety Pick with optional EyeSight features. The Crosstrek's EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, with additional features like blind-spot monitoring available on higher trims. However, the system's cameras could be obstructed by wipers or sunlight, limiting functionality.