2020 Subaru Ascent Review

　　

2020 Subaru Ascent Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Subaru's Ascent made quite a splash when it came to market last year. It managed to combine all the personality and quirks Subaru owners love with the newfound practicality of three-row seating. Available in a seven- or eight-passenger configuration, the Ascent can also hold up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo when you fold down its second- and third-row seats. Or if getting out in nature is your thing, the Ascent obliges with standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Subaru Ascent 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$160/mo  for Ascent Base

　　Ascent Base

　　4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $31,995 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $34,395 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger Convenience Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $35,855 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger Convenience Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $35,855 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger Sporty Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $38,655 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger Sporty Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $38,655 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $39,345 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $39,345 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger Technology Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $42,295 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD w/8-Passenger Technology Pkg (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $42,295 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV AWD w/7-Passenger (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $45,045 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Powering the Ascent is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes it both quick and able to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. All that power is sent to the ground through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). And as a bonus, the big, boxy Subaru still manages to get a 23 mpg combined rating from the EPA.

　　But the Ascent has some downsides, mainly the elevated noise levels. It comes from the tires as well as a somewhat pervasive droning engine noise you hear when pulling up longer grades or accelerating briskly. Also, the third-row seat isn't as roomy as the third rows in some rival crossover SUVs. But if adventures with friends or family takes a prominent place in your life, the 2020 Ascent has a lot to offer and holds its own in a very competitive segment.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Ascent drive? The Ascent's turbocharged engine packs a strong punch, making it one of the quicker vehicles in the segment when you mash the gas. For typical driving, however, you'll need a fine touch to make the CVT automatic work smoothly. Even moderate throttle inputs result in surging acceleration, which can make passengers uncomfortable.

　　The Ascent has standard all-wheel drive and includes software-controlled traction and hill descent control. Combine those features with its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and you've got an effective combination for taking on snow and dirt. The Subaru really is a four-season SUV.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Ascent? The Ascent's interior seating is comfortable and inviting for the most part. Third-row passengers might long for softer seats over longer distances. The climate control works well to keep the cabin environment pleasant, and rear passengers will appreciate the ceiling-mounted vents that provide good coverage.

　　On the downside, driving over cracks and seams in the pavement sends a lot of tire noise and vibration into the cabin. There's also the issue of engine noise, which can grow from a muted hum to a loud groan as the rpm climb to redline. The Ascent doesn't feel floaty, but overall ride comfort falls below the class leaders.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Get the seven-seater for full-size adults or eight-seater for cargo and/or kids. The Ascent is an approachable and easy-to-use crossover, and it fits drivers both big and small. Everything is clearly labeled, though there are a few acronyms that may require you to crack open the instruction manual.

　　The large windows and door-mounted side mirrors allow excellent side visibility. A high-def rear camera helps supplement an already large rear window. The one downside is the way the hood slopes down, which makes it hard to place the front edges of the bumper.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Subaru's Starlink system is in full force here. It features a crisp and responsive touchscreen and multiple ways to integrate your smartphone, and it is easy to use with minimal setup. A smattering of USB ports helps keep your passengers' devices charged.

　　Our test car was equipped with a responsive and easy-to-use touchscreen navigation system. Otherwise, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and can handle nav needs for those without it. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver aids is comprehensive and standard on all trim levels. Adaptive cruise control works all the way to a full stop.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? The Ascent has an average amount of space for cargo, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The third-row seats have to be folded from the back, and the second row must be done from the rear passenger doors. The resulting load floor isn't perfectly flat but should be sufficient in most cases. There are a lot of places for small items up front, but few are generous in size.

　　Most Ascent models provide 5,000 pounds of maximum towing weight. Standard Trailer Stability Assist helps minimize excess trailer sway. Towing requires the addition of an optional trailer hitch assembly that includes a wiring harness, which can be covered by a panel when not in use.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? We achieved 23.6 mpg on our 115-mile test loop, which slightly betters the Ascent's 22 mpg combined estimate (20 city/26 highway). Our best overall tank was 25.2 mpg after logging nearly 200 miles of highway driving while our test average came out to 21.7 mpg. That's not bad, and neither is the engine's requirement for 87 octane ― no premium required.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the Ascent a good value? The cabin's interior design looks a bit busy, but its build quality is on par for the segment and price-competitive. Also on par are the warranty and roadside assistance offerings. As for value, you get all-wheel drive as standard, which impresses buyers who regularly deal with inclement weather.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The Ascent is comfortable, fun and capable when the going gets dirty. It's also smartly designed to carry four adults with all of their gear. Opting for the second-row bench seat makes for easy child-seat duty. Think of it as the golden retriever of three-row crossovers.

　　

Which Ascent does zzdcar recommend?

We think the Premium offers a nice mix of standard equipment along with an agreeable price. Making it more appealing over the base model are features such as heated seats, a larger infotainment display and a 5,000-pound tow rating. The Premium also comes with smaller wheels and tires than what's offered on higher trim levels, which could go a long way toward improving road noise over broken pavement.

　　

2020 Subaru Ascent models

The 2020 Subaru Ascent is available in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trim levels. All use a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft of torque) paired with a CVT automatic. All-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup as does Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, which bundles many of today's current advanced driver safety aids.

　　Base Ascents come well-equipped with features such as three-zone climate control and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But this trim level is limited to eight-passenger seating as well as having a tow rating limited to 2,000 pounds.

　　Move up to the Premium trim and you'll get upgraded interior materials, a larger infotainment touchscreen and 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability. It also offers 20-inch wheels and a seven- or eight-passenger seating configuration as well as option packages that add convenience features such as keyless entry and a power rear liftgate. The tow rating is also increased to 5,000 pounds.

　　The Limited trim comes with most of the Premium's optional features as standard. You have the option of seating configurations plus an option package that adds a Harman Kardon audio system and a panoramic sunroof. The Touring trim simplifies things even further, coming in fully loaded with all of the Ascent's available features as standard. It's sold in the seven-passenger configuration only.

　　

2020 Ascent Highlights

Trim: BasePremiumLimitedTouringBase

　　

Base MSRP	$31,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$160/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles