2020 Subaru Ascent

Change year or car

$31,995

starting MSRP

Shop Now

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV: Body style
23: Combined MPG
8: Seating capacity
196.8” x 71.6”: Dimensions
All-wheel drive: Drivetrain

View all 2020 Subaru Ascent specs .

Overview

(86 reviews)

The good:

Easy access to third row
Captain's chairs offered on lower trims
Classy cabin materials
Up to 19 cupholders and multiple USB ports
Long list of standard safety features

The bad:

Rivals have more space inside
Cramped third row
Limited cargo room behind third row
Engine power on highway

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2020 Subaru Ascent trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2025

Newly standard rear-seat reminder
Three-row SUV with seating for seven or eight
260-hp, turbo four-cylinder standard
All-wheel drive standard
Rearview camera mirror available
Tows up to 5,000 pounds

2020 Subaru Ascent review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

The Ascent is Subaru’s largest vehicle and an indirect replacement for the automaker’s previous three-row SUV, the unloved Tribeca. The Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that works with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Pitched against popular three-row SUVs like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, the Ascent can seat seven or eight depending on the second row’s seating configuration.

What’s New on the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

Because it was introduced only last year, there are few changes for the 2020 model year. A rear-seat reminder has been added to all trim levels, and a lock feature is offered for the available power liftgate.

What Features in the 2020 Subaru Ascent Are Most Important?

Many SUV shoppers will love that all-wheel drive comes standard on every version of the Ascent; on many of the Ascent’s rivals, adding all-wheel drive costs extra. Subaru has also loaded the Ascent with active safety features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Available safety features include blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist and reverse automatic braking.

Comfort and convenience aren’t forgotten, either. The Ascent has a maximum 19 cupholders, which should qualify as a world record (or close to it). There are multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, as well as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Available luxury touches include heated and ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Should I Buy the 2020 Subaru Ascent?

The Subaru Ascent is worth a look if you’re in the market for a comfortable and capable SUV with three rows of seats. Granted, the third-row seats don’t have the legroom and stretch-out space provided by some rivals, and while the 260-horsepower, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder offers decent pep, it can get noisy and feel taxed when passing at highway speeds. Still, having tons of safety features and standard all-wheel drive is likely more important than having a fire-breathing engine under the hood.

Consumer reviews

(86 reviews)

93% of drivers recommend this car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.8
Performance 4.7
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.7

Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Practical

February 17, 2024

By JM James from New Orleans

Owns this car

Practical. We love our 2020 Ascent Limited and we live in the south. We have a large family and this is great while the kids are small. Once more than three are teenagers, we'll definitely need a larger vehicle that provides more leg room if you're sitting on the back row. Love the convenience and ease of how the rear seats fold forward when I'm shopping and/or loading up from the back. The 10 year 100k mile warranty was reasonably priced at less than $2.5k. Haven't had to use it yet (knock on wood). Again, it's practical so the seats aren't as plush as premium vehicles but they're nice and comfortable. This pretty much describes the interior. The electronics are comparable to most vehicles. It has everything you need but nothing over the top. (Again, practical.) Greatly appreciate the cabin air filter and ease of changing it. I like smelling a fresh interior all the time. We're in the south where it's high in pollen, so the HEPA cabin filter is perfect. In my opinion the Ascent is a great mid-size SUV option that looks nice, is practical and has that Subaru reliability.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 3.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 3.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 4.0

Purchased a New car
Used for Transporting family
Does recommend this car

0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

2020 Ascent had poor reliability

October 1, 2023

By Outdoorsman from BC

Owns this car

Very disappointed with the 2020 Ascent bought new and also with poor dealer experience. Had multiple quality issues including excess gasoline contamination in the engine oil (high oil level on dipstick), heavy brake vibration and shudder when brakes get hot, poor and unfixable drivers door fit. Will never buy a Subaru again, should have bought a Toyota!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 3.0
Value 3.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 1.0

Purchased a New car
Used for Having fun
Does not recommend this car

0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

literal body panels were falling off...

August 15, 2023

By Connoè from Kokomo IN

Used to own this car

had a used Subaru ascent at 35k miles, and about 40k miles in the front black trim piece FELL off and whacked a car behind us while going 70mph down the road. also the fuel pump had to be replaced about SEVEN times.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):