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.
