Flash Drive

2020 Subaru Ascent

April 7, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Subaru Ascent Limited

The 3-row 2020 Subaru Ascent is a great way to take the whole family on snowy outings.

Engine: 2.4-liter flat four, 260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 26-mpg highway, 22-mpg combined

Base Price: $39,345

As Tested: $43,305

Performance:

Pretty peppy turbocharged engine

Smooth, pleasant highway ride

Legendary Subaru all-wheel-drive confidence

The 2020 Subaru Ascent is also a great highway traveler.

Good fuel economy—our best was 25.0-mpg highway

5000 pound towing capacity

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver legroom

Super stretch-out passenger legroom

Driver power lumbar support

Lower cushion extender for driver’s thighs

Heated front seats (3 temperatures)

Quality interior materials

Excellent second row room and flat floor

Front row space and comfort are excellent.

Heated second row seats (2 temps)

Third row seats almost fit tall adults

Flat floor

Good access between 2ndand 3rdrow seats

Medium thick, slightly contoured heated steering wheel

Excellent auxiliary controls—easy to use and lots of them

Utility:

Power tailgate with ample clearance

Second row seating can be either Captains chairs of a three-person bench seat.

Flat cargo deck

No lift-over

Small under floor storage bin

Third row seats fold flat

Second row captain’s chairs have noticeable slope when folded

Gap between folded 2ndand 3rdrow seats

Big, deep console bin with nicely padded cover

Medium size front door bins

Two seatback pouches

The 3-position third row can almost fit tall adults and anyone shorter than that.

Medium locking glovebox

Wide opening back doors for easy in/out

Lots of cupholders

WOW Factors:

Optional panoramic moon roof really brightens interior

Very comfortable, nicely executed, spacious interior

Quality sound system and map guidance

Great standard safety features

Whines:

Pretty big gap between folded 2ndand 3rdrow seats

Cargo space is great with the third row seats retracted.

Styling a little bland

Bottom Line:

The 2020 Subaru Ascent is the largest Subaru ever, but as a roomy (inside) 3-row SUV it’s much more maneuverable than many competitors. Subaru has done an excellent packaging job with the Ascent. Interior space, comfort, and quality are high points as is the legendary Subaru AWD system. The Ascent is an admirable compromise between passenger/cargo capacity and an enjoyable driving experience.