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The 2020 Subaru Ascent is a seven-seater mid-size SUV with plenty of options available for upgrade. The Japanese company is best-known for its Boxer engine that sends power to all wheels. Other companies are finding hard to compete with this vehicle, especially with the turbocharged unit under the hood. This combo delivers one of the best maneuvering and driving skills in the segment. Still, the Ascent lacks some larger units that could offer extra power for higher trim levels.
Ascent is a pretty young model in the market. Actually, its first appearance is as the 2019 YM. The 2020 Subaru Ascent will be unchanged since the Japanese company is still gathering info about its product and things they can improve. For now, we can hear that owners just love its driving performance. Other things which you will like about this seven-seater SUV are interior and materials used inside the cabin, plenty of driver aid features, and easy to command the infotainment system. Downsides are a bit noisier engine and a tight rear row. Also, the second bench is not too spacious.
2020 Subaru Ascent Interior, Cargo Space
The 2020 Subaru Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds and maximum seating capacity is eight. Maximum cargo space is 87 cubic feet behind the first row. If the second row is up, then you can count on 47.5 cu.ft. and the lowest volume is behind rear seats – only 18 cubic feet.
Interior of the 2020 Subaru Ascent will offer plenty of cool features even for the base trim level. There is a 6.5-inch screen as the center of the infotainment system, which also offers four USB ports and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Premium model brings a lot more for just $2,500. For example, you will get a larger infotainment screen and heated front buckets, plus a blind-spot monitor, which is available only on top trims for most other carmakers. Ascent is an eight-seater with free option to cut down one spot.
More serious upgrades are coming with the 2020 Subaru Ascent Touring, which adds moonroof and leather upholstery. Rear seats are also heated, while front buckets are getting cooling. Harman Kardon is a premium audio system available with this trim level.
2020 Subaru Ascent Specs
A 260-hp rated turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the only drivetrain available for the mid-size SUV. We can call this a downside, but the famous Boxer engine is offering something you can’t find elsewhere. A flat-four unit has a low center of gravity, which causes a better response, handling, maneuvering, and cornering. Once you taste it, you will forget about other more powerful units, which can be also pretty expensive.
What’s more, all-wheel drive is standard for the new Ascent. The drivetrain produces power and sends it through a CVT gearbox to all four corners. The company also adds traction control, as well as the hill assist. These features are also helpful with tough road conditions, while the 8.7-inch ground clearance provides enough room for an off-road drive.
So far, mileage tests have shown that the company was pretty accurate about the mpg rating. In the city, the 2020 Subaru Ascent returns 20 mpg, while on the highway AWD can’t achieve better than 26. Combined, the SUV makes 23 mpg. An important detail – this is without premium fuel.
Safety Comes First
The company pays a lot of attention to the safety of its passengers. So, there is no wonder why Ascent received high marks in tests. Again, the Boxer engine steps up. The low position is not good just for driving. Also, during impacts, it stays low and can’t reach the cabin as for the traditional setups.
But, this is not the only reason why we expect the 2020 Subaru Ascent to maintain high evaluation for its safety. Adaptive cruise control is standard, as well as automated emergency braking. Subaru offers the EyeSight package with lane keep assist and departure warning. We already mentioned that the blind-spot monitor is standard. Of course, the company leaves something for higher trim levels. If we must choose a downside of this system, it will be the lack of a 360-degree camera.
2020 Subaru Ascent Competition, Price
The mid-size three-row SUV segment is pretty crowded. The advantage of the 2020 Subaru Ascent is an eight-seat layout and option for seven seating spots. On the other hand, the vehicle could get a hybrid engine to improve its drivetrain offer as the biggest downside we can record. Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer are three-row SUVs with such engines, and it is just a matter of time when Honda Pilot is getting it.
The base price of the 2020 Subaru Ascent will be $32,000 and that is pretty nice for the vehicle with AWD as the standard feature. The upper trim level is a Premium, which adds less than $2,500. Limited version reaches $40k, while you need to spend $5,000 more for the top of the class Touring trim.
