The 2020 Jeep Compass receives several minor updates this year. The majority of the changes include newly available features for the cheapest Compass—the base Sport model. It can now be ordered with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and more with the Safety and Security package. Likewise, the Advanced Safety package unlocks even more desirable content such as adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, forward-collision warning, a leather steering wheel, and more.
Pros Truly capable off-road, copious technology options, handsome Jeep styling.
Cons Clumsy automatic transmission, easily becomes overpriced, just get a Jeep Cherokee.
The 2020 Jeep Compass comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed manual.Minor revisions to feature availability.
PROS Roomy seating for such a small vehicle Tech interface is attractive and easy to use Trailhawk version is highly capable off-road
CONS Four-cylinder engine's weak power delivery Limited cargo space Nine-speed transmission's sluggish response
The 2019 Jeep Compass stays true to the brand’s off-road formula, but bends toward usability rather than capability.
Pros Handsome exterior Generous, standard 7.0-inch touchscreen Rugged Trailhawk option Good customization options Respectable fuel economy, for now
Cons Indecisive 9-speed automatic Active safety features a spend-up option Mixed crash-test scores Three will fit in the back in a pinch, literally
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is nearly as rational a family hauler as a minivan.
Pros Well-conceived interior Standard AWD Lots of safety tech Decent power Great value
Cons Short on powertrain refinement Seats a little narrow Fuel economy just so-so Hardly stylish
The 2020 Subaru Ascent comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.Adds a standard rear-seat reminder alert system.Adds power-folding side mirrors.
PROS Substantial list of standard and optional driving aids High-quality interior materials Generous ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive Easy-to-use infotainment system
CONS Accelerator pedal is too touchy Invasive engine and tire noise Not much second-row shoulder room, and third row is tight Rolling over bumps at higher speeds sends vibrations through the cabin
Since the Ascent was all new for 2019, Subaru makes the mildest of changes to its largest model for 2020. A newly standard alert system—called Rear Seat Reminder—helps to prevent people from leaving items in the back seats by beeping a warning and displaying a message on the instrument panel. Starting with the Premium trim level, each Ascent now features one-touch controls to turn the interior lighting on or off. The 2020 Ascent now offers a vehicle lock button with its optional power-operated rear gate, and the top-tier Touring version receives power-folding exterior mirrors with built-in turn signals. Measuring 204.7 inches long and sitting on a 117.7-inch wheelbase, the Viziv-7 is some 15 inches longer than Subaru’s Outback, and its wheelbase is more than nine inches greater. The Viziv-7 also is larger than most mainstream three-row, mid-size crossover SUVs. While the Buick Enclave, the Chevrolet Traverse, the Dodge Durango, and the Ford Flex ride on longer wheelbases, the Subaru’s overall length is greater than all four. Additionally, the Viziv-7’s 79.9-inch width and 72.0-inch height (73.2 inches including the roof rails) are tops among today’s segment offerings. Needless to say, if the Viziv-7’s dimensions carry over to the production vehicle, Subaru’s new SUV promises to dwarf the other models in the lineup as it attempts to move far beyond the cramped Tribeca
We believe the production vehicle will go by the name Ascent, given that Subaru recently registered that moniker with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Spy photographers recently caught Subaru testing its new three-row crossover, and along for comparison was both a Mazda CX-9 and a Ford Explorer; like them, we expect the Ascent to offer a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, although the 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine that’s optional in the Outback is also a possibility. We’ll know more in the coming months, as Subaru says its production three-row crossover will enter our market in early 2018.
The 2020 Subaru Ascent ranked #5 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Subaru Ascent has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 24 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Large cargo area Lengthy list of standard safety and tech features Cabin is airy, quiet, and comfortable Balanced ride and handling
Cons Some rivals have roomier third-row seats
