Comparison - Subaru Ascent Premium 2019 - vs - Volvo XC90 T8 Excellence Twin Engine Hybrid 2018
General
Also called:
Viziv-7
Also called:
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Expert Reviews
The 2019 Subaru Ascent isn’t another quirky hatchback-wagon-crossover thing—it’s a mainstream hit and Subaru will be better for it.
Pros
Smart, family-ready interior
Standard active safety features
Good value at affordable trim levels
Good infotainment system
Willing powertrain with standard all-wheel drive
Cons
Sometimes nervous throttle
Seats could stand to be a little wider
No hybrid powertrain—yet
Top trims may not justify the price
The 2019 Subaru Ascent is available in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trim levels. Base models offer good value, especially with driver assistance features, but the Premium adds more of today's desirable features, such as heated seats and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Limited classes things up with leather upholstery, while the Touring maxes out the Ascent's luxury, convenience and safety features
PROS
Seats up to eight passengers
Cargo room and third-row space are near top of the class
Generous set of standard driver safety aids
Can tow up to 5,000 pounds
CONS
Subaru CVT automatic not too impressive in other models
Some more common driver aids are restricted to upper trims
Subaru prepares another ascent into the three-row-SUV market.
After axing the seven-passenger Tribeca in 2014, Subaru is preparing to re-enter the three-row, mid-size crossover SUV segment. With the Viziv-7 concept—the name Viziv stands for “Vision for Innovation”—the Japanese automaker provides our best look yet at what’s to come.
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.
Our starry-eyed devotion to the XC90 isn’t complete, though. Its forced-induction powertrains are a little rougher than the silky V-6s we’re accustomed to in this segment, and harsh impacts occasionally jostle the cabin despite the suspension’s best efforts. Still, it’s a dynamically sound, luxurious, and slightly outré approach to family-size luxury, and the package is nearly perfect.
Pros
Astonishingly beautiful,
solid driving dynamics,
safety by Volvo.
Cons
Can approach starter-home prices,
minor powertrain flaws,
base trim lacks the lineup’s best features.
The 2018 Volvo XC90 is the crossover success that brought new buyers into the brand. Its mix of good looks and excellent tech make it a major player now.
Pros
Impressive standard safety features
Beautiful interior
Very good infotainment system
Wide range of trim choices
Sharp exterior
Cons
We’re not sold on six-figure top models
Base powertrain lacks passing power
Second and third row seats could use more padding
One isn’t in our driveway now
For 2018, the Volvo XC90 gets some additional equipment as standard such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (previously optional) are now standard as well.
PROS
Elegant styling inside and out
Precise handling that inspires confidence
Spacious second- and third-row seating for a midsize SUV
Many standard safety technology features
CONS
Some of the standard touchscreen controls can be hard to use
Comes up short on performance and real-world fuel economy
Overly busy ride quality for a vehicle in its class
