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
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade ranked #10 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Hyundai Palisade has a score of 8.0 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 11 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Long list of standard, high-tech safety features Upscale interior styling and options Sleek ride Three rows of comfortable seats
Cons So-so handling and acceleration
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is not Hyundai's first three-row SUV, but it certainly is its best and biggest. The Palisade replaces the Hyundai Santa Fe XL, which suffered from a cramped third row fit for only occasional use. The Palisade's silky ride quality and premium interior appointments teeter at the edge of luxury. Offering three spacious rows of seating, loads of safety and driver-assist technology, all-wheel drive, and distinctive styling, it's a bold statement for this Korean manufacturer.
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.The Palisade is an all-new model from Hyundai Standard three-row seating.Replaces the previous Hyundai Santa Fe XL.
Pros Plenty of space in all three rows for adults Lots of standard and optional high-tech features Robust standard V6 offers good towing power
Cons Top trim has a hefty price tag Some familiar buttons and knobs from less expensive vehicles No optional engines offered
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is a value-packed three-row crossover coming to a garage near you.
Pros Daring looks Cushy ride Good space inside Quality materials Good value among competitors
Cons Not very fuel-efficient Limited trims can get pricey Dense infotainment system Not particularly quick
