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 2019 Jeep Wrangler is a rugged two- or four-door SUV that’s an adventure waiting to happen.
Pros Impeccable off-road chops, in any configuration Iconic style More efficient turbo-4 Improved interior Easy-to-use optional off-road system
Cons Expensive for a Jeep Wrangler Rugged ride Back seat takes a back seat Sparse base trim Pickup and diesel are on the horizon
Jeep Wrangler SUV models are available with a 3.6 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 285 hp, depending on engine type. The 2019 Jeep Wrangler SUV comes with four wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed manual.
Pros Unrelentingly capable off-road Maintains rugged Jeep character Increased capability compared to old models Extensive customization options from the factory and aftermarket
Cons Steering is slow and feels loose, especially on the Rubicon trim Poor ride comfort and handling abilities Less cargo space than some conventional crossovers Mild towing capability for an otherwise highly capable rig
The 2019 Jeep Wrangler ranked #13 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Jeep Wrangler has a score of 7.7 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 14 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Herculean off-road ability Four-door model has lots of cargo space Punchy turbocharged engine
Cons Other SUVs are more agile and smoother on the pavement High starting price Subpar gas mileage
