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 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee ranked #4 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a score of 8.5 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 71 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Outstanding off-road chops Potent engine options Handsome, comfortable cabin User-friendly infotainment system
Cons Mixed crash test scores Less cargo space than most midsize SUVs
Jeep is here to help you out by stuffing a 707-hp supercharged V8 into the nose of the new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. It's more performance-focused than the existing 475-hp SRT. Finally, the 7-inch touchscreen is now standard; the 8.4-inch screen remains optional.
PROS Plush interior with plentiful luxury and technology Enough off-road ability to conquer practically any trail Available V8 engines offer substantial power Impressive tow ratings for the class
CONS Limited cargo capacity compared to top rivals Firm ride quality may disappoint, even with air suspension
Under the skin it’s a true Jeep: a stout, off-road capable machine. That doesn’t mean it’s a chore to drive on-road; the big Jeep’s an easygoing, high-utility companion that can be had as an unpretentious workhorse, a leather-lined luxo-ute, or something in between.he Grand Cherokee offers a class-leading infotainment system, and the higher trim levels can be equipped with a host of active safety technologies including automated emergency braking.
Pros All-terrain confidence, multiplicity of models, fantastic infotainment interface.
Cons Thirsty gasoline engines, mediocre warranty coverage, not as spacious as rivals.
