The 2020 Hyundai Kona comes with all wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.Adaptive cruise control added to top-trim Kona Ultimate.Small changes to standard and optional equipment.
PROS Optional turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration Nimble handling makes it enjoyable to drive Lots of features for your money
CONS Weak base engine Gear shifts from the turbocharged engine's transmission are often unrefined Interior is trimmed with a lot of hard plastic panels
A few high-end features trickle down to the new mid-range SEL Plus model for 2020. Previously only available on the top-spec Ultimate, the SEL Plus comes with a 4.2-inch color display located between the two analog gauges and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. The auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink is now standard on both the Limited and Ultimate models as well as a new orange interior accent kit that automatically is added to either trim if the Sunset Orange or Ultra Black exterior colors are chosen.
Pros Standout styling, punchy turbo four, packed with features.
Cons Tight cargo space, numb steering.
The 2020 Hyundai Kona is an eyeful, but has nearly everything crossover buyers want in a city-friendly package.
Pros Smart and stylish cabin Standard active safety tech Great infotainment system Decent fuel economy EV version available
Cons Overwhelming styling Lackluster acceleration Unrefined dual-clutch transmission Small-ish back seat and cargo hold Price on top-end models
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
