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2020 Subaru Ascent Pros vs Cons

Why Buy a 2020 Subaru Ascent?
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

Are You Considering a 2020 Subaru Ascent? Here Are Some Reasons For and Against

The versatile 2020 Subaru Ascent offers plenty of opportunity to transport cargo with its three rows of space; the midsize SUV does well with a finely-tuned interior, large clearance space to hit trails off the beaten path and all-wheel drive that comes standard. A person doesn't have to be a thrill-seeker to enjoy the many capabilities that the Ascent offers.

What's New for 2020?

The Ascent was newly introduced to the world in 2019, so there aren't any seismic shifts when it comes to the 2020 Subaru Ascent. There are some minor things to discuss. Rear Seat Reminder comes standard in 2020. This neat feature will alert drivers when an item is left unattended in the rear seats through a beeping warning and icon on the display. This is handy as everybody has left a valuable item helpless in their empty vehicle before. This can be an invitation for a thief looking for a laptop to pawn or expensive textbooks to resell.
Another new feature for 2020 comes at the Premium trim level. A single touch will now control lighting in the interior of the cabin. The 2020 Subaru Ascent also adds a vehicle lock button with the ability to add a power-operated rear gate. The Touring version comes with power-folding exterior mirrors with built-in turn signals.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Subaru Ascent – The Pros

1. The Cabin is Massive

Who doesn't love a large cabin in their vehicle? Those with big families or multiple dogs will love the 2020 Subaru Ascent. The vehicle itself can fit eight people comfortably. The three rows in a midsize vehicle is impressive, and while one may be skeptical regarding folding the rear seats down to transport cargo, they can rest easy knowing it can make room for large loads.
The vehicle already offers an impressive 17.8 cubic feet behind the rearmost seat before anything starts to collapse; the number of cubic feet rises to 47.5 when the third row is folded down and jumps to a colossal 86.5 cubic feet when both rows of rear seats are folded. These numbers deserve a double take coming from a midsize SUV. One will also find a cubby located inside the cargo floor to add a bit of extra appeal to the draw of interior space.

2. Stupendous Gas Mileage in the Subaru Ascent

Some things are universal. One of these things is a vehicle that gets great gas mileage. Fuel is expensive. Nobody wants to have to consistently fill the gas tanks of their vehicle while putting further holes in their bank account because the automobile gets five miles to the gallon. This is a headache.
The good news for drivers of the 2020 Subaru Ascent is that this skilled vehicle performs well in this category. Above-average gas mileage means a driver can explore the far reaches of the country without being fearful of running out of fuel in the middle of an uninhabited place. The numbers are notable.
The Subaru Ascent comes standard with all-wheel-drive. The fascinating thing about this vehicle is that it doesn't give up much in terms of fuel economy because of this. The 2020 Subaru Ascent gets 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The weight of this all-wheel-drive system doesn't get in the way of the Ascent performing well in terms of gas mileage. A person living in Missouri may not be able to make it down to Arizona and back on one tank of fuel, but it certainly excites drivers with how it performs.

3. Lifted Features in the Ascent

Consumers looking to buy a vehicle in 2020 are going to want to have all sorts of technology in their vehicles. This technology will assist in safety and the overall experience inside the 2020 Subaru Ascent. There is a long list of available features in the safety and technology department inside the latest Ascent.
Passengers will find Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and an available hotspot. A heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and leather-trimmed upholstery are available in the top two tiers of the Ascent. The touchscreen is easy to use and will guide an individual into discovering all sorts of cool technological advances. More on that later.

4. The Ascent Performs Off-Road

Sometimes some of the most scenic spots to explore within the United States are far off the main stretch of road. One needs to feel confident when they decide to take a vehicle off-road. The all-wheel-drive powers the ride through steep grades and slick terrain. The ground clearance is 8.7 inches, making it ideal for exploring the less-traveled destinations. The versatile vehicle can spend the morning transporting an individual to work in the city with its efficient gas mileage before heading off-road for an afternoon adventure in the backwoods. The versatile Ascent from Subaru gets it done off-road.

5. A Reliable Ride is Found in the Subaru Ascent

People work hard for the money they have; one of the largest investments is an automobile. One wants to be able to have confidence in the purchase; the goal is to have reliability for several years while owning a vehicle. Those who buy a 2020 Subaru Ascent can have solace knowing that the vehicle wasn't built overnight.
Those at Subaru have always paid close attention to what consumers want. The commitment to appealing to the consumer has paid off with the Ascent. JD Power hasn't given its score regarding predicted reliability within the 2020 Subaru Ascent, but the nearly exact 2019 model has an above-average score from JD Power. This is good news for consumers who want a reliable vehicle to go along with their investment.

6. Safety Comes Standard in the Vehicle

A midsize vehicle designed with large passenger capabilities will surely be a safe one, right? The 2020 Subaru Ascent does strikingly well on crash test results. Its superb safety scores are an appealing fact of the vehicle. Available safety features make this SUV an even more appealing draw.
Every 2020 Subaru Ascent comes standard with a driver assistance package that makes life on the road much easier. Safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and pre-collision throttle management come standard. One can feel at ease backing out of the grocery store parking lot with the standard rearview camera. There are plenty of features that promote a safer ride in the Ascent. One should be delighted at the available options.

7. A Smooth Ride Thrills Riders

A vehicle that can take one off-road and make them feel as though they are driving on a freshly completed paved road in the middle of the neighborhood is one that should be desired. Another reason one should buy the Ascent is because of its handling. It delivers a smooth ride all the time. Hills, tight turns and uneven patches of road are no match for the Ascent.

8. The Cabin is Comfortable

As mentioned, the cabin is filled with plenty of tech possibilities that will please those in constant need of their devices. Charge up the smartphone while enjoying the roomy and comfortable cabin of the ascent. The noise level inside the cabin is quiet, allowing a stable environment as people commute to work or the baseball game. Its interior is chic, offering a perfect balance to the rugged capabilities of this wonderful vehicle from Subaru.

9. A Diverse Vehicle

A vehicle's main job is to transport goods and people; the Ascent does both in remarkable fashion. The cabin can transform itself in a manner of moments, going from seating seven people to carrying one's moving supplies for college. It appeals to those seeking adventure and those who simply prefer to commute on the paved roads throughout America.

10. The Engine Can

The Subaru Ascent doesn't have the largest engine in the world, but the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine gets it done. The engine feels powerful as one is engaging in acceleration. The engine is smaller than the average engine found in a midsize SUV, but drivers wouldn't know it with the pep it delivers.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Subaru Ascent – The Cons

1. The Third-Row Isn't A Long Trip Option

While the Ascent offers plenty of cabin space, one drawback is the amount of room for individuals sitting in the rear third row of the vehicle. The space is suitable for a short journey but will start to feel cramped as the journey gets longer. Other competitors have a roomier third row of seats.

2. Pedal is a Bit Touchy

When the driver looks to accelerate, pressing on the pedal can be a bit touchy. The pedal is sensitive and a little force goes a long way. Drivers will get used to the touch aspect of the accelerator pedal, but it will certainly remain sensitive to novel drivers not used to the Subaru Ascent.

3. Vibrations in the Cabin

The ride handles well in many circumstances. One situation where it gets a bit interesting is when the vehicle drives over bumps and other uneven surfaces at higher speeds. This will send vibrations through the cabin, making for an interesting sensation. This is a small issue, but one that is present.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The 2020 Subaru Ascent does quite well against the competition. The Highlander from Toyota may be better for those looking for a classy interior and space provided primarily in the first two rows. Those who need a bit of extra cargo space will prefer the Ascent.
There are few midsize SUVs as spacious as the Ascent. The Honda Pilot is one of them. And while the Pilot is a comfortable and good overall vehicle, the 2020 Ascent is a better option in many ways.

Conclusion

The 2020 Subaru Ascent is a good vehicle. It is safe, spacious, gets great gas mileage and can go off the road with ease. There is a lot of value to owning a Subaru, and the 2020 Ascent doesn't fail to deliver.

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