Subaru Ascent

Overview: Subaru took the spotlight with its 2019 Ascent and it was clear that the Japanese company was focused on making a statement in the SUV segment. This is Subaru's second 3-row SUV, following the not so popular Tribeca which was discontinued in 2014. The prices for the base model of the 2020 Subaru Ascent start at $31,995 and the top-of-the-line model features a $44,695 price tag. Ascent is based on the VIZIV- 7 concept which premiered at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. Following the concept’s showcase, Subaru’s full-size SUV hit showrooms across America in the third quarter of 2018. 

Now, the 2020 Subaru Ascent is equipped with the all-wheel-drive system as standard and the car’s variant lineup includes an eighth seat option. Also standard is driver-assist tech like lane-keeping assist and automated emergency braking. The full-size SUV also comes with features like ‘Rear Seat Reminder’ which notifies passengers by beeping and flashing messages on the instrument panel, in case they forget items in the back seats. The base model of Subaru Ascent gets 18-inch wheels, 60:40 split-folding second and third-row seats, automatic headlights, roof rails, height-adjustable driver seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, four USB ports, aerial view camera, 6.5 inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration capability, and a 6 speaker audio system that comes with satellite radio. 

The Premium trim level now gets one-touch control for interior lighting and vehicle lock button with optional power-operated rear gate. This model features the same 18-inch wheels as the base Ascent variant but gets additions like 4g LTE Wi-Fi capability, Subaru StarLink safety, and security, all-weather package with heated front seats, 10-way climate control panel.

Feature add-ons for the Limited trim include adaptive LED headlights, 20-inch wheels leather upholstery, power-adjustable front passenger seat, LED fog lights, automatic high beams, heated outboard second-row seats, dual 3rd row USB ports, 10 way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function and rear-door sunshades.

The top of the range Touring variant now gets power-folding side-view mirrors with built-in turn signals. This version bundles all the features of the Limited trim with additions like automatic wipers, upgraded leather upholstery, chrome exterior accents, ambient cabin lighting, ventilated front seats, 120 volt household-style power outlet, second-row captain chairs, 14-speaker 792 watt Harman Kardon premium audio system, 180-degree front view monitor, panoramic power moonroof, StarLink multimedia navigation, heated steering wheel, 8 USB ports, front view camera display and a rearview camera image built into the rearview mirror.

Every trim of Subaru Ascent shares the same 2.4-liter DOHC turbocharged engine which produces 260 BHP of power at 5600 RPM and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2000 and 4800 RPM. The engine comes mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) with the towing capacity of 2000 lbs for the base model and 5,000 lbs for the other three variants. Safety features like Hill descent control, vehicle dynamics control, traction control system, active torque vectoring, trailer stability assists, electric power-assisted steering, brake assist, disc ventilated front and rear brakes, brake override system and four-wheel independent rear suspension also come as standard across all variants. Ascent gets a 19.3-gallon fuel tank and can deliver anywhere between 20 to 27 MPG in terms of fuel economy depending on the variant and driving conditions.