2020 Subaru Ascent

Single-engine lineup for 2020; every Ascent trim shares this powertrain.

Broad, flat torque curve from just above idle, standard on every 2020 Ascent trim.

No 2020-specific Car and Driver/Motor Trend instrumented test located; figure is consistent with the range reported across this unchanged first-generation powertrain (2019-2021).

The turbo flat-4 delivers adequate, linear power for the class with minimal perceptible turbo lag thanks to the low-rpm torque peak, but reviewers note it feels more workmanlike than eager and can sound strained under hard acceleration.

Subaru's Lineartronic CVT with simulated 8-speed manual mode and paddle shifters behaves smoothly in normal driving and mimics stepped shifts reasonably well, but exhibits typical CVT drone under hard acceleration.

Maximum rating across the configuration range, achieved on the volume Premium trim with the optional towing package.

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on every 2020 Ascent trim with no FWD option, paired with dual-function X-Mode (Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings) and Hill Descent Control.

8.7 in of ground clearance (class-competitive) plus X-Mode and Hill Descent Control give genuine light-duty capability, but there is no dedicated off-road trim, skid plating, or locking differential in 2020 (the Wilderness trim arrived years later).

Single powertrain for the entire 2020 model year: the 2.4L turbo flat-4/CVT/AWD combination is the only choice across all trims, with no hybrid, larger-engine, or FWD alternative.

EPA combined rating for the volume 8-passenger configuration; 7-passenger captain's-chair trims rate 1 MPG lower combined.

EPA city rating for the volume 8-passenger configuration.

EPA highway rating for the volume 8-passenger configuration.

EPA-published total range figure for the volume 8-passenger configuration with its 19.3-gallon tank.

EPA's standard-assumption annual fuel cost estimate for the volume 8-passenger configuration.

Despite being turbocharged, the FA24 engine is designed and EPA-rated to run on regular unleaded (87 octane), with no premium requirement or recommendation.

NHTSA gave the 2020 Ascent a 5-star overall rating, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests and 4 stars in the rollover test — the top of the segment band.

IIHS rated all six crashworthiness tests Good and gave the standard EyeSight front crash prevention system Superior ratings for both vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian scenarios, earning the 2020 Ascent a Top Safety Pick award — one tier below TSP+ because the award applies only to the Limited/Touring trims that get the Good-rated LED headlights, while base/Premium keep Poor-rated halogens.

Subaru EyeSight (AEB, adaptive cruise, lane departure/sway warning, lane keep assist, pre-collision throttle management) is standard on every 2020 Ascent trim, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are not standard on the base trim, only becoming standard from Premium up.

IIHS rated the standard EyeSight front crash prevention system Superior in both vehicle-to-vehicle testing (avoided collisions at 12 and 25 mph) and pedestrian testing (avoided or significantly reduced impact speed across crossing-child, crossing-adult and parallel-adult scenarios).

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are alert-only systems standard from the Premium trim up (three of four trims), with reverse automatic braking and rear cross-traffic braking only available as upgrades on top trims — not standard across the whole range and not active intervention on the volume trim.

Lane keep assist is standard via EyeSight but reviewers describe centering as inconsistent — working reasonably on divided two-lane highways after visibly hunting from edge to edge, but leaning toward oncoming traffic on undivided roads with only brief hands-free capability.

Reviewers praised the standard adaptive cruise control as exceptionally smooth — no abrupt braking or throttle response when traffic ahead slows or a car merges in — benefiting from the high-mounted stereo camera pair, though it stops short of a fuller highway-assist package.

The 2020 Ascent has no hands-free highway driving system; EyeSight requires hands on the wheel and reviewers note lane centering sustains at most a few seconds of unassisted operation before requiring driver input.

IIHS rated the standard halogen headlights on base and Premium trims (the volume configuration) Poor, while only the optional LED curve-adaptive headlights on Limited and Touring earned Good — meaning the headlights on the trims most buyers choose fail IIHS's evaluation.

Reviewers note thick windshield and roof pillars create some blind zones, partly offset by large side mirrors and clear sightlines over the hood; the wider 180-degree front/rear camera view that would help compensate is limited to the top Touring trim.

Cars.com's car-seat check graded the second row 'A' — LATCH anchors easy to find and use, with reclining seats aiding access, and infant, convertible and booster seats all installing smoothly. The third row graded 'B': only one set of lower anchors (driver's side), positioned awkwardly between seatbelt buckles, but three top-tether anchors with generous clearance and a reasonably tall step-in height keep it workable rather than difficult.

Subaru's official 2020 spec sheet lists the Ascent as a three-row, 7- or 8-passenger SUV; the volume Premium trim ships with the 8-passenger bench second row.

Volume Premium trim includes the panoramic moonroof standard, which reduces front headroom versus the moonroof-delete figure.

Manufacturer-published figure, consistent across trims.

Second-row headroom on the moonroof-equipped volume trim.

Manufacturer-published second-row legroom figure.

Third row (31.7 in legroom, 36.3 in headroom) fits kids comfortably and adults for shorter trips only; reviewers consistently steer full-size adults away from it on longer drives.

Manufacturer figure for cargo behind the second row with the third row folded flat.

Manufacturer maximum cargo figure with all rear seats folded.

Ascent launched with a family-practicality push including an under-floor cubby for the retractable cargo cover, a household-style 120V outlet, and up to 19 cupholders/multiple bins throughout the cabin.

Front and second-row seats are broadly praised as well-cushioned and supportive for a mainstream three-row; upper trims add heated/ventilated front and heated second-row seats.

Reviewers found the ride gentle and well-cushioned even on the optional 20-inch wheels, without floatiness, though it's not segment-leading.

Road/tire noise intrudes over broken pavement and the turbo boxer's CVT-driven engine drone grows noticeably under hard acceleration, holding this back from segment-best.

Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard fleet-wide; heated front/second-row seats and second-row climate controls arrive on Premium, with a heated wheel and ventilated front seats by Limited/Touring.

Entry-trim MSRP with destination sits mid-pack for a mainstream 3-row mid-size SUV, undercut slightly by standard AWD on every trim being unusual value for the segment.

Premium is the volume trim, adding roof rails, blind-spot monitoring, heated seats and an 8-inch touchscreen over Base for a modest premium.

Projected 5-year maintenance and repair spend is well under the segment band, reflecting Subaru's reputation for low running costs on the Ascent specifically.

Depreciation estimates cluster around 48-50% over 5 years, essentially in line with the 50.1% mid-size SUV segment average — neither a resale standout nor a laggard.

Standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, the low end of the segment band with no extension for 2020.

5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage sits at the short end of the segment band, well behind long-warranty rivals like Hyundai/Kia.

No complimentary scheduled maintenance plan is included; buyers get standard 3-year/36,000-mile roadside assistance bundled with the basic warranty and a complimentary trial of Starlink connected services, but nothing approaching Toyota/Hyundai-style included maintenance.

$35,405 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (50% retained, or about $17,703) leaves about $17,703 in depreciation. Add the projected $2,803 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $20,506 in total.

The 2020 Ascent's first two model years (2019-2020) are its worst for predicted reliability, driven overwhelmingly by CVT/transmission complaints and infotainment/electrical gremlins reported to CR's member survey.

Subaru's fleet-wide standing in 2020 was mixed-to-weak in the industry studies that track multi-year dependability, even though the brand's historical reputation (built mostly on Forester/Outback/Impreza) is stronger than these two studies alone suggest.

This generation carries a cluster of safety-relevant recalls rather than one isolated campaign: a CVT transmission-control-unit software error that could let the drive chain slip or break (loss of propulsion), a low-pressure fuel pump that could stall the engine without warning, a PTC heater ground-bolt defect with a fire risk, and a structural B-pillar weld issue.

The Ascent's high-torque chain-driven CVT (TR580/TR690 family) was new for this platform and developed a well-documented pattern of valve-body failures, judder/shudder, harsh engagement and outright chain slippage/breakage in 2019-2020 units, serious enough to draw a class-action lawsuit.

Reviewers generally found the cabin a step up for Subaru at this price point, with soft-touch padding in contact zones and matte-finish plastics elsewhere, though lower dash/door areas still use harder plastics typical of a mainstream mid-size SUV.

Most professional reviews reported solid assembly with nothing rattling or vibrating in testing, but this generation also drew a real thread of owner complaints about panel/door misalignment and other early-build quality issues consistent with a brand-new platform's first year.

Subaru runs a solid, if not the largest, nationwide dealer footprint and has historically scored well on dealer-service satisfaction, giving Ascent owners reasonably convenient access to warranty and recall work despite the model's above-average shop visits.

Routine parts and maintenance pricing sit in normal mainstream-SUV territory, but the CVT failures common to this model year push the odds and cost of a major repair above what "normal" would otherwise imply.

Volume Premium trim carries the 8.0-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus screen; base trim uses a smaller 6.5-inch unit.

This generation of STARLINK was widely criticized by reviewers of the era for laggy touch response and a cluttered menu structure compared to segment leaders.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all 2020 Ascent trims, but only via wired USB connection — Subaru did not offer wireless projection on this generation.

Built-in navigation is available on Limited/Touring but most owners default to CarPlay/Android Auto maps; voice control is functional but unremarkable for the era.

Touring trim's 14-speaker, 792-watt Harman Kardon system is a genuine premium upgrade; base/Premium audio is adequate but unremarkable.

The 2020 Ascent uses analog gauges with a small multi-information color LCD between them rather than a configurable full-digital cluster on any trim.

2020-era STARLINK had no meaningful over-the-air whole-vehicle or infotainment software update capability; connected services were limited to Safety/Security telematics.

STARLINK Safety & Security app provides remote lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle locate and alerts, but requires a paid subscription after the initial trial period.

Up to six USB ports and a household-style 120V outlet are available across the cabin, but the 2020 Ascent does not offer a wireless charging pad.

Proximity keyless entry and push-button start are standard from Premium up, with remote engine start available; base trim uses a traditional key.

A standard rearview camera is fitted fleet-wide, with front/rear parking sensors and reverse automatic braking on Limited/Touring, but no 360-degree surround camera was offered this generation.

No head-up display was offered on any 2020 Ascent trim.

Wide rear door openings, a low liftover height (32.0 in), a bench second row with easy tip-and-slide third-row access, and abundant LATCH points make daily kid/gear duty easy.

EyeSight (forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure/keep, adaptive cruise) is standard on every trim including base, earning IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2020 — short of Top Safety Pick+ only because standard headlights fell short of 'Good'.

Tri-zone climate, second-row climate controls and USB ports on Premium+ trims support multi-hour family trips well, though third-row amenities and cushioning remain thin for older kids/teens.

Standard AWD, a smooth low-speed CVT calibration, and a comfortable driving position make the Ascent relaxed in daily traffic despite its size.

EPA-estimated 21/27/23 mpg (18-in wheels) is roughly average-to-below-average for a three-row mainstream SUV of this era (Highlander/Palisade posted similar or slightly better combined figures).

At 196.8 in long with a 38.0 ft turning circle, the Ascent is sizable for tight urban parking; a standard rearview camera helps but there's no 360-degree view to compensate.

Base trim is limited to 2,000 lb towing, but Premium/Limited/Touring reach 5,000 lb with Trailer Stability Assist — solid for a crossover, well short of body-on-frame work SUVs.

The 2019-2020 Ascent's CVT and early electrical issues (including a low-pressure fuel pump recall) are well documented, undercutting confidence in sustained hard-use duty compared to fleet-proven rivals.

A household 120V outlet and standard roof rails are useful, but the Ascent lacks dedicated tie-downs or an upfit ecosystem beyond typical crossover cargo accessories.

A 19.3-gal tank at 27 mpg highway yields roughly 500 miles of highway range, and standard EyeSight adaptive cruise eases fatigue, though cabin noise on rough pavement is a mild demerit.

Standard Symmetrical AWD with X-MODE, 8.7 in of ground clearance, and standard roof rails make the Ascent a genuine light-adventure enabler for a mainstream three-row crossover.

86.5 cu ft of max cargo volume with both rear rows folded, standard roof rails, and available hitch/towing hardware give strong gear-hauling flexibility.

Standard AWD with torque-vectoring via brakes gives the Ascent sure-footed grip, but its size and mass make it feel large and prone to lumbering through corners rather than agile.

Electric power steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for easy daily use but delivers little genuine road feedback, typical of the segment.

13.1-in front / 13.0-in rear ventilated discs with Brake Assist, Active Torque Vectoring and Auto Vehicle Hold provide adequate, confidence-inspiring stops for a mainstream three-row, without standing out as segment-best.

The 260-hp turbo boxer pairs with a CVT that delivers adequate, generally smooth response around town, though throttle tip-in and CVT drone under hard acceleration keep it from feeling polished.

Engine noise is described as growing from a muted hum to a loud groan under load, compounded by an audible CVT whine noted by owners — a genuine weak point versus quieter three-row rivals.

Manufacturer-published curb-to-curb turning circle.

A commanding, SUV-typical seating height, clear sightlines and straightforward control layout make the Ascent easy to get comfortable in, with easy ingress/egress across rows.

The Ascent is competent and pleasant but engineered squarely for family-hauling comfort rather than driver engagement; reviewers describe it as capable rather than exciting.

Base trim includes standard AWD, Subaru EyeSight (adaptive cruise, forward collision/AEB, lane-departure warning), tri-zone climate control, 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and 2nd/3rd row split-folding seats — few direct rivals bundle AWD and a full driver-assist suite at the base price.

Standard AWD across every trim (a segment rarity where rivals often charge a few thousand extra), 8-passenger capacity, and X-MODE off-road traction add up to strong content-for-price even though the turbo-4 gives up some refinement to V6 rivals.

Four trims (Base, Premium, Limited, Touring) span a reasonable $32K-$45K spread, but there is a single 2.4L turbo powertrain, no engine choice, and only a 7- vs 8-seat (bench vs captain's chair) configuration option — narrower breadth than rivals offering multiple engines or hybrid variants.

67,623 units sold in 2020, a solid mid-pack volume for the 3-row mid-size segment (behind Highlander/Explorer/Pilot but well ahead of niche rivals), though down 17.5% from the Ascent's strong 2019 debut year, partly reflecting COVID-era production constraints across the industry.

Subaru carries a strong, loyal following built on AWD-for-all and outdoorsy branding, with above-average owner loyalty rates, though it lacks the aspirational pull of a luxury or performance-image brand.

Real-world 2020 purchase reports show 9-15% off MSRP via dealer discounts, VIP/loyalty pricing, and manufacturer financing offers (0.9% APR for 72 months), giving buyers meaningful room to negotiate without desperation-level markdowns.

2020 is the second model year of an all-new generation that debuted for MY2019 on Subaru's current global platform, so the Ascent is at its freshest with no redesign risk on the horizon.

The 2020 Ascent earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick (not the Plus tier, since curve-adaptive LED headlights were optional rather than standard that year) and Parents Magazine's "Best for Big Families" nod; reviewers consistently call it a solid, well-rounded family SUV but stop short of naming it a comparison-test winner over Highlander/Pilot/Telluride.