2020 Subaru Ascent

by Herb Gordon Subaru

Overview

The trusted Subaru brand now offers a three-row SUV. The 2020 Ascent offers the dependability and performance Subaru fans have come to love from the brand while adding a wealth of technological conveniences and plenty of interior space for the entire family.

The Perfect Ride for…

Subaru is known for cultivating generations of loyal followers. A person who buys a Subaru typically keeps it for a long time and then buys another one. The 2020 Ascent offers the grown-up option for the Subaru family. It has everything that’s great about Subaru models, like the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and legendary SUBARU BOXER® engine, and it has everything that’s great about family-sized SUVs, like plenty of versatile cargo space and a 5,000 lbs towing capacity. Even better: it comes at a price that’s doable for many families, starting at $31,995.*

Drive and Handling

The 2020 Ascent comes in four trim levels, but the beefy powertrain is standard throughout. The world-renowned SUBARU BOXER® engine gets an upgrade with a direct fuel injection system and a powerful turbocharger, all working together to deliver 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to provide the power to get through whatever the road can throw at you, (not to mention the "off-road" as well).

And you’ll be able to do plenty of that off-roading, because the Ascent features another well-known Subaru technology with an upgrade. The brand-exclusive Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system distributes power to all four wheels as needed, and it makes for incredible stability and confidence on the road. With the Ascent, the AWD gets upgraded with the addition of a groundbreaking new technology called X-MODE®, which optimizes traction on slippery surfaces and incorporates Hill Descent Control for stability and confidence when descending more difficult grades.

All of that power and ability sits on top of the new Subaru Global Platform, which takes advantage of extensive high-strength steel. This new frame offers noticeable durability, rigidity, and vibration resistance, as well as reduced interior noise. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance will save you from obstacles in the road, and the lightweight body and efficient engine will save you from high gas prices at the pump. The 2020 Ascent gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg on the highway,** which is pretty impressive for a three-row SUV.

Key Features

Spacious Interior

What’s an SUV really good for if it can’t fit everyone and everything inside? To comfortably seat up to seven passengers, you can choose captain’s chairs for the second row, which also offers quick and easy access to the third row. Another option is a second-row bench seat, which allows seating for up to eight. The rear cargo area offers plenty of versatile storage options, including separate compartments, and both the second and third rows have folding configurations for seemingly endless combinations of cargo space. Finally, an available power liftgate makes it easy to access that rear cargo area when your hands are full.

360° Security

The 2020 SUbaru Ascent offers the latest in smart safety technology from Subaru. Features include passive safety alarms, like Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which can both see potential dangers where you can’t and activate alerts to warn you. And for the first time ever, the Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist technology suite is offered as a standard. EyeSight can monitor traffic movement, optimize cruise control, and warn you if you’re swaying outside your lane. The Pre-Collision Braking feature can even apply full braking force, bringing you to a complete stop in emergency situations.

Making things even safer, multiple available cameras can help you see in every direction around the vehicle, rain-sensing windshield wipers turn on automatically to help you see during bad weather, and the available LED Steering Responsive Headlights can move in the direction you’re steering to help you see the way ahead.

21^st-Century Connectivity

The revolutionary SUBARU STARLINK™ system offers incredible infotainment and remote control options. STARLINK starts in the Ascent’s central infotainment display, providing seemingly endless streaming content, satellite radio, and navigation services, all making the interior cabin of your 2020 Ascent one of the most advanced information hubs on the road. When you’re not on the road, you can also use STARLINK on your connected smartphone. With the STARLINK app, you can access remote controls to your Ascent, and even upgrade to roadside assistance and personal concierge services.

Alternative Options

The Ascent is the largest model in the Subaru lineup, but we have plenty of other new models available to fit your unique needs. If you want the same versatility in a smaller size, try out the Subaru Crosstrek, which is an incredibly capable compact crossover. If you’re more of a sedan driver, you may prefer the sporty Subaru WRX, which offers the same confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive in a performance-based sedan.

* Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.

** EPA-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage may vary.

Image Credit: Subaru