Used 2020 Subaru Ascent for sale 

The Subaru Ascent is available in four trim levels – Ascent base, Premium, Limited and Touring. The base trim comes accomplished with standard AWD, tri-zone climate control and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim adds rear-seat climate controls and towing capacity is increased to 5,000 lbs.

Trim	Ascent Base	Ascent Premium	Ascent Limited	Ascent Touring
MSRP (AWD)	$31,995	$34,395	$39,945	$45,045
Key Features	Subaru Starlink Multimedia with Apple Car Play and Android Auto	Includes Ascent's features and adds -	Includes Ascent Premium's features and adds -	Includes Ascent Limited's features and adds -
	Flexible 3 Row Seating for 8	Available 2nd Row Bench Seats/ Captain Chairs	Leather-Trimmed Upholstery	Java Brown Leather-Trimmed upholstery
	Roof Rails	4G LTE Connectivity	Power Rear Gate	Starlink Multimedia Navigation
	18” Alloy Wheels	Subaru Starlink Safety and Security	20” Alloy Wheels	Panoramic Power moonroof
	Eyesight Driver Assist Technology	Rear Climate Control with Front Heated Seats	Heated Second Row Seats with 10 Way Powered Driver Seat and Memory	14 Speaker 792W Harman Kardon Audio System
			Keyless Access with push-button Start	180 Degree Front view monitor

The Limited trim increases the premium-factor by offering leather trim upholstery and keyless access with push-button start. Touring trim takes it to another level with heated and ventilated seats, premium Harman Kardon audio system and a standard power moonroof.

Which trim to go for?

The Premium trim adds to the base variant with features like Climate Control in the rear seats, 4G LTE connectivity, and Subaru Starlink Security. Considering this and a price hike of just $3,000, you are getting a lot of value and which is why it’s the trim to go for.

The base model of the Ascent is powered by a Subaru special boxer-four engine that belts out 260 hp and a healthy 277 lb-ft. of torque. All the power is transferred to the wheels via a CVT automatic transmission. Unlike the competition, this Subaru comes with a standard AWD system.

One major positive about this engine is its early torque delivery. Getting off the line with the Ascent would be a no-drama affair. Even with a full load of passengers and cargo, this engine has enough grunt to easily merge with the highway traffic or get off the line from the stoplight. Whether you are hustling around the town or on a weekend getaway, this engine has got your back.

Models	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Kia Telluride
MSRP	$31,995	$31,550	$32,765	$31,690
Engine	2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer 4-cylinder	3.5-liter Naturally Aspirated V6	2.3L Turbocharged Ecoboost Inline-4	3.8L GDI 24 Valve V6
Drivetrain	AWD	FWD	RWD	FWD
Transmission	CVT	6-Speed Automatic	10 Speed Automatic	8 Speed Automatic
Power	260hp@5,600rpm	280hp@6,000rpm	300hp @5,500rpm	291hp@6,000rpm
Torque	277lb-ft@2,000rpm	262lb-ft@4,700rpm	310lb-ft@3,500rpm	262lb-ft@5,200rpm

Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer beat the Subaru Ascent at the horsepower game. When we talk about the base variants, the Subaru Ascent is outclassed by its competition. As we talk about torque, Subaru takes an obvious lead with its turbocharged boxer engine’s 277 lb.-ft. torque output.

How good is the acceleration of the Subaru Ascent?

Don’t expect any big surprises here. The Ascent with its turbo spooled up does considerably well for a three-row crossover SUV. Ascent achieves its 0-60 within 6.9 seconds and runs through the quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds. Subaru uses a CVT in favor of increasing fuel efficiency but unlike other CVTs in this segment. This CVT works well and comes with 8 electronically programmed ‘shift’ points.

Models	Subaru Ascent	Honda pilot	Ford Explorer	Kia Telluride
0-60 MPH	6.9 sec	5.9 sec	5.3 sec	8.1 sec
Quarter Mile	15.5 sec	14.8 sec	13.9 sec	15.4 sec
Top Speed	N/A	N/A	143 MPH	N/A
Engine	2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer 4-cylinder	3.5-liter Naturally Aspirated V6	2.3L Inline-4 Turbocharged Ecoboost	3.8L Gasoline Direct Injection V6

Honda Pilot takes the lead with its 6.2-second naught to sixty runs. Honda’s 6.2-second run is followed by Subaru’s 6.9-second. And finally, the Kia Telluride takes the longest 8.2 seconds to achieve a similar speed.

Is the ride and handling, as good as other Subarus?

The Subaru Ascent offers a compliant ride. The Ascent’s suspension can easily level out the impact of road undulations. With comfort being Subaru’s priority here. This Subaru is a little shy of the corners. The steering isn’t the best out there, but it adequately transfers feedback to the driver. The steering is light to use in city conditions and it also does not come off as vague or hesitant. So, maneuvering your Ascent in the city wouldn’t be too much of a task.

When you are driving the Subaru Ascent, it wouldn’t feel like a large 3-row Crossover. Like its smaller cousin, the Subaru Outback, Ascent benefits from a well-engineered driving ergonomics. The visibility, both front, and rear is good. It surely gives the Ascent an edge over the competition.

Does it stop as well as it accelerates?

The Subaru Ascent is equipped with the largest front and rear disc brakes in its class. Ascent comes with four-wheel anti-lock brakes as standard. Under emergency braking, Ascent comes to a halt from 60 mph within 117 feet. Like other SUVs, nose dive is evident but it never gets unsettling or nerve-wracking. You have enough stopping power at all times and there isn't much, to complain about the braking of the Ascent.

Model	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Kia Telluride
Brake Rotors Front	13.1"	12.6"	12.8"	13.4"
Brake Rotors Rear	13"	13"	12.8"	12.0"
Curb Weight	4430 lbs	4036 lbs	4345 lbs	4211 lbs
60-0 MPH	117 ft	118 ft	108 ft (With optional tires)	118 ft

The Ford Explorer manages to score an impressive stopping distance of 108 ft. Although it does achieve the same with optional stickier tires. Honda Pilot’s estimated braking distance is 118 ft and it matches the Telluride’s braking distance as well.

What is the Subaru Ascent's Towing Capacity?

One of the important selling points for these new breed 3-row CUV’s is their versatility. Come the weekend and the duty calls for trailering equipment. Subaru has an advantage over the rest –a standard AWD system that helps it rival the best in this segment even with its puny 2.4-liter engine. The Subaru Ascent can tow 5000 lbs. of equipment.

Model	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Kia Telluride
Towing Capacity	5000 lbs	3500 lbs	5300 lbs	5000 lbs

All SUVs other than the Honda Pilot can tow 5000lbs or more. However, KIA will feel the most stress-free of the lot, owing to its 3.8L turbocharged motor.

Also Read

How safe is the Subaru Ascent?

By what margin in prices do the trims vary?

Subaru Ascent uses a CVT automatic transmission which helps its case in offering a slightly better fuel economy than the competition. Ascent is rated for 21 mpg in city driving conditions and 27 mpg on highways. The combined mpg stands at 23 for the base model of the Ascent. Overall, with a massive 19.3-gallon fuel tank, you can expect a minimum of 400 miles of full tank range on the Subaru. 

Model	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Kia Telluride
MPG (City)	21	19	21	20
MPG (Highway)	27	27	28	26
MPG (Combined)	23	22	24	23
Fuel Capacity	19.3 gallons	19.5 gallons	19.2 gallons	18.8 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)	405/521/443 miles	371/521/429 miles	403/538/460 miles	376/489/432 miles
Emission(Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.8	8.0	7.3	7.6

When you compare the Subaru with its rivals, you will find that the Ford Explorer, comes the closest both in terms of range and MPG figures. That's owing to the well-optimized transmission and lightweight materials on use. The Honda and the Kia, both lose out to the top 2, owing to their slightly lesser efficient powertrains.

The biggest Subaru ever – the Ascent offers segment-leading interior space. Ascent offers the segment-best passenger volume of 153.5 cu-ft. The cabin is spacious enough and offers a good number of cubby spaces. Starting with a total number of 19 cup holders distributed throughout the cabin, 14 in the first two rows and 5 in the third row. 

The Ascent has a welcoming interior. The quality of plastics is not upscale but neither does it feel cheap. Ascent maintains a level of consistency that is pleasing to the eye. The seats are comfortable and offer decent support in all the 3 rows.

The Subaru Ascent offers to seat for 8 people at the base trim level. Second-row seats can be easily flipped to make a passage to the third-row seats. Ingress and egress to the third-row seats isn’t a chore even for taller passengers. You can also opt for a 7 seater version with Captain chairs, for added comfort and convenience.

Model	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Kia Telluride
Seating Capacity	8	8	7	8
First Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	41.3/61.1/42.2	40.1/ 62/40.9	40.7/61.8/43.0	40.9/61.6/44.1
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	40/ 60.3/ 38.6	40.2/68.0/38.4	40.5/61.9/39.0	40.2/61.2/42.2
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	36.3/57.2/31.7	38.9/44.6/31.9	38.9/54.6/32.2	38.1/55.3/31.4

On paper, the Subaru Ascent doesn’t offer the best in the segment numbers but it doesn’t stray away from the segment-leaders by much. The Honda Pilot despite its shorter wheelbase and the Ford Explorer, rake in the best space on the inside and are marginally ahead of the Kia as well.

What about the Infotainment system?

Subaru has updated the infotainment system of the Ascent for 2020. The interface is mostly slick to use and intuitive as well. Sunlight legibility is decent as well and most of the buttons, fall into hands easily. There is plenty of features to keep you accompanied on your long boring drives. Rest assured, those drives won't ever be as dull as before. 

The Infotainment system includes the following few features-

• 8” Touchscreen Infotainment System with navigation
• 14 Speaker Harman Kardon music system
• Dual USB ports in all 3 rows
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability
• Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
• 180 Degree Front View Monitor

What is the Subaru Ascent's Cargo Capacity?

The Ascent offers generous cargo capacity and ranks well in this segment. At 17.8 cu.-ft., Ascent’s cargo space behind the third row is second only to Ford Explorer. Fold the second row and you will have 47.5 cu-ft. of cargo space. Fold both the rows and the total cargo area increases to 86.5 cu-ft. When we consider maximum cargo capacity, the Ascent offers the maximum in this comparison.

Model	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Kia Telluride
Cargo Capacity	17.8 cu.ft.	16.5 cu.ft.	18.2 cu.ft.	21 cu.ft.

The 2020 KIA Telluride stands tall in this cargo space department, flaunting of its best-in-class cargo space with 21 cu-ft. Holding down the fort for Ford is the Explorer with its 18.2 cu.ft of cargo space.

Features to expect on the inside?

On the inside, the Subaru feels roomy and spacious as we have seen previously. However, with all the space, you do have plenty of creature comforts on offer as well that can be useful on a lot of occasions. The notable highlights include the following few features

• Power Adjustable Front Seats
• Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
• Heated Second Row Seats and Steering Wheel
• Power Rear Gate
• Second Row Captain/Bench Seats
• Leather Upholstery and Wrapped Steering
• Smart auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with HomeLink
• Auto-up / auto-down driver's and front passenger window with anti-pinch protection
• Second Row Climate Control
• Manually adjustable tilt/telescoping steering column

Speaking of the dimensions and the weight, the Ascent feels the same as the other big crossovers in the segment. The Subaru Ascent makes sure to complement luxury and utmost comfortness with its sheer size. In terms of weight, the Subaru is the heaviest among its rivals and offers the most ground clearance among the same. This gives it an unprecedented advantage while off-roading and going over potholes. A lower width when compared to its rivals, makes it a jiffy for drivers to maneuver the Ascent through the city or when parking in tight spaces.

Model	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Ford Explorer	Kia Telluride
Curb Weight	4430 lbs	4036 lbs	4345 lbs	4211 lbs
Length	196.8"	196.5"	198.8"	196.9"
Width	76"	78.6"	78.9"	78.3"
Height	71.6"	70.6"	69.9"	68.9"
Ground Clearance	8.7"	7.3"	7.9"	8.0"
Wheelbase	113.8"	111"	119.1"	114.2"

The Explorer is the longest of all in the segment and is followed by the other 3. The Honda Pilot has the least Ground Clearance of the lot and is the most prone to fail while water wading or while moving over bumps. Also, it compromises on the wheelbase front and thus eats away the passenger rear legroom inside.

What are the most notable features on the Outside?

With its more than pleasing and plush interior, Subaru had to make sure that the exterior of the Ascent is as complimenting to the interior as possible, and they have done so by making it seem rugged from all corners. Subaru is offering a number of features on the outside of the 2020 Ascent, that will surely grab the eyeballs of the onlookers. The notable highlights include

• 20" Dark Gray machine finish alloys
• LED Steering responsive headlights and foglights
• Satin-chrome power folding ORVM's with turn indicators
• Two-speed windshield wipers
• Windshield wiper de-icer
• Rear Window wiper
• Raised roof rails
• Power Tilt/Slide Panoramic moonroof

Also read

Should you prefer the Ford Explorer over the Subaru Ascent?

How enticing is the interior in the Subaru Ascent?

The Subaru Ascent focuses a lot on safety, it comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight system across all the trim levels. This system combines adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Subaru also offers its Starlink Connected Services standard on all models except the base model.

Ascent scores an overall 5-star rating from NHSTA and also scores well on the tests conducted by IIHS, so good in fact, that the IIHS has named the SUV as a Top Safety Pick for the year 2020.

Safety Features

The Subaru Ascent is equipped with the following safety features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure warning and lane-keep assist
• Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking
• Front, Side and Side-Curtain airbags
• LATCH system
• Height-adjustable seatbelts

Subaru Ascent vs Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 hp and 262 lb-ft. of torque. Pricing for the Honda Pilot starts at $31,450. Honda Pilot has been one of the best vehicles in this segment. Honda Pilot is a can't go wrong decision in the three-row utilitarian SUV market.

When compared to the Subaru Ascent, the Pilot has a bigger engine as standard but it can’t match the towing and hauling capacity of the Ascent’s turbo-four engine which has better low-end torque. Moreover, the Ascent has better ground clearance, passenger volume, and cargo capacity. Choosing one between the two can be hard but if it was our money we would definitely choose the Ascent because it offers a powertrain that is more refined and is hassle-free, unlike Honda’s V6.

Subaru Ascent vs Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is the benchmark of the Big Crossover SUV space. The Explorer enjoys a status as the bestseller three-row SUV in the US market. Unlike the Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer isn’t offered with standard AWD. Still, it manages a similar towing capacity. Explorer only offers to seat in 7 people. It falls behind the Ascent when it comes to maximum cargo space and passenger volume. The standard four-cylinder mill on the Ascent is much frugal and offers better drivability.

With the All-New Subaru Ascent, Subaru is taking another shot at the hotly contested Big SUV segment. The Ascent comes with terrific road manners, is spacious on the inside, packs in plenty of driver aids as standard and feels premium to be driven in. Couple that with Subaru’s reliability and low cost of ownership and you won’t be disappointed with what Subaru has achieved. While the Ford Explorer and the Kia Telluride offer something more than the Subaru in some areas, as an overall package, the Ascent comes in as a good buy and worth a visit to your nearest Subaru dealership.