2020 Subaru Ascent - Comfy, safe, and affordable

[@garyspence6519]

I drove one today. Very impressive. Drives better by far than a pilot, palisade or a Highlander. Not even close. Better engine smoother transmission. I don't know what he's talking about. I recommend test driving one. Good luck.

[@bfwaring]

Hey Gary, did you happen to take it out on a stretch of highway? If so, is it a quiet ride out there? (wind noise, tires, etc.) Thanks 👍

[@drewgunner14]

NA1106 super comfortable and quiet. Turbo spools up to like around 3500-4000 rpm then goes flaccid when youre going like 55-60 mph.

[@lollymanna]

The highlander hybrid is next level smooth and the mpg is next level. The ascent ain't bad though. Subaru doing well is good for Toyota as they basically own subaru these days as well as mazda.

[@lowlifeangler]

The Pilot / MDX are junk

[@colechapman6976]

@@lowlifeangler I like the MDX. Agree on the Pilot. At least it’s reliable

[@joeb4867]

Why must all you guys reviewing these cars use the highest priced super loaded models. Subaru touts their choices as affordable but all you vloggers keep showing are the most tricked out models then tell us what we have to give up to make them affordable. Maybe, show us a base model once in awhile. That way maybe some of us will get to see an "affordable" Ascent.

[@davec.3198]

Its likely the tester that Subaru passes around.

[@CK2012]

I like the physical buttons over touch screen.

[@joseaguinaldo8965]

4kk 5

[@CK2012]

@@joseaguinaldo8965 4kk 5?

[@52969RST]

Me too love it!!!

[@janmiller4366]

Was he driving a tester with a temporary spare tire or something. :) All kidding aside, the Ascent's ride, handling, and power are outstanding for a midsize SUV. Combided with the all wheel drive and safety systems, it's a bargin. It's nimble in traffic, has a great turning raduis and almost no detectable body roll when cornering. I do agree that the gas milage is disappointing and once in while I'm reminded that it's a CVT.

[@buckshwiggy]

Ya, this thing could tackle some deep snow with good winter tires. I am definitely a fan of the Ascent! Good work Subaru!

[@bensimmons8974]

Just bought mine three days ago, Limited trim with sunroof, captain seats, and upgraded stereo 75k miles for 26k. I am in love and already put close to 500 miles on it. Very Very smooth ride and everything you could ask for. I love the size premium feel, highly recommend. If you are buying around 60k or more miles make sure sparkplugs have been changed as due to the boxer engine its a pain and expensive. Thanks to the oil filter being on the top of the engine, easiest oil change of my life.

[@wyndellwedel3956]

How are you still liking your new Subaru Accent? I'm currently looking at one and was curious what you think of it? Anything you notice with it?

[@bensimmons8974]

@@wyndellwedel3956 I like it a lot, it has been very comfortable and a great family vehicle. No complaints from us.

[@ogbachata]

Picking ours up after work, our family is excited.

[@jdubdoubleu]

How do you like it?

[@ogbachata]

jdubdoubleu So far it’s been great, my wife mainly drives it. I drive it on weekends mainly. The car feels solid, a lot safer than our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee we ended trading in. The Jeep started having to many mechanical issues at 80K miles $$$, so we had enough of it. Every time I drive the Subaru it feels safe especially with our 2 boys. It’s got plenty of power and the Eyesight driving technology keeps you on your toes when driving! Just good quality overall!

[@alaskaaudioguy35]

I want to see you do a video on the 2021 model they made some improvements and tuning

[@xspeedfreakxx]

most likely tells you in the manual that if you park on any incline to use the parking brake, this is standard for all CVT equipped cars.

[@dread8900]

in fact almost any car today tells you if you park on an incline to use your parking brake. Relying on the transmission in almost any car to hold it is not very good, as your transmission gets ruined faster, it can break a lot more easily and let your car start rolling than a parking break can, and they don't call it a PARKING break for nothing.😂👍👌

[@davec.3198]

Looking hard at one of these. You can get a premium 7 seater for

[@MrTimothymartin]

This guy is absolutely spot on in his review. Mine has all kinds of nice things, but it just drives terribly. He’s exactly right.

[@raydavies3278]

A good honest but harsh review, well appreciated.

[@yulisai9043]

Im dying for an accent, Like its just me no kids but still. So much room in the back. Ahhh!!

[@comiskeybum]

Why the hell would you use any navigation that isn't Google maps? LOL

[@wissell4287]

Raun Kunkel cus I like Apple maps better

[@oldageisdumb]

Waze is much better. It updates with traffic, construction and road hazards

[@RCGJR_]

Waze all the way

[@dread8900]

idk maybe you just broke your phone and can't get a new one till like next year or something. I do agree with you though. and ACTUALLY waze is a really popular and also very good navigation that rival Google maps, never tried it, but I've heard its really good.👌👍

[@Gooddog1]

@@wissell4287 Apple uses Google maps, they are licensed to be that way.

[@dblairw]

Car Gurus & Subaru - - guaranteed straight-up review with unbiased callouts of the good, the bad and the ugly (CVT and wonky navigation). The Ascent is a 500 foot home run for Subie compared to the dullsville B9-Tribeca predecessor. Super safe, comfortable family hauler? That's a definite Yes. A solid weekend warrior tow / overlanding machine?? Yeah 'bout that - - best to look elsewhere in the SUV universe.

[@oldjar6287]

I have a 2020 Ascent Touring! Retuning home from vacation a tractor trailer changed to my lane forcing me to the inside median emergency lane and the median wall. Very tight. I subsequently ran over something with the left front and rear tires, cutting a 2” diameter hole in the rear tire. I put the spare on and decided to put a real tire on the ground instead of the full size temporary. Walmart didn’t have the Faulkner All weather but an exact tread and size. These original tires had about 9k use. Today we had our 12k service. We pulled in the service writer bay and before I stopped a writer approached us and exclaimed that we had a off brand Goodyear twin. Wow, he was quick! He should have seen it in color. I told my story then he said he was not my writer this other guy was. They talk and my guy says you shouldn’t have that tire on our car! I said that Walmart didn’t carry our brand and this GY was a exact match. I would like to know the price for a Faulkner matching tire and keep theGY for my spare. He said they needed to do a tread measurement! Shortly he returns and pronounced that the tread gauge showed 7/32 on both fronts and a 9/32 and a 10/32 on the newer GY on the rear. He said that Subaru could void my drive train warranty if my tread depth varies more than 2/32 on any of the tires. So to replace my flat was going cost a complete tire replacement all 4 tires about $800.00! If we had been informed of this we WOULD NOT have bought this vehicle. If you have 3-4K on a set of tires and have a fatal tire loss. You have to replace all 4 tires. They advertise this at the dealership. They were having a buy 3 get 1 for a dollar this week. Wondering if this played into it?

[@savannahkillinger5406]

Unfortunately it’s this way on all AWD vehicles

[@idkwhtimduin]

AWD systems means 4 tires same or similar brand and or tread

[@davec.3198]

The honda pilot is the same way. AWD systems are sensitive to one wheel spinning faster than the other. It will overtax the system. It sucks, but it's your fault for not realizing this. AWD systems have been like this for a long time.

[@colechapman6976]

I think for the price it's pretty good. Much nicer interior than the Honda Pilot thing too. Great AWD that's standard, nice safety tech, and at 40k. Not bad considering it's a 7 seater

[@georgelukes7417]

$100k Porsches have CVTs; there are no complaints about those. It's a matter of correctly designing, sizing and integrating a CVT into the intended vehicle. A CVT is not inherently bad, but if you listen to some of these self-described experts...

[@Fuegoturbo]

You're confusing CVTs with DCTs. Porsches have the latter.

[@enriquevega8596]

Have you reviewed the Hyundai Palisades?

[@BlueBox777]

0:40 please make the correction: 8 speed CVT, NOT correct. This is correct: one speed CVT that it's made by engine power to feel as a conventional transmission. Why lie? Don't put fake gears.

[@greendg7]

6 recalls for my ascent, now CVT may have to be replaced. Sorry, do not do it

[@tomasgulas]

CVT question: mine shift from 1st to 2nd gears early, then the 2nd gear has no power until I gain speed, or step on the gas. VERY annoying. Also, when I'm driving about 30 or so and accelerating and press the gas little, it downshift or upshifts, the transmission gets very jumpy, really hate it. The only time I'm able to smoothly accelerate is by using cruise control, or by pressing the gas bit more right from stop and keep it that way, otherwise any movement on gas pedal makes it very un-smooth accelerating. Do u experience this?

[@newrunner91]

I would like to see a comparison between the Subaru Ascent and the Toyota Sienna AWD. For a family of 6 that lives in snow country (lake-effect snow from the Lake Ontario and Erie) those seem like the most practical and affordable options for AWD compared to SUVs.

[@lowlifeangler]

Stay away from Honda and Kia

[@TheBioAbyssal]

And it does offer a wireless charging pad...optional...but it does...

[@aprille33]

Thanks was considering buying one but now I won't since their navigation still sucks!

[@dread8900]

Ever heard of google maps?😂😂

[@drewgunner14]

It has apple carplay so even the base one i wont need a navigation

[@dread8900]

@@drewgunner14 But you also have to consider that not everyone has a phone or there has to be someone out there who prefers the car maps to the google maps. Not though

[@dread8900]

0:40 why did you put 8-Speed?😂 its a CVT for crying out loud😂

[@sowelltrain7342]

The gross vehicle weight is to much for the CVT transmission, and will fail just like the CVT's fail prematurely in the Outbacks. CVT's are used to meet mileage standards not durability. Ascents, Outbacks and any Turbo charged Subaru has a $10,000 time bomb that will start to fail around 90,000 miles.

[@BTC909]

I rarely see a Nissan Quest on the roads. Heavy + CVT = FAIL

[@XHobbiesPrime]

The whole idea of a cvt made me nervous and now I am even moreso! :D

[@nguyensiluc]

Thinking about CVT made me stop buying it :)

[@xsavalos]

If it has that autostop, pass. I have company car issued Outback and I love it. But that autoshut off at stops sucks. U have you have to turn it off everytime u turn on the car. It’s not permanent shut off. Its hard turn on too! So much so it moves car bit if you do not have your foot in the brake. I read the manual. If it’s same on thia car, I will have pass. Thinking of getting for my family.

[@ALTN8NRG]

Accurate review. I test drove it twice and have experienced what was mentioned in the review.

[@greendg7]

I own this and again this guy can't describe the ride and handling? always saying to soft in corners to firm on potholes - just like outlander - no idea where he gets this from, perhaps not talented enough to critic ride so makes things up? or his weight is upsetting the suspension

[@juicemendez21]

I’m still getting one

[@clg01]

Command at 5:02 should be "cancel route"

[@justinwells6795]

I would be very interested in one of these but it seems that the transmission ruins how the car drives...

[@matthewwhittaker478]

Excellent review

[@JamesBond-cv3tt]

Why is 4 cylinder only

[@dread8900]

Yea that's a good question. The power isn't terrible in the turbocharged models, but I really do wish they had a 6 cylinder, considering it is a 3-row SUV

[@greenbullitt6999]

Subaru needs a full size SUV ... Everything is either compact or midsize and CVT gearboxes are the reason sales are not as good

[@lollymanna]

Fill sull size suv,s are dying. Mid size cuv,s have taken over the market.

[@AS-zk6hz]

Dislike the java brown so bought the limited with black interior

[@paynus_]

Same

[@joshuaboswell80]

Same

[@ELP1125]

Putting a CVT on a vehicle this size is just a bad move.

[@datnguyen1615]

I love Subaru. I am currently driving it daily commute for 14 years. I want to upgrade mine for Outback or Ascent but Outback or Ascent has only CVT transmission. Sadly

[@dread8900]

Yes, sadly Subaru engineers are being ignorant and stupid enough to put a CVT into their cars. I really expected better from Subaru, as they have come a long way, but there's really nothing we can do to change it. And people say the CVT in Subaru's today are actually pretty good.

[@lowlifeangler]

My 2018 Outback Premium CVT is awesome compared to a Chevy CVT

[@frankcicero4444]

Affordable ??? For me it's under 25 G

[@lowlifeangler]

There alittle pricey, I barely afford a 2018 Outback Premium I bought brand new

[@seanm.9391]

My Ascent drives as smooth as the butter running through this guy's veins. Maybe he should take more walks instead of driving.

[@iliap83]

Is it posible to make car in this sizes (and form-factors) fun-to-drive?

[@silentrefusal9911]

Yes. Mazda CX-9 and Ford Explorer ST

[@dread8900]

What Silent Refusal said😂

[@Cmoon72]

Comfy, affordable, and comes with plenty of recalls

[@royaltyb1837]

Really!?!

[@XHobbiesPrime]

@@royaltyb1837 Yeah, I think Subaru is having trouble keeping up with the demand for some of their vehicles. There have been some issues with Ascents, Crosstreks and I think even Foresters lately.

[@BulletSpoung]

Plus a trunk load of extra CVTs.

[@leonelsantamaria2212]

No recalls or any type of complaints so far

[@XHobbiesPrime]

@@leonelsantamaria2212 Summary Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Subaru Ascent vehicles. These vehicles may be missing spot welds on, or around, the B-Pillar, compromising vehicle strength. Consequence In the event of a crash, the missing spot welds may compromise the vehicle's strength, increasing the risk of injury. What Owners Should Do Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to check for missing spot welds. If the welds are missing, the vehicle will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTU-80.

[@rayjensen4480]

I think that your review, (as usual I might add), is spot on. I waited 3 long years....for a Kia Telluride. I knew more about them sooner...than the Kia dealers did. But boy was I not only stunned, and incredibly disappointed....when 5 different Kia dealers that I spoke with in South Florida, 2 of which I had done business with....turned into greedy , arrogant pigs with the Telluride...."bumping" the stickers $4,000 to $5000 and telling me to "take it or leave it". So...my second choice...was the Ascent. I was actually the GM of a Subaru dealer in the Northeast in a previous life before moving to Florida, and I absolutely BELIEVED....in SUBARU. I owned 2 myself, and sold lots of them. Fantastic cars. So what's the bottom line? Well.....I ended up, purely by accident, getting a Telluride....and boy am I glad that I did. It...is a bulletproof car. Close to perfect. And the reason why? Exactly what you said. The Ascent....just isn't any fun to drive. It's sorted....at best. NOT....like the Subarus that I remember. Not even close. I luckily bought my Kia from a great dealer, who respects the Brand's reputation. My bottom line: SUBARU, STOP FOOLING YOURSELVES. DUMP THAT CVT TRANSMISSION RIGHT NOW. GET RID OF IT. IT'S A DOG....AND IT WILL ALWAYS BE A DOG. IT'S 2020. CVT'S.....DIDN'T MAKE IT.....FOR ANY MANUFACTURER. THEY'RE JUNK. SOME COLLEGE GEEK'S BAD IDEA...JUST LIKE THE STOP /START BS "FEATURE".

[@garyspence6519]

I drove a palisade and a ascent within a fees days of each other. I have not driven a telluride but I am going to assume it very similar to the palisade. I was not impressed with the palisade. Lackluster engine and transmission. The ascent was much more responsive. Lots of power and no issues with the transmission. There was no comparison between the two. Just my opinion

[@daweed980]

....oh.....kay....

[@Moondoggy1941]

46K that is a bargain. LOL

[@Moondoggy1941]

4:53 I used to own a Subaru, on one hand, they make great cars and on the other hand, they are morons, kinda like I have to make a job for my idiot son who will ruin this company when he gets older.

[@pt6134]

I have a 2020 limited outback xt. love it. i basically need to pay $10k more for a third row. WACK. Wish Ascent offered a it more at that premium. Maybe an extra 20 hp and 20 torque, a hybrid option + some slick styling. Def not worth it as it exists today as of 3/20.

[@dread8900]

I think the Ascent is actually ok. For a three row SUV it costs a lot less than say, a Chevrolet Traverse, and can still haul around family no problem. I agree they should add some more options to spice it up a bit, but this is SUBARU not MERCEDES so your going to this level for a pretty ok interior and looks, and driving experience, all in an affordable package. Or if you just really like Subaru's, then you buy one too I guess😂

[@lowlifeangler]

I got a forest green 2018 Outback Premium, I should of waited for the 2020 XT Onyx. Those are sick. I been blacking out all the chrome

[@lowlifeangler]

@@dread8900 they been having alot of troubles with the Chevys with the timing chains and water pumps around 80k miles. Especially the Ecotec 2.4 , be careful. But Honda , those are dumpster fires

[@davec.3198]

@@lowlifeangler Yeah..i love it when companies sell you $2 of black paint for an extra cost of $6k.

[@yabesig1839]

Subaru really do its part to facilitate its customers hydration. Soon they need to add functionalities to deal with the waste flurids...

[@daweed980]

What?

[@mrvang8077]

Ehhh....it's an okay suv. Would I buy it for the long term??? Nope! It just doesn't have all of the check box of what I'm looking for.

[@godgirlsguitars]

Run! Run away from this. Subaru has been getting recalls on their airbags and their engine parts from what I understand. Other things scare me about this, the words "turbo charged" "Direct injection" "CVT" and "Boxer engine". Boxer engines are an old design prone to blown head gaskets then if you add direct injection and turbo charging, it's asking for blown head gaskets sooner. And the CVT's are made by Jatco which are horrible transmissions. I would suggest to anybody who is looking for a top safety pick plus award suv this size to go with a Kia Sorento (certain trims for the headlights), the awd system is just as good as the ascent, it passed the 3 roller test.

[@dread8900]

Ok if you wanna talk crap about "turbo charged" and "direct injection" you just disrespected like half the sports cars out there that can probably beat whatever car you have😂😂 Boxer engines are low to the ground, so is your center of gravity then. Tell me the truth would you rally want a 1.5 L 4- Cylinder 3-ROW SUVVVV in your garage?? That wouldn't go anywhere. It is at least nice that they turbocharged it to give a little extra power. SOOO MANY companies have had airbag recalls, from the bet like MERCEDES to the worst....... Subaru is a very safe a reliable company when it comes to their cars. They passed the IIHS tests with flying stars. The ONLY thing I agree with you is that STUPID CVT they HAD to put in there, like come ON Subaru. It is a high-torque CVT so its better than a traditional CVT. The Kia Sorento awd system can't even DREAM about having the same capability as the Subaru AWD system. Kia isn't known for their AWD system, Subaru by far is, its one of the things that makes their cars good. There are a lot of things they could and should improve.👍👌😊

[@dread8900]

You are honestly someone who things they know a lot about cars, but doesn't know crap. It's ok I was were you were at now, and you do realize basically ALL the sports cars are turbocharged or direct injection right?? even luxury cars, from Rolls Royce, to Mercedes, so till you have enough knowledge in your head, come back and then say what you would like, ok lol? thanks

[@lowlifeangler]

@@dread8900 Have you drove a Honda lately? LoL Dumpster fire on wheels. The Acura MDX is about to go in production in January. The loaded verison is around $70,000 but in Honda's mindset any working mom of 2 can afford one LoL

[@EvendimataE]

subaru body design is always like 5 years behind.....except the crosstrek

[@kevincosma7945]

I appreciate the review, but most of what he says is very subjective While he didn't like the way the Subaru Ascent drives, we found it to be the exact opposite for us. When compared to a Toyota Highlander, we thought that the way the Subaru drove was exceptional and that the braking was noticeably better. Not fond of the image that Subaru has with the LGTBQ community, but we did purchase this car because of its owner loyalty and drivability. Hoping that it has the reliability of our Lexus.

[@bigpoppa1992]

Big heavy 3 row suv that can supposedly tow 5,000 lbs that has a 4 cylinder and a cvt 😂🤣 no thanks ill keep my v8 explorer to haul and tow.

[@paynus_]

ok

[@zigzag00]

good luck till it breaks down 🤗

[@bigpoppa1992]

I've had my explorer for so many years and miles and still going strong. Let's see the Subaru ascent haul and tow for years and years with well over 100k miles on it. I definitely got my money's worth out of it for being 15 years old.

[@lollymanna]

@@bigpoppa1992 Lol ok. If you say so. I use trucks to tow not crossovers. I,ll save my money with the 35 mpg highlander hybrid.

[@swanblake]

Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade over this lifeless box

[@girlgotwheels]

Blake Swan both so cheap though. Get in both and it’s no comparison!

[@garyspence6519]

Palisade was a joke compared to the ascent. I would never buy a palisade. No impressed at all.

[@garyspence6519]

Seems to be alot of kid and Hyundai dealers on this thread.

[@paulm6481]

CVT means no go. Get a Kia or Hyundai Telluride and destroy this ugly Subaru.

[@dread8900]

Don't be so quick to judge. I hate the CVT as much as you do, but I've heard excellent reviews about it and you should give it a chance.😊

[@paulm6481]

Ride bad. Handling bad. Breaks bad. Transmission and engine bad. Stay away.

[@rob4750]

Why are you on every subaru video whining? Genuinely curious.

[@Sean-qj1zq]

That's what comment sections have done to people. Makes them think its actually ok to go to a specific topic or in this case a video and just bash. Really shows the mental illness in people. If u dont like it then why even click the video? Much less leave a whiny comment. Crazy. Nice truck!

[@garyspence6519]

Don't even know how to spell brake.

[@dread8900]

@@garyspence6519 😂

[@dread8900]

@@rob4750 They probably just a hater