2020 Subaru Ascent Review - The Outback's Swole Cousin

[@Goobie77]

We bought a 2022 Ascent late August last year and have 0 complaints. I really like the looks too.

[@michaelhanson4848]

The algorithm surfaced this up in my feed. As I'm considering a three row crossover and the Ascent is on my 'short list', decided to check it out. Glad I did - just subbed :).

[@paulpellico3797]

so glad you decided to do this for a living. you are every bit as talented and informing as the best. looking forward to all your reviews. please consider the escape and perhaps comparisons

[@Ponderous1]

“19 cup holders because why the f*#% not?” 😂

[@ericpizarro3084]

I buy a car based on seat comfort. I bought the Subaru Ascent Limited because of that. The seat are super comfortable. CVT not crazy about it! My first Subaru Outback 2012 also have CVT. Gave it to my daughter 4 years ago and still running without any issues (over 215,000 miles). Let’s hope this one last that long

[@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?

[@ericpizarro3084]

Tomas Gulas take it to your Subaru Dealer. Not sure what year is your but, there was a recall on the very first ones. My was one of them. It’s not really the transmission. It was more like a reprogramming. They did it to mine and ever since it haven’t give any problem. Yes I did have some issues when shifting the first gears.

[@tomasgulas]

@@ericpizarro3084 thank you. Calling them tomorrow

[@GriffyWdaGrippy]

How is your Subaru running now? Looking at buying a 2020 ascent

[@ericpizarro3084]

@@GriffyWdaGrippy still running strong. 4+ years, and with over 50K miles. One thing that my Subaru dealer recommended was to replace the CVT fluid around 30-40K miles. We did it early this year and, they recommend the high torque fluids. It’s a little more expensive but it is worth.

[@afzalshaikh2128]

With a 4th kid on the way I’m looking at the 2020 Ascent as an option. We would occasionally use the 3rd row so this could work. Great practical review.

[@adampartain3425]

Very good review! Always a joy to watch them🤪

[@Mr91495osh]

KIAs are nice but the engines are noisy. Chevies are easy choices. The Ascent has much better road feel to us.

[@zogadwoe]

Good video. I've purchased the 2020 ascent limited 8 seats 3 weeks ago instead of the palisade because of the price and wife loved it. I like Subaru because of the awd and the safety. I am not used to the CVT. I don't like the place of the trunk light and the USB charging in the 3rd row. I wish the front camera or rear mirror of the touring could be an option for the limited given the price. Instead of 19 cup holders, they should have given a little more space in the trunk with the 3rd seats up. Now we have to buy a thule for extra storage. Not a true family vehicle if having lots of luggages for trunk space. No parking sensors in the front to avoid obstacles when parking. Why did they put paddles for a CVT transmission? Other than that, pretty happy with purchase. I used to own the 08 Tribeca limited and loved it until I traded at 140k miles. Not sure why people keeps beating up the Tribeca. Its because of the Tribeca I purchased another large Subaru like the ascent instead of other premium SUV like pilot, q7 or palisade.

[@Realistick]

Thank you for the feedback and yeah, the lack of front sensors is a little weird, especially considering the whole front camera thing on the touring. And yeah, it isn’t the largest in the class but it definitely makes up for it in other ways. The only reason I could ever think of using the paddle shifters for would be for engine braking when going down a mountain. Pretty useless other than that. I think people talked down on them because they were a huge sales flop for Subaru, i can't think of any other reasons and i haven't driven one yet so I can't say much else. Glad you are happy with your purchase, maybe the next gen will have a more practical cargo area!

[@zogadwoe]

Updates: I used the app to remote start my ascent. I do not understand why it keeps turning the AC on when I want the heat instead. I played the options on the app and no luck. 2nd, I drove this morning just to warm up the engine and my feelings are the steering wheel doesn't give good feedback especially in the city and construction roads. Also, do not use lane assist when driving in the city. It's frustrating and you feel like you are fighting with the car. I would only use this feature on the highway and not in city. I haven't fully met the mpg people talk about yet. One day I'll though. I purchased a 6x6x8 and I took the entire length of the cargo up to the elbow rest of the driver. This weekend I have to buy some material for my backyard and garden. Let's put it to the test to confirm claims from people who say the vehicle has more cargo space than the competition.

[@SuperNalabear]

The problem with the SUV crossover segment is that they all look a little too similar.

[@telesto912]

This was an awesome review. Great job

[@pennyarizzio2824]

did you say it does have the auto stop and start because it does not stop? I missed what you were saying? This was such a great video!!!

[@rayjensen4480]

A great and fair review. They all seem to be different on this particular car. Just curious....did you notice any annoying "lag" upon acceleration ? Thanks.

[@Mr91495osh]

An excellent review!

[@ksorsomeplace]

It would be nice to have some engine choice. A six cylinder would still be a nice option as it wouldn't be quite as stressed and give you some different dynamics as it wouldn't need to be turbocharged. For me, the part I can't get around is the huge roof rails. I'd never use them and it would look better and be easier to wash if they weren't there, but Subaru doesn't allow you to get the Ascent without them. The other thing, I would love to have an interior option that was available in which all the interior trim matched the color of the seats leaving out all of the black pieces. Probably not a bad choice, but give me some options for the money as these are not inexpensive. Nice review!

[@Realistick]

Thank you for the feedback! I thought the same until I got to drive it more. But this has plenty of torque down low and it responds so well that I don't think anyone would notice the lack of a v6 unless they are really working it. The more noticeable thing is the CVT at that point though. However, a flat 6 would be a nice addition for those that are worried about turbocharged reliability and it would certainly make it behave differently but the 2.4 definitely impressed me.

[@ksorsomeplace]

@@Realistick CVT's are different for sure. You mentioned it was very competent in the 30-50 mph acceleration runs. Same for the 50-70 acceleration? Thanks!

[@Realistick]

@@ksorsomeplace Yes, on the highway it pulled until I felt like I would get in trouble!

[@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?

[@Mr91495osh]

Our next vehicle.

[@BarakTheWonderer]

Kudos for mentioning the transmission issues. Unfortunately there have been numerous other issues. :( I am a Subaru Outback owner. I have been hoping to upgrade to the increased room and comfort of the Ascent. Sadly, there are still a number of problems. So I have have not been able to do it. I do not recommend the Ascent because of this. If you look at the metro-Denver area there are 44 used Ascents available. That is telling for a car that has not even been out for two full years. People are unloading them, many at a loss, because of the numerous issues. Subaru seemed to have dropped the ball on QC. And they don't seem to know how to figure it out or simply don't want to make the investment to do so. Subaru has the BEST AWD system out there. Their safety & "Eyesight" safety suite is top notch. People want to love their Subarus - but the sub par quality has really made a mess of things. I get it. Subaru doesn't.

[@Realistick]

I agree partially, I think if reliability is the upmost concern to someone, a highlander would be a better bet. However, i can't think of another car in the class that I would trust over this. Maybe.. maybe a pilot, but I know they were also having transmission problems on top of various infotainment system problems. I think that the Ascent really isn't too bad, especially the 2020. Considering the great resale, i think that the Ascent is up there with the highlander and CX9. The sad truth is that most of the class has their own problems. Subaru Ascent is toward the top of the class, but that isn't a huge compliment. Also, you keep saying "numerous problems," but I haven't heard anything consistent other than the trans in the 19 model. Just curious? Also, all Subaru dealerships are going to be using loaner vehicles for service that are used for a year before being replaced. Plus, people just trade stuff in a lot. We have way more used 18,19 outbacks than ascents, way more. Saying that people are "unloading" them due to reliability is leaping to a conclusion.

[@paulpellico3797]

@@Realistick don't think the CX9 has any issues...other than space . although it is by far the best handling, it is also the most compromised as a an SUV space wise

[@yoochoob]

Realistick the Highlander’s 3rd row is useless, even for kids. It’s safe to say that people are immersed into this vehicle segment because they want to haul both passengers and cargo. So Toyota really dropped the ball on that one, and it’s the reason why I got the ‘20 Ascent.

[@youmongrel]

What are we looking at @3:49 - I have an Ascent and don't recognize that pop-out cupholder...

[@Realistick]

It is located on the back side of the center console, in-between the two front seats!

[@youmongrel]

Realistick oh maybe you’re in a base model? Or that’s a captains seat thing? I have two more USB ports and rear HVAC controls there.

[@Realistick]

@@youmongrel Maybe, it was a Limited, i will have to check on that the next time I'm in an Ascent with (without) captains chairs.

[@Fitforacting]

Great video!

[@vikasdangwal3080]

where did you hear saying Subaru that it has more legroom than Atlas? could you please share the same?

[@Realistick]

The brochure for the ascent shows all interior dimensions. It definitely is not as big in reality, but yeah, check it out by googling it or looking at the online brochures for both!

[@vikasdangwal3080]

Realistick thanks for the info. I own a 2020 Ascent touring bought last year in December. I am so much in love with my car. The only problem I have it that I cannot drive it slow 😜. The torque is available In such a low rpm that it’s really hard to drive it slow. But overall it’s really good vehicle to have. So comfortable and quite rude. Powerful enough to occasionally drag.

[@rickybonn]

Just blows the stop sign without even a brake tap.

[@Realistick]

It's a suggestion when in an abandoned parking lot!

[@chewchew74]

I can't get over with engine noise, so disturbing.

[@rev.dr.funnyshoe7497]

“Stellar fuel economy”? Real world numbers are probably going to be 20.6 overall. That’s not stellar. You don’t get something for nothing, but the MPG estimates are mediocre, at best.

[@Realistick]

Sources? I've gotten far better than that.

[@Mr91495osh]

I don’t want auto stop.

[@Obliter8Dave]

you can turn it off

[@Mr91495osh]

@@Obliter8Dave I wanted an ascent until I saw all the videos on the boxer engine. Head gaskets seem to be the Subaru’s Achilles heel. Opinions appreciated.

[@paulpellico3797]

please PLEASE don't do more Telluride of Palisades!!! Please..I beg you. they have been forced down our throats to the point I now hate them. Do an Explorer instead! Everybody hates that car, so give it a go!!!!

[@Realistick]

Haha, I wouldn't do a Palisade for that very reason! However, I don't have access to Ford's yet, I do have access to Mazda, volvo, and toyota now though! Maybe a 2021 highlander or cx9 when that arrives!

[@Mr91495osh]

Drives more like a BMW or Mercedes and nothing is chensie.