Hey everyone! Today, we're diving headfirst into the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier, a vehicle that's been making waves in the SUV world. This isn't just any SUV, folks; we're talking about a three-row family hauler packed with features, space, and that classic Subaru reliability. Whether you're a seasoned Subaru enthusiast or new to the brand, this review aims to provide a comprehensive look at what makes the 2020 Ascent SC Premier tick. We'll explore everything from its engine and performance to its interior, technology, and safety features. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Unveiling the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier: What's the Buzz?

The 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier sits at the top of the Ascent trim levels, offering a premium experience with a wealth of luxurious features. Subaru designed this vehicle with families in mind, providing ample space for passengers and cargo. Its three-row seating configuration makes it ideal for larger families or those who frequently transport groups of people. The Ascent also boasts Subaru's renowned symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which enhances stability and handling in various driving conditions. The SC Premier trim specifically adds a touch of sophistication with its high-end materials, advanced technology, and a suite of driver-assist features, making it a standout choice in its class.

Performance and Powertrain: Under the Hood

Let's pop the hood and talk about what powers this beast. The 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine. This engine, a hallmark of Subaru's engineering, delivers a robust 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to optimize fuel efficiency. The CVT might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it does contribute to a smooth and seamless driving experience. Furthermore, the Ascent SC Premier's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides excellent grip and control, whether you're navigating city streets or tackling off-road adventures. The engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving, and the Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it suitable for hauling trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment. This is a big deal if you're into outdoor adventures and need something that can handle the load. The acceleration is quite respectable for its size, offering confident merging and passing capabilities on the highway. Overall, the powertrain in the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is designed to provide a balance of performance, efficiency, and reliability, making it a practical choice for a wide range of drivers. The turbocharged engine ensures that you have enough power when needed, and the all-wheel-drive system offers added security and peace of mind, especially in challenging weather conditions. This makes the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier a very versatile vehicle.

Interior and Comfort: Space to Roam

Stepping inside the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is like entering a sanctuary of comfort and space. The interior is designed to accommodate up to seven or eight passengers, depending on the seating configuration. The SC Premier trim features premium leather upholstery, providing a luxurious feel throughout the cabin. The front seats are heated and offer ample support, making long drives a breeze. The second-row seats are also quite spacious, with plenty of legroom for adults. The third row, while best suited for children, is still more accommodating than in some of its competitors. The Ascent's interior layout is thoughtfully designed, with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. The panoramic sunroof, often included in this trim, adds to the airy feel of the cabin, making it feel even more spacious. High-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail are evident throughout the interior, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers. The interior is a place where you'll want to spend time. The storage solutions are also very practical, with numerous cupholders, door pockets, and a large center console to keep everyone's belongings organized. The overall feeling is one of quality and refinement. The available features such as tri-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, and premium audio system elevate the driving experience to a whole new level of comfort. This truly makes the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier a great place to be whether you're running errands or on a cross-country road trip.

Tech and Infotainment: Staying Connected

In today's connected world, a vehicle's tech features are almost as important as its performance. The 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier doesn't disappoint in this area. It comes equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, typically featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display. This system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The premium audio system delivers crisp and clear sound quality, enhancing your listening experience. The Ascent also offers multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, ensuring that everyone can keep their devices charged. The SC Premier trim often includes additional features such as a built-in navigation system, which is a big help when you're traveling to unfamiliar places. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, making it simple to access all the features. The instrument panel is also packed with information, providing the driver with essential data such as speed, fuel efficiency, and safety alerts. The availability of Wi-Fi hotspot in the Ascent is a lifesaver for families on the go. Overall, the technological offerings in the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier are well-integrated and designed to enhance convenience, connectivity, and entertainment for all occupants. This is a must-have if you're a tech-savvy person.

Safety Features: Protecting Your Precious Cargo

Subaru is known for its commitment to safety, and the 2020 Ascent SC Premier is no exception. It comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a suite of advanced safety features designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. These features actively monitor the road and can intervene to help avoid or mitigate collisions. The Ascent also features blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, which helps to increase awareness of vehicles in your blind spots and warns you of approaching traffic when backing up. The SC Premier trim often adds even more safety features, such as a surround-view camera system, which provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. The Ascent has earned top safety ratings from leading organizations like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). These high ratings reflect the vehicle's structural integrity and the effectiveness of its safety systems. Overall, the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier provides a comprehensive suite of safety features to help protect you and your passengers. Knowing that you're driving a safe and reliable vehicle gives you peace of mind, especially when you're transporting your family. This is one of the most important aspects for families.

Driving Experience: What's it Like on the Road?

So, how does the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier handle on the road? Well, it offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth experience for all occupants. The steering is light and responsive, making the Ascent easy to maneuver in both city and highway driving. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides excellent grip and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The Ascent feels planted and confident on the road, inspiring confidence in the driver. The turbocharged engine delivers ample power for everyday driving, making passing and merging a breeze. The CVT transmission provides smooth and seamless gear changes, although some drivers may miss the feel of a traditional automatic transmission. The Ascent's cabin is well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise, creating a quiet and comfortable environment. The driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, add to the ease and enjoyment of the driving experience. The 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is a great choice for long road trips and daily commutes alike, offering a comfortable, capable, and confident driving experience. This makes your driving experience pleasurable.

Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Power and Economy

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier performs reasonably well for its size and class. The EPA estimates for fuel economy are around 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Of course, your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits, road conditions, and the amount of cargo you're carrying. The Ascent's turbocharged engine and CVT transmission are designed to optimize fuel efficiency, but the vehicle's weight and size can impact its overall fuel consumption. The Ascent's fuel tank capacity is generous, providing a decent driving range between fill-ups. While the Ascent might not be the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, its fuel economy is respectable, especially considering its size and capabilities. To maximize your fuel economy, it's essential to drive smoothly, avoid rapid acceleration and braking, and maintain your vehicle's tires properly. Overall, the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier offers a balance of power and economy, providing a practical option for families who need a spacious and capable SUV without breaking the bank at the gas pump.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Finding the Right Fit

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and price points. The base trim, the Ascent, provided a solid foundation with essential features, while the Premium trim added more creature comforts and technology. The Limited trim offered even more luxurious features, and the top-of-the-line SC Premier trim provided the most premium experience. The pricing for the Ascent varied depending on the trim level and the options selected. The base price for the Ascent was relatively affordable, while the SC Premier trim was at the higher end of the spectrum. When considering the price, it's essential to factor in the features and equipment that are included with each trim level. The SC Premier trim offered a host of premium features, such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced technology features, making it a great value for the price. The prices may vary depending on the area. Overall, the Subaru Ascent provided a range of trim levels to suit different budgets and needs, making it a versatile option for a wide range of buyers. Choosing the right trim level depends on your personal preferences and your budget. This is a very important part.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Like any vehicle, the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's break down the pros and cons to give you a clear picture.

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: The Ascent offers ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a great choice for families.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides excellent grip and stability in various driving conditions.
• Advanced Safety Features: The Ascent comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
• Comfortable Ride: The Ascent provides a smooth and comfortable ride, making it enjoyable for long trips.
• Well-Equipped SC Premier Trim: The top-of-the-line SC Premier trim offers a premium experience with luxurious features and advanced technology.

Cons:

• CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not prefer the feel of a continuously variable transmission.
• Fuel Economy: While reasonable, fuel economy could be better compared to some competitors.
• Third-Row Space: The third row is best suited for children and may be tight for adults.
• Price: The SC Premier trim is at the higher end of the price range.

Weighing these pros and cons will help you decide if the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is the right vehicle for you. This is an important consideration.

Conclusion: Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier Right for You?

So, after taking a deep dive into the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier, what's the verdict? This SUV is a compelling option for families and anyone seeking a spacious, capable, and well-equipped vehicle. It offers a comfortable interior, a comprehensive suite of safety features, and Subaru's renowned all-wheel-drive system. The SC Premier trim elevates the experience with its premium features and advanced technology. While the CVT transmission and fuel economy might not be perfect, the Ascent offers a lot to love. If you're looking for a three-row SUV that can handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between, the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is definitely worth considering. It's a vehicle that prioritizes safety, comfort, and practicality, making it a great choice for families. Ultimately, the best way to determine if the Ascent is right for you is to take it for a test drive and experience it for yourself. Happy driving!