Hey there, gearheads and family car seekers! Today, we're diving headfirst into the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier. This SUV has been a popular choice for folks needing space, safety, and a touch of adventure. We'll be taking a comprehensive look at the SC Premier trim, dissecting what makes it tick, and seeing if it still holds up in today's market. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Unpacking the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier

First things first, let's establish what the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is all about. The Ascent is Subaru's largest SUV, designed to comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers (or seven with the second-row captain's chairs, which is what the Premier trim features). The SC Premier is the top-of-the-line trim, meaning it's loaded with all the bells and whistles Subaru has to offer. This includes premium features, advanced technology, and a focus on luxury, making it a tempting proposition for those who want a blend of practicality and comfort. The 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier directly competes with other three-row SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Mazda CX-9. The Ascent distinguishes itself with its standard all-wheel drive, a hallmark of the Subaru brand, offering enhanced traction and control in various driving conditions. This is a significant selling point, especially for those living in areas with inclement weather or who frequently venture off the beaten path. This model comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine that delivers a decent amount of power, coupled with a smooth-shifting CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Inside, the Premier trim boasts high-quality leather upholstery, a large touchscreen infotainment system, a premium sound system, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance features. It's designed to provide a comfortable and safe driving experience for the whole family. One of the key strengths of the Ascent, and particularly the Premier trim, is its focus on safety. Subaru has a strong reputation for safety, and the Ascent is no exception. It comes equipped with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. These features contribute to a sense of security and help prevent accidents. We'll get into the details of all this later. Moreover, the Ascent offers a generous amount of cargo space, which is a crucial factor for families. With all the seats in use, there's still a respectable amount of space for groceries or luggage. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo area expands dramatically, making it easy to transport larger items. Also, the Ascent's ride quality is generally comfortable, with a suspension that soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road. It provides a smooth and composed experience, making it suitable for long road trips and daily commutes alike. The exterior design is also worth mentioning; it's a sleek and modern look with clean lines and a bold front grille. It's not a flashy design, but it has a sophisticated appearance that is attractive to a wide range of buyers. So, the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling combination of space, safety, comfort, and technology. It’s a strong contender in the three-row SUV segment. Let's delve deeper into what makes the Premier trim special.

Performance and Engine

Under the hood of the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier lies a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine. Subaru's BOXER engine configuration is known for its horizontally opposed cylinders, which contribute to a lower center of gravity and improved balance. This translates to better handling and a more engaging driving experience, despite the Ascent being a larger SUV. This engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which provides adequate power for everyday driving needs. It is able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable time. The turbocharger provides a surge of power when needed, making passing and merging onto highways easier. The engine is paired with a CVT, which some drivers might find different from traditional automatic transmissions. While CVTs can sometimes feel less responsive, Subaru's CVT is generally smooth and efficient. It helps the Ascent achieve good fuel economy for its class. The all-wheel drive system is a key feature of the Ascent, providing enhanced traction and control in various driving conditions. It automatically distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, improving stability and handling, especially on slippery surfaces like snow or ice. This system is a big plus for those living in areas with challenging weather. The Ascent's towing capacity is also noteworthy. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it capable of hauling trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment. This is a significant advantage for families who enjoy outdoor activities. The 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier has a respectable performance profile. The engine provides sufficient power, the CVT is efficient, and the all-wheel drive system enhances stability. It is well-suited for both daily driving and occasional towing. The Ascent's driving experience is a mix of comfort and capability, making it a versatile choice for a variety of drivers.

Interior, Comfort, and Design

Stepping inside the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is where the luxury really shines. The Premier trim is all about providing a premium experience for both the driver and passengers. Immediately noticeable is the high-quality leather upholstery that covers the seats, offering a plush and comfortable feel. The seats are well-contoured and supportive, making long drives a breeze. The front seats are usually heated and ventilated, ensuring comfort in both warm and cold weather conditions. The second row of the Premier trim features captain's chairs, which enhances the overall comfort of the passengers. These captain's chairs provide more space and individual comfort, making it a great option for families with older children or adults. The third row is accessible, although it might be a bit tight for adults on longer journeys. The interior design of the Ascent is modern and functional, with a focus on practicality. The dashboard has a clean layout, with an easy-to-use infotainment system. Soft-touch materials are used throughout the cabin, adding to the feeling of quality. The Premier trim features a panoramic sunroof, which floods the interior with natural light and enhances the sense of spaciousness. This is a great feature for those who enjoy the open-air feel. The infotainment system is a crucial part of the interior experience. The Ascent has a large touchscreen display that controls a variety of features, including navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with smartphones. The sound system in the Premier trim is often upgraded, providing an immersive audio experience. The audio quality is clear and crisp, making it enjoyable for listening to music or podcasts. The Ascent provides a generous amount of cargo space, which is a key factor for families. With all the seats in use, there is still a decent amount of cargo room for groceries or luggage. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo area expands dramatically, making it easy to transport larger items. The overall interior design of the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is focused on providing a comfortable and luxurious experience. The premium materials, advanced technology, and spacious layout make it a pleasant place to spend time. It is a well-designed interior that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Technology and Safety Features

The 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is packed with technology and safety features, offering a comprehensive package designed to enhance the driving experience and protect occupants. The centerpiece of the technology suite is the infotainment system. As mentioned earlier, the Ascent typically features a large touchscreen display that controls a variety of functions, including navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. This system integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to easily connect their smartphones for access to apps, music, and more. A premium sound system is often included in the Premier trim, providing high-quality audio that enhances the in-cabin experience. The system delivers clear and crisp sound, making music, podcasts, and audiobooks enjoyable. Subaru is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the Ascent is no exception. The vehicle comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology. EyeSight includes a suite of features designed to help prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of collisions. These features typically include adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, and lane-keeping assist, which helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. Other key safety features include pre-collision braking, which can automatically apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected, and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, which alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots and helps when reversing. Additional safety features may include a surround-view camera system, which provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering easier. The Ascent also features a robust airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to provide additional protection in the event of a collision. The Ascent received good safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), further confirming its safety credentials. The technology and safety features of the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier are a key selling point. The advanced driver-assist systems and comprehensive infotainment package provide drivers with peace of mind and enhance the overall driving experience. Subaru’s dedication to safety is evident in the Ascent’s design and features, making it a safe and reliable choice for families. This feature is why many consumers often choose this SUV. This is one of the best choices for SUV models available in the market.

Driving the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier

When you get behind the wheel of the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier, the first thing you'll notice is the commanding driving position. The driver sits up high, providing a great view of the road ahead. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The steering is light and responsive, making the Ascent easy to maneuver in both city and highway driving. The engine provides adequate power for everyday driving. The turbocharged engine delivers a good amount of torque, making it easy to accelerate and merge onto highways. The CVT transmission is smooth and efficient, helping to maximize fuel economy. The ride quality is comfortable, with the suspension absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. It provides a composed and controlled driving experience, making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer road trips. The all-wheel drive system enhances stability and handling, especially in adverse weather conditions. The system automatically distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, providing enhanced traction and control. The Ascent is easy to handle and feels confident on the road. The advanced driver-assistance features provide an added layer of safety. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems help to reduce driver fatigue and prevent accidents. The infotainment system is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The touchscreen display is responsive, and the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is seamless. The 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is a pleasant and easy SUV to drive. It is comfortable, capable, and packed with technology and safety features. It provides a confident and enjoyable driving experience, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a family road trip.

The Verdict: Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier Worth It?

So, after a thorough look at the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier, is it a good buy? Well, it depends on what you're looking for, but for many families, the answer is a resounding yes. The Ascent offers a compelling combination of space, safety, and technology. The Premier trim elevates the experience with its premium features and luxurious touches. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you make your decision.

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: The Ascent offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for families. The second-row captain's chairs in the Premier trim enhance comfort.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction and control, especially in challenging weather conditions.
• Safety Features: The Ascent is packed with advanced safety features, including EyeSight driver-assist technology, contributing to a safe driving experience.
• Comfortable Ride: The Ascent provides a comfortable and composed ride, suitable for both daily commutes and long trips.
• Well-Equipped Premier Trim: The Premier trim offers premium features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and an upgraded sound system, adding a touch of luxury.

Cons:

• CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not be fans of the CVT transmission, which can feel different from traditional automatic transmissions.
• Third-Row Space: The third row might be a bit tight for adults on longer journeys.
• Fuel Economy: While not terrible, the fuel economy is not the best in its class.

Ultimately, the 2020 Subaru Ascent SC Premier is a solid choice for those seeking a spacious, safe, and well-equipped SUV. It offers a lot of value for its price, especially considering the standard all-wheel drive and extensive safety features. If you are looking for an SUV that offers a good balance of practicality, comfort, and technology, the Ascent Premier is definitely worth considering. If you prioritize luxury and advanced features, it's also a great option. It’s a versatile and reliable SUV that's well-suited for families and anyone who values safety and comfort. This model should be at the top of the list when searching for a great SUV. Check it out and see if it's the right fit for your needs and lifestyle. Happy driving!