2019 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Honda CR-V

2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda CR-V
2020 Honda CR-V
$25,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda CR-V
$25,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$31,995

MSRP

$25,150

Average price

$21,916

Average price

$24,119

Listings

507

Listings

1317

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Spacious
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Cramped third row
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Fuel-efficient
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap

2019 Subaru Ascent Reviews Summary

There are certain vehicle types every major automaker needs to offer if they plan to be taken seriously. The largest automakers are able to offer a full spread of vehicles, from sports cars to full-size trucks. Not every automaker will be able to fulfill every vehicle segment, but if you are a growing automaker, offering a 3-row family-hauling SUV is a must.

Because of this, the 3-row segment is getting pretty saturated. From cornerstone vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer to alternatives like the Kia Sorento, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Santa Fe, the list of 3-row SUVs seems exhaustive… because it is!

Enter the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Like all the vehicles listed here, it is a midsize SUV capable of seating 7 or 8 passengers, depending on the configuration. It's clearly designed for families, and it begs the question: How does this newcomer stand out in such a crowded space?

2020 Honda CR-V Reviews Summary

Honda’s compact SUV has been satisfying buyers for more than two decades, with more than five million CR-V’s sold. Such a legacy means the CR-V has long had its wrinkles smoothed out into a comfortable and capable crossover package that’s only downside may be its sheer inoffensiveness. This year’s model gets engine and safety upgrades, which improve fuel economy and help to make Honda’s bestseller an even better value.

Search for a Honda CR-V on CarGurus

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.4L 260 hp H4

Engine

1.5L 190 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

260 hp @ 5600 rpm

Horsepower

190 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

21

MPG City

28

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

34
2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda CR-V
2020 Honda CR-V
$25,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda CR-V
$25,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$31,995
$25,150
Average price
$21,916
$24,119
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.7
4.6
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Spacious
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Cramped third row
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Fuel-efficient
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Summary

There are certain vehicle types every major automaker needs to offer if they plan to be taken seriously. The largest automakers are able to offer a full spread of vehicles, from sports cars to full-size trucks. Not every automaker will be able to fulfill every vehicle segment, but if you are a growing automaker, offering a 3-row family-hauling SUV is a must.

Because of this, the 3-row segment is getting pretty saturated. From cornerstone vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer to alternatives like the Kia Sorento, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Santa Fe, the list of 3-row SUVs seems exhaustive… because it is!

Enter the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Like all the vehicles listed here, it is a midsize SUV capable of seating 7 or 8 passengers, depending on the configuration. It's clearly designed for families, and it begs the question: How does this newcomer stand out in such a crowded space?

Honda’s compact SUV has been satisfying buyers for more than two decades, with more than five million CR-V’s sold. Such a legacy means the CR-V has long had its wrinkles smoothed out into a comfortable and capable crossover package that’s only downside may be its sheer inoffensiveness. This year’s model gets engine and safety upgrades, which improve fuel economy and help to make Honda’s bestseller an even better value.

Search for a Honda CR-V on CarGurus

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.4L 260 hp H4
1.5L 190 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
8
5
Horsepower
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
190 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
21
28
MPG Highway
27
34
Look and feel
2019 Subaru Ascent
8/10
2020 Honda CR-V
7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Ascent as 8 out of 10 and the 2020 Honda CR-V as 7 out of 10. The 2019 Subaru Ascent boasts a bold and commanding presence with ample cargo and passenger space. It offers a choice of 7-passenger or 8-passenger layouts, with a range of trims offering various features. The Ascent's interior is spacious and well-equipped, making it a comfortable and practical choice for families. The 2020 Honda CR-V features a curvy and car-like exterior design, with a roomy and well-packaged interior. It offers a mish-mash of textures and materials, with some upscale touches but also some low-quality plastics. The CR-V's cabin is roomy and offers clever storage solutions, making it a practical choice for daily use.
Performance
2019 Subaru Ascent
7/10
2020 Honda CR-V
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Ascent 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Honda CR-V 8 out of 10. The 2019 Subaru Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It offers precise steering, minimal body roll, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The Ascent's fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city, 27 highway, 23 combined. The 2020 Honda CR-V is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. It offers nimble handling, excellent fuel economy, and a hybrid version for those seeking the highest fuel efficiency.
Form and function
2019 Subaru Ascent
8/10
2020 Honda CR-V
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Ascent 8 out of 10 and the 2020 Honda CR-V 8 out of 10. The 2019 Subaru Ascent offers ample legroom and headroom in the first and second rows, with a tight third row suitable for children. It provides 19 cupholders and impressive cargo space, making it highly practical for family use. The 2020 Honda CR-V features a roomy cabin with excellent seating position and clever storage solutions. It matches the class giant in volume and offers a smart two-position load floor for versatile cargo space.
Technology
2019 Subaru Ascent
8/10
2020 Honda CR-V
6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Ascent 8 out of 10 and the 2020 Honda CR-V 6 out of 10. The 2019 Subaru Ascent comes standard with Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system, offering easy-to-follow menus and smartphone integration. It also offers an optional Technology Package with premium stereo, panoramic moonroof, and navigation. The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system is criticized for its undersized screens and challenging operation. However, it offers smartphone integration, plenty of USB ports, and a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.
Safety
2019 Subaru Ascent
9/10
2020 Honda CR-V
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Ascent 9 out of 10 and the 2020 Honda CR-V 8 out of 10. The 2019 Subaru Ascent comes with a full array of standard safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology. It also offers blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2020 Honda CR-V includes the “Honda Sensing” system as standard equipment, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also earned high safety ratings in crash tests.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Subaru Ascent
8/10
2020 Honda CR-V
8/10

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings, the 2019 Subaru Ascent emerges as the more highly rated vehicle, offering a compelling combination of practicality, performance, safety, and technology.

Choose the 2020 Honda CR-V if:

7.5of 10overall
  • You value fuel efficiency and want a midsize SUV with excellent fuel economy, especially with the hybrid version.
  • You prioritize clever storage solutions and a roomy cabin with a well-packaged interior.
  • You are looking for a midsize SUV with a balance of features and affordability, especially with the EX and EX-L trims.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings, the 2019 Subaru Ascent emerges as the more highly rated vehicle, offering a compelling combination of practicality, performance, safety, and technology.

Choose the 2020 Honda CR-V if:

Shop Now
7.5of 10overall
  • You value fuel efficiency and want a midsize SUV with excellent fuel economy, especially with the hybrid version.
  • You prioritize clever storage solutions and a roomy cabin with a well-packaged interior.
  • You are looking for a midsize SUV with a balance of features and affordability, especially with the EX and EX-L trims.
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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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