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2020 Subaru Ascent: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is a light-update model led by a new standard Rear Seat Reminder on every trim. Otherwise, it largely carries over from the all-new 2019 model.
About the 2020 Subaru Ascent
1st generation Ascent (2019-2022 before the 2023 refresh), second model year.
Subaru positions the Ascent as its family-size three-row SUV: a roomy people hauler that keeps the brand’s core themes of standard all-wheel drive, strong safety technology, and everyday adventure capability. It is meant for families who want seating for seven or eight, useful towing strength, and better bad-weather confidence than many front-wheel-drive rivals. Its biggest model-level differentiators are standard AWD, standard EyeSight driver-assist tech, flexible cabin layouts, and a strong turbocharged engine.
The lineup ranges from a practical eight-seat base model with standard AWD and a driver-assistance safety suite to the more family-ready Premium, which has an 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and 5,000-pound towing capacity. Limited adds leather seating, a power rear gate, and upgraded headlights, while Touring tops the range with ventilated front seats, navigation, premium audio, a panoramic moonroof, and extra camera views.
What changed, by category
Safety
Rear Seat Reminder becomes standard on every trim. The core driver-assistance safety suite continues unchanged.
Tech
Premium, Limited, and Touring gain one-touch interior light control. Limited and Touring also gain a rear-gate close-and-lock switch.
Styling
Touring gains standard power-folding exterior mirrors.
2020 Subaru Ascent specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 27 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 86.5 cu-ft | 86.5 cu-ft | 86.5 cu-ft | 86 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Subaru Ascent?
The biggest change is a standard Rear Seat Reminder on every 2020 Ascent. The other updates are smaller convenience features limited to higher trims.
Is the 2020 Subaru Ascent a redesign?
No, the 2020 Subaru Ascent is not a redesign. It is the second model year of the first-generation Ascent and receives only a light equipment update after the all-new 2019 launch.
Did the 2020 Subaru Ascent's engine or AWD system change from 2019?
No, the engine and AWD system did not change for 2020. Every trim keeps the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, continuously variable automatic transmission, and standard all-wheel drive.
Which 2020 Subaru Ascent trims received one-touch interior light control?
The 2020 Ascent Premium, Limited, and Touring received one-touch interior light control. The base trim did not receive this feature.
What changed on the 2020 Ascent Limited and Touring?
The Limited and Touring gain Rear Seat Reminder, one-touch interior light control, and a rear-gate close-and-lock switch for 2020. Touring also gains standard power-folding exterior mirrors.
2020 Subaru Ascent Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Subaru Ascent.
4.2
2020 Subaru Ascent
(342 reviews)
“I am impressed with overall safety features. My Ascent is comfortable, easy to get in and out of and has good cargo capacity. I love the way it looks.”
“The hatch cannot stay open without draining the battery. There is a fix but never had car that does this. Otherwise love it.”