The Subaru Ascent came out fresh for the 2019 model year as a brand-new, third-row SUV. But with an ultra-competitive market, many wondered if the Ascent could hold up against long-standing rivals.

Boasting Subaru’s well-appointed features, but on a scale more fit for growing families however, it’s easy to see why it’s earning popularity so quickly. Even with a new model on the lots, the Ascent is still one of the best SUVs of the year.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent may be the best SUV to buy in 2020

The SUV segment may be the most competitive these days, but experts at the Road Show by CNET chose only six to be the “Best SUVs for 2020.” According to their long-term reviews of off-roaders, luxury brands, and family haulers, the 2019 Subaru Ascent stands as the experts’ top-choice for SUV shoppers in 2020. As Subaru’s second attempt at a larger, three-row SUV, the 2019 Ascent gets it right; being called “one of its most well-rounded mainstream offerings yet.” 

Although other choices on Road Show’s list may be rated higher, the experts argue it could offer the most value to owners. The 2019 Subaru Ascent offers competitive pricing, with standard features not often seen in its price range.

According to CNET’s experts, the 2019 Subaru Ascent is not just the brand’s well-rounded vehicle, but also its “most refined,” “one of the better-driving three-row haulers around,” and “an excellent option in the crowded midsize SUV.”

Why experts love the 2019 Subaru Ascent

It’s not just the experts at the Road Show that see the value in buying a 2019 Subaru Ascent. According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2019 Subaru Ascent is “one of the strongest entries” to the midsize SUV segment.

The larger Ascent offers everything people love about Subarus, but on a much larger scale, such as tons of storage, a comfortable interior, and a slew of convenience and safety features. Not only do KBB experts name it as one of its “Best Family Cars” of the year, but they also say it has “the chops to draw in buyers that may have been looking at strong competitors.”

At a general starting price of around $31,000, its pricing is already competitive in the three-row SUV segment. As the 2019 model year is not the newest model, it’s a cheaper option than buying brand-new. But as a next-to-new model, buyers are also more likely to see deals on the 2019 Ascent. And owners of the 2019 Subaru Ascent don’t need to worry about whether they’re getting quality for the bargain.

Among its best attributes is the 2019 Ascent’s spacious seating and cargo area, which offers clever storage options. The second and third-row are also easy to enter and exit, with foldable seating.

But the three-row Ascent also offers a refined engine, with composed handling and standard all-wheel drive, top-notch safety tech, and a variety of standard features like a 6.5-inch touchscreen display in base trims.

A few drawbacks to be aware of

Although it is the biggest of the Subaru SUVs, the 2019 Subaru Ascent’s third-row is slightly cramped when compared to others in the segment. According to U.S. News, cramped space in the third-row is “one of the Ascent’s few drawbacks.” And when looking at a segment full of hybrid options, the Ascent’s sole engine may seem like a gas-guzzler to some.

Even with the 2019 Subaru Ascent’s few negatives, it is still a great value and a tremendous option for SUV shopping in 2020. In fact, the 2019 Subaru Ascent may just be the best way to get a relatively new SUV that’s still worth the bargain price.