2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, with its practical and utilitarian design, resembled a larger version of the Subaru Forester. It featured gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares that added visual strength. The robust roof rails highlighted its purpose-driven design, while the 20-inch aluminum wheels added a touch of style across most trim levels. The Ascent's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was more stylish than previous Subaru models, showcasing quality materials and thoughtful details. The Abyss Blue Pearl paint contrasted beautifully with the machined-finish wheels and Java Brown leather interior, offering a sense of luxury and value for money.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, offered a refined luxury SUV experience. Its design echoed the larger BMW X5, providing a downsized yet sophisticated appearance. The interior maintained BMW's signature cold, mechanical styling, which, while not as visually appealing as some competitors, offered superior functionality. The X3's trims, including the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, provided a range of options for buyers seeking different levels of performance and luxury. The X3's exterior and interior presence aligned with BMW's larger, more expensive models, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury SUV experience.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, provided good acceleration, especially at higher elevations. However, the Ascent's fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 18.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The CVT, while decent, exhibited uneven power delivery and unpredictable behavior, particularly in traffic. The Ascent's handling was not particularly engaging, with slow and numb steering and a suspension that struggled on uneven surfaces. Despite these drawbacks, the Ascent excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its Active Torque Split AWD system, X-Mode off-road traction, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the sDrive30i and xDrive30i, both featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered 288 horsepower and offered a 17-mile electric-only range. For those seeking performance, the M40i trim boasted a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, providing robust acceleration and responsive cornering. The X3 M performance model, with 473 horsepower, catered to those with a need for speed. The X3's powertrains, combined with its agile handling, made it a versatile choice for both city driving and spirited performance.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered a comfortable and spacious interior, particularly in the Touring trim. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a heated steering wheel. The Ascent's interior featured a useful dashboard shelf, ambient lighting, and a logically laid-out center control panel. The second-row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs, with the latter providing sliding functionality for added legroom. The third-row seating was accessible and comfortable for shorter trips, with ample amenities for passengers. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 BMW X3 impressed with its spacious interior, offering 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in use, expanding to 62.7 cubic feet when folded. The X3's front row provided ample headroom and legroom, with a commanding driving position. The rear seats were comfortable for adults, even on longer trips. The X3's interior featured real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve for new users. The combination of spaciousness and user-friendly controls made the X3 a practical and luxurious choice for passengers and drivers alike.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent came equipped with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. The Premium trim and above offered an 8-inch touchscreen, text-messaging capability, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Starlink Safety and Security services. The Touring trim added a high-resolution screen and navigation. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the voice-control system lagged behind competitors. The Ascent's navigation system occasionally misplaced the vehicle's location, causing frustration. However, the premium Harman Kardon speakers delivered excellent sound quality, and USB ports in all three rows compensated for the lack of wireless charging.

The 2021 BMW X3 featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The system offered both touch and dial operation, catering to different user preferences. The X3 came standard with Apple CarPlay, while Android Auto was optional. Additional options included wireless device charging, a digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system. The optional gesture control allowed for basic controls through hand movements, though it could result in false positives for those who gesticulate while speaking. Overall, the X3's infotainment system was intuitive and well-equipped, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was built on a platform designed for exceptional occupant protection, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Subaru's EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Premium trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Limited trim included LED steering-responsive headlights and reverse automatic braking. The EyeSight Assist Monitor projected helpful indicators onto the windshield, enhancing driver awareness. The Ascent also featured a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services, providing comprehensive safety and security features.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display. The X3's comprehensive safety suite provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.