Like most Japanese vehicle manufacturers, Subaru has earned itself a quite good reputation as a solid brand. Maybe this is due to the fact that Subaru’s origins can be traced back to 1915 and aircraft production. Vehicle manufacturers with origins in aviation tend to produce the best quality vehicles—just look at BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo. Maybe this is why the Subaru Ascent was awarded Best Cars for the Money, Best Cars for Families, and Best Vehicle Brands by U.S. News.

The Subaru Ascent comes standard with 19 cupholders

Though it may be difficult to imagine, there was once a time when eating and drinking in a vehicle was nearly impossible. Unless one took quick sips from a flask, rough roads, lack of power steering, and stiff suspension systems made it unpleasant to eat or drink while traveling.

As an afterthought, cupholders were nothing but circular indents placed throughout the interior of vehicles. Today, as people spend more time in their vehicles, cupholders have become a necessity. When evaluating what car buyers sought in a vehicle, cupholders even supplanted fuel efficiency for a time, according to AutoBlog.

But vehicle accessories for eating aren’t something new: in the 1930s, the Sears catalog dedicated several pages to pimping out the Model T. For example, small kitchenettes could be packed into the trunk of the Model T. These kitchenettes came included storage bins for pantry items, ice boxes, and small foldout tables. Luxury vehicles such as the Rolls-Royce were furnished with elegant, decorative picnic baskets with silver eating utensils. So, while the idea of eating on the go has been around for some time, car manufacturers are focusing more on the “go” element these days.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent is great for large families on the go

Consumers looking for an affordable midsize SUV were excited about the Subaru Ascent when it hit the market in 2019. It succeeded in combining the quirks and personality loved by Subaru owners with the practicability of a new third row.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offers seven- and eight-passenger trims along with 86.5 cubic feet (2.45 cubic meters) of cargo space. For those who love to go trekking in the wild, the Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive and nearly nine inches of ground clearance. This makes the 2020 Subaru Ascent perfect for taking the family out on camping adventures.

Besides the base model, the 2020 Subaru Ascent comes available in Premium, Limited, and Touring trim models. All-wheel drive comes standard across all trim levels, as well as a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. In combination with the engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the 2020 Subaru Ascent offers 277 lb-ft of torque. And while some reviewers complained about the acceleration being too sensitive, others expressed satisfaction.

Ranked 13th by U.S. News

The Subaru Ascent was ranked No. 13 within the Midsize SUVs category by U.S. News. Along with having 19 cupholders, passengers will love the second-row climate controls. Four USB ports come standard while six are included with upgraded trims. And while it may not be a leader in its class as far as passenger volume goes, it’s generous enough for most. According to reviewers, its third-row seats are easily accessible. On top of that, it’s said to be fairly comfortable for adults when going on short trips.

As for the 2020 Subaru Ascent’s technology, climate controls are easy to access. Its infotainment system is also a breeze to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, allowing driver and passenger to easily and quickly integrate their smartphones.

The standard touchscreen is six and a half inches; an up-level infotainment system is available featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. Other optional upgrades include a premium Harman Kardon sound system and onboard navigation.