2022 Subaru Ascent Review: Climbing The Ranks Of Greatness

After debuting in 2018 as the replacement for the Tribeca, the Subaru Ascent has drawn praise and adoration as the largest Subaru vehicle ever produced. The three-row Ascent takes up residence in the midsize SUV segment against tough competition like the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9, but with standard all-wheel-drive and impressive gas mileage estimates, it has the advantage of being better off-road than many of its contemporaries. Forgoing the standard V6 that many use, the Ascent draws power from a turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer engine developing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, while making use of a high-torque CVT transmission. A plush ride, flexible seating, and an abundance of driver assists right from the base level are all compelling attributes, but when the best in the segment include the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, the Ascent is simply not at the same level.

What's the Price of the 2022 Subaru Ascent?

You can't go wrong with finding a used model for sale at a low price, but if you're looking to buy new, you'll be glad to hear that the Subaru Ascent's price isn't that steep and has not increased for the new model year. The base model starts at an MSRP of $33,895, which does not include tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,225. The Premium model will set you back $36,495 in eight-passenger configuration and $37,955 for the seven-seater option. The Onyx Edition costs $41,295, and the Limited starts at $41,595. Onyx Edition Limited models are priced at $46,295 while the top-of-the-range Touring will set you back $48,195.

Handling and Driving Impressions

Without any changes made to the hardware for the new model year, all 2022 Ascent models ride the same as their 2021 counterparts, which isn't a bad thing at all. That means that the plush ride comfort we've come to know and love has been retained. It's particularly pliant over rougher surfaces, and while many rivals in this segment have become pavement crawlers that seldom see even a patch of dirt, the standard all-wheel-drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance mean the Ascent can regularly traverse gravel without fuss. It's remarkably comfortable while doing so, too, filtering out imperfections at all speeds, even on 20-inch alloy wheels. But while the suspension isolates you from the outside world, the lack of sound deadening doesn't. Road and wind noise permeate the cabin, and the CVT results in an annoying drone that can't be escaped when the engine is placed under load.

Overall, the Ascent is composed on all surfaces, body roll is kept to a minimum, and the light-but-accurate steering is responsive to inputs but not overly sensitive. The brakes are also keen to respond and are well-measured. It lacks the playfulness of some rivals, however, and the Mazda CX-9 will always leave drivers feeling more in-tune with their SUV than the Ascent will.

Verdict: Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent A Good SUV?

The 2022 Subaru Ascent is a capable performer. While it might not have the best looks, or be the most dynamically pleasing, it does enough things right to make it a worthy option in the midsize crossover SUV segment. The engine is somewhat lackluster and the CVT contributes to general noise within the cabin, but it gets the job done and is decently frugal in the process. The interior is a mixed bag - there are decent quality materials, but the Ascent lacks the spacious nature of class-leading rivals, and those in the third-row seats will feel particularly hard done by. Storage also isn't spectacular. But where the Ascent is a clear class leader is in its standard consignment of safety features, where even the base trim is an IIHS TSP+ winner. Combine that with the standard all-wheel-drive, ample ground clearance, and X-Mode system to make off-road excursions a little easier, and the Ascent isn't as bad as initial appearances might imply. It's not a bad crossover in the slightest, but when the benchmark is set by the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-9, the Ascent is always going to come up short.

What 2022 Subaru Ascent Model Should I Buy?

The great thing about the Ascent is that all trim levels are offered with the same drivetrain and much of the same safety equipment, which makes the purchasing decision a whole lot easier, as you only have to worry about convenience features. While the base model might offer a fair amount of the basics, we feel that to truly be a comfortable and capable daily family runner, the Ascent needs to provide slightly more, and that's why we would suggest going with the next best thing: the Premium. This car manages to keep the price low but adds a whole lot of gear that is not found on the base model. Notable inclusions are a driver's power-adjustable seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, second-row climate controls, and an eight-inch infotainment system. You also get 4G internet connectivity as well as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist. This is a good deal for the amount of money you're going to spend. If you're opting for the eight-seater, you'll want to add the Convenience Package for added comfort on a relatively tight budget, too.

2022 Subaru Ascent Comparisons

2022 Subaru Ascent vs Honda Pilot

The Pilot is a popular answer to the midsize SUV puzzle and offers a solid overall package that remains highly competitive in this segment. As with many cars in this class, the Honda sticks a traditional V6 power plant and produces a healthy 280 horsepower. This is more than the Ascent, but the Subaru offers more low down torque. And yet, the Honda feels brisker in and out of traffic. Power is sent to the front or all wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, which feels far more usable than the CVT in the Subaru. The Pilot, as with the Ascent, doesn't look stunning. Instead, it looks mature and, well, pretty boring. On the road, the Pilot is well balanced and feels slightly more inviting to drive than the Ascent. Starting at $39,060, the Pilot is more expensive, ending at a price just over $50k. The Pilot is more generous to its third-row occupants, but suffers in the cargo bay for it. The Pilot is the better car to drive, but can't match the Ascent for off-road ability. For regular, day-to-day use, though, we would go with the Honda.

2022 Subaru Ascent vs Subaru Outback

Ascent vs Outback: it's a battle between the two biggest Subaru models on sale, but the two are very different. For starters, the Outback is more of an off-road wagon, only offering two rows of seating for five occupants compared to the eight you can fit in the Ascent. The Outback doesn't get the turbocharged engine as standard, making do with a 182-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-liter that lacks punch, but also helps reduce the base price. The Outback has less cargo space (32.5 cubes minimum up to 75.7 cubes overall), but also starts at around $5,000 less than the Ascent. Both are similarly kitted when it comes to features, but the choice between the two will come down to needs. If you need seating for up to eight, only the Ascent will do, but if you can get away with seating five, the Outback has our vote, especially in turbo guise.