2022 Subaru Ascent Premium: Honest Review & Insights

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium, a popular choice for families needing space and reliability. If you're considering this SUV, you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything from its performance and features to its pros and cons, giving you a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed decision. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium

The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium stands out as a compelling option in the crowded three-row SUV market. Subaru has built a reputation for producing vehicles that are not only safe and reliable but also capable in various weather conditions, thanks to their standard all-wheel-drive system. The Ascent Premium trim takes this a step further, offering a sweet spot of features and value that appeals to many families. It's designed to handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between. From its spacious interior to its suite of safety technologies, the Ascent Premium aims to provide a comfortable and secure driving experience for both the driver and passengers. One of the key highlights is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies work together to enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, the Ascent Premium offers a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration, making it easy to stay connected and entertained on the road. The exterior design is rugged yet refined, with a bold front grille, sleek headlights, and available roof rails that add to its versatility. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is a well-rounded SUV that offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and safety, making it a strong contender for families seeking a reliable and capable vehicle.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a balanced and confident driving experience. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for most driving situations, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. The turbocharger ensures that the Ascent has plenty of low-end torque, which is especially useful when accelerating from a stop or climbing hills. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel efficiency. While some drivers may find CVTs to be less engaging than traditional automatic transmissions, Subaru's CVT is well-tuned and provides smooth and responsive performance. One of the standout features of the Ascent is its standard all-wheel-drive system. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive is renowned for its ability to provide excellent traction in a variety of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice. This makes the Ascent a great choice for drivers who live in areas with challenging weather or who frequently travel on unpaved roads. The Ascent also offers a comfortable and composed ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. It soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road with ease, providing a smooth and pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver the Ascent in tight spaces. While the Ascent is not a sports car, it handles surprisingly well for a large SUV. It feels stable and planted on the road, and it doesn't exhibit excessive body roll in corners. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a capable and confident driving experience that is well-suited to the needs of most families.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium, you'll immediately notice the focus on interior comfort and features. Subaru has designed the cabin to be both functional and comfortable, with plenty of space for passengers and their belongings. The Ascent Premium comes standard with three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers. However, you can opt for second-row captain's chairs, which reduce the seating capacity to seven but provide more individual comfort for those in the second row. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making them comfortable for long drives. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The second-row seats also offer plenty of legroom and headroom, even for taller adults. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they are still usable for short trips. In terms of features, the Ascent Premium comes well-equipped with a variety of amenities. It includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, making it easy to navigate the various menus and settings. Other standard features include a six-speaker audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. The Ascent Premium also offers a variety of available features, such as a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. These features can enhance the comfort and convenience of the Ascent, making it an even more enjoyable vehicle to drive and ride in. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is a comfortable and well-equipped space that is designed to meet the needs of families.

Technology and Safety

When it comes to technology and safety, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium truly shines. Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the Ascent is no exception. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. One of the key highlights is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control helps to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate an accident. In addition to EyeSight, the Ascent also comes standard with other safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you if there is a vehicle in your blind spot, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up. The rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind you, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. On the technology front, the Ascent Premium offers a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. This allows you to easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, such as navigation, music, and messaging. The infotainment system is responsive and easy to navigate, making it a pleasure to use. The Ascent also offers available features such as a Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless charging pad, allowing you to stay connected and charged on the go. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is a technologically advanced and safety-conscious SUV that is designed to provide you with peace of mind on the road.

Fuel Efficiency and MPG

Let's talk about fuel efficiency and MPG for the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium. In today's world, fuel economy is a crucial factor for many car buyers, especially when considering a large SUV like the Ascent. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is EPA-rated at 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 23 mpg. These figures are fairly typical for a three-row SUV with all-wheel drive. However, it's important to note that your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits, road conditions, and the weather. If you do a lot of city driving or have a heavy foot, you may not achieve the EPA-rated fuel economy. Conversely, if you do mostly highway driving and drive conservatively, you may be able to exceed the EPA-rated figures. One of the factors that contributes to the Ascent's fuel efficiency is its continuously variable transmission (CVT). CVTs are designed to maximize fuel economy by keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range. However, some drivers may find CVTs to be less engaging than traditional automatic transmissions. Another factor that can affect fuel economy is the weight of the vehicle. The Ascent is a relatively heavy SUV, which can impact its fuel efficiency, especially in city driving. To maximize your fuel economy in the Ascent, it's important to drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. You should also make sure that your tires are properly inflated and that your vehicle is properly maintained. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers reasonable fuel efficiency for its class. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, it provides a good balance of performance, space, and fuel economy.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium to give you a clear picture of what it offers.

Pros:

  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive is a major selling point, providing excellent traction in all weather conditions.
  • Spacious Interior: The Ascent offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it a great choice for families.
  • Comprehensive Safety Features: Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and other safety features provide peace of mind on the road.
  • User-Friendly Infotainment System: The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
  • Comfortable Ride: The Ascent offers a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads.

Cons:

  • CVT Transmission: Some drivers may find the continuously variable transmission to be less engaging than traditional automatic transmissions.
  • Third-Row Seating: The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults.
  • Fuel Economy: While the Ascent's fuel economy is reasonable for its class, it's not the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market.
  • Exterior Styling: The Ascent's exterior styling may not appeal to everyone.
  • Base Engine Performance: While the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine provides adequate power, some drivers may desire more performance.

Conclusion: Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium Right for You?

So, is the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium the right choice for you? Ultimately, that depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a spacious, safe, and reliable three-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive, the Ascent Premium is definitely worth considering. It offers a comfortable ride, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, if you're looking for the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market or you prioritize sporty handling over comfort, you may want to explore other options. The Ascent's CVT transmission may not appeal to everyone, and its third-row seating is best suited for children. Before making a final decision, it's always a good idea to test drive the Ascent and compare it to other SUVs in its class. Consider your budget, your driving needs, and your personal preferences. By doing your research and carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision and choose the SUV that's right for you and your family. Whether you're hauling kids to school, embarking on a road trip, or simply running errands around town, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is a capable and versatile SUV that can handle a variety of tasks. With its blend of practicality, comfort, and safety, it's a strong contender in the competitive three-row SUV market.