2022 Subaru Ascent Premium: 8-Passenger SUV Review
Hey guys! Are you in the market for a reliable, spacious, and family-friendly SUV? Look no further! Today, we’re diving deep into the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-passenger – a vehicle that’s making waves in the world of three-row SUVs. This isn't just another car; it's a mobile command center for your family adventures, daily commutes, and everything in between. We're going to cover everything from its performance and safety features to its interior comforts and overall value. Buckle up, because this is going to be an informative ride!
Performance and Handling: Ready for Anything
When it comes to performance, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium doesn't disappoint. Under the hood, you'll find a robust 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a punchy 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth and responsive continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.
One of the standout features of the Ascent is its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. This isn't your run-of-the-mill AWD system; Subaru's symmetrical AWD provides exceptional stability and traction in a variety of driving conditions. Whether you're navigating snowy roads, tackling gravel paths, or simply cruising on the highway, the Ascent feels planted and confident. The X-Mode feature further enhances off-road capability by optimizing the engine, transmission, and Vehicle Dynamics Control system for maximum traction in slippery conditions. This makes the Ascent a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor adventures or live in areas with challenging weather.
The Ascent's handling is surprisingly nimble for a vehicle of its size. The steering is well-weighted and provides good feedback, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension does a great job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Ascent is also capable of hauling trailers, boats, or campers, making it a versatile choice for active families.
Fuel economy is always a concern for SUV shoppers, and the Ascent delivers respectable numbers. It achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which is competitive for its class. These figures mean you won't have to break the bank every time you fill up the tank, making it a practical choice for daily driving and long road trips.
Interior and Comfort: A Home Away From Home
Step inside the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium, and you'll be greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin. As an 8-passenger SUV, it offers ample room for the whole family and their gear. The Premium trim comes standard with cloth upholstery, but it's surprisingly comfortable and durable. The front seats are supportive and offer plenty of adjustability, ensuring a comfortable driving position for drivers of all sizes. Heated front seats are also standard, which is a welcome feature on cold mornings.
The second row of the Ascent Premium features a 60/40 split-folding bench seat, providing easy access to the third row. The third row is surprisingly spacious for adults, making it a comfortable place to sit even on longer trips. With all three rows in place, there's still a respectable 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Fold down the third row, and you get a generous 47.5 cubic feet of space. With both the second and third rows folded, the Ascent offers a cavernous 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space, making it easy to haul large items.
The Ascent Premium comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's easy to use and responsive. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. Other standard features include a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and four USB ports. Tri-zone automatic climate control is also standard, ensuring that everyone in the vehicle stays comfortable.
For those looking for even more luxury, higher trim levels offer features such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. However, the Premium trim offers a great balance of features and value, making it an excellent choice for most families.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Peace of Mind on the Road
Safety is a top priority for families, and the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium delivers on this front. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology. This system includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep you and your family safe on the road. Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard, providing an extra set of eyes when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces.
The Ascent has earned excellent crash test scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It has been awarded a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class. These ratings provide peace of mind knowing that the Ascent is designed to protect you and your family in the event of a collision.
In addition to its advanced safety features, the Ascent also comes standard with features such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full suite of airbags. These features work together to provide a comprehensive safety net for you and your passengers.
Technology and Features: Staying Connected on the Go
The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is packed with technology features that make it easy to stay connected and entertained on the go. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, and it includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The system also includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to make hands-free calls and stream audio wirelessly.
The Ascent Premium comes standard with four USB ports, making it easy to keep your devices charged on long trips. Tri-zone automatic climate control ensures that everyone in the vehicle stays comfortable, and the rear-seat climate controls allow passengers in the second and third rows to adjust the temperature to their liking.
Other available technology features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless charging pad, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. These features add even more convenience and entertainment to the Ascent experience.
Trim Levels and Options: Finding the Right Fit
The 2022 Subaru Ascent is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options. The base trim is the Ascent, followed by the Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring. The Premium trim offers a great balance of features and value, making it an excellent choice for most families. It comes standard with features such as heated front seats, blind-spot detection, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The Onyx Edition adds a sporty and stylish look to the Ascent, with blacked-out exterior trim and unique interior accents. The Limited trim adds more luxury features, such as leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof. The Touring trim is the top-of-the-line model, offering all the bells and whistles, including premium leather upholstery, wood trim, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
No matter which trim level you choose, the Ascent offers a wide range of options and accessories to customize it to your specific needs. These include things like roof racks, cargo organizers, and all-weather floor mats.
Pricing and Value: Getting the Most for Your Money
The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers excellent value for the money. With a starting price of around $35,000, it's competitively priced compared to other three-row SUVs in its class. And with its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and comprehensive suite of safety features, it offers a lot of bang for your buck.
When you factor in Subaru's reputation for reliability and its strong resale value, the Ascent becomes an even more compelling choice. Subaru vehicles are known for their longevity, and they tend to hold their value well over time. This means that you can expect to get many years of reliable service from your Ascent, and you'll likely get a good return on your investment when you eventually decide to sell it.
Final Verdict: Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium Right for You?
So, is the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-passenger the right SUV for you and your family? If you're looking for a reliable, spacious, and safe three-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive, the answer is likely yes. The Ascent offers a comfortable ride, a well-appointed interior, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. And with its competitive pricing and strong resale value, it's a smart financial choice as well.
Of course, no vehicle is perfect. Some may find the Ascent's styling to be a bit bland, and others may prefer a more powerful engine. But overall, the Ascent is a well-rounded and capable SUV that's sure to please families. If you're in the market for a three-row SUV, be sure to give the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium a look. You might just find that it's the perfect vehicle for your needs.
Thanks for joining me on this deep dive into the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium. I hope you found this review helpful. Happy driving!
