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2022 Subaru Ascent Pros vs Cons

Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

Are You Considering a 2022 Subaru Ascent? Here Are Some Reasons For and Against

Subaru has always been known for their reliable and safe vehicles, but the 2022 Ascent is like no other! Boasting three rows of seats perfect for those needing extra cabin space, this SUV stands out among its iconic lineup. Not to mention it's equipped with a powerful engine as well as modern tech and advanced safety systems - everything you'd expect from Subaru that make them one of the most recognizable brands in automotive history.

What's New for 2022?

The Ascent has received a sleek upgrade for 2022 in the form of the new Onyx Edition. Its Premium trim base is enhanced with exclusive 20-inch wheels, bold black exterior details and an upgraded heated steering wheel - making it perfect for those who want to turn heads without breaking budget. Sitting comfortably between other models on its lineup ladder, this edition finally makes style accessible at any price point.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2022 Subaru Ascent – The Pros

1. Offers Plenty of Power

The 2022 Subaru Ascent is a powerhouse on the roads, boasting an impressive 2.4-liter turbocharged engine under its hood that offers remarkable power with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Taking full advantage of this strength, acceleration for the SUV is quick even when weighed down by passengers or cargo - all thanks to its Lineartronic continuously variable transmission plus optional paddle shifters that grant drivers' direct control over how they drive their vehicle.

2. Great Capability

The Subaru Ascent is the epitome of durability and off-roading excellence. With Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as a standard feature in each trim, it provides superior grip to tackle any terrain - especially with its X-MODE function that actively reads road conditions and adjusts accordingly for optimal performance. Unbelievably, even the base model still offers an impressive 2,000 pound tow capacity while all other models up the ante by allowing 5,000 pounds.

3. Fits Up to Eight Passengers

The size of the Ascent is what's going to attract a lot of attention from prospective buyers. Its middle row can be set up with a bench seat so that it can fit three people. The third row is also configured as a bench, giving the Ascent a total seating capacity of eight. Several trims come with the option to get captain's chairs in the second row, which would bring seating capacity down to seven but make the cabin feel more open. Leg row in the second row is generous, at 38.6 inches, and in the third row, there's almost 32 inches of leg room.

4. Advanced Headlights

The Ascent is equipped with advanced LED steering responsive headlights, allowing drivers to see further around curves and bends in the dark. To add greater clarity on foggy days, some trims boast additional integrated LED fog lights: providing superior visibility no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

5. Keeps People Comfortable

Step into the Ascent and be rewarded with luxurious comfort. Indulge in heated ventilated front seats on three trims, including a blissful added warmth of a heated steering wheel for those chillier months. Both second-row passengers can look forward to cozy heaters but that's not all; sink back into reclining seating, no matter which row you're sitting at! To top it off, air vents are plentiful throughout meaning everyone stays cool as well as warm when cruising around town or far away destinations.

6. Premium Interior Components

The Subaru Ascent offers a wealth of features that can add both sophistication and safety to the driving experience. Luxurious upgrades include plush leather seating, woodgrain-patterned accents, Ivory leather accent trim on dashboards and doors – all helping drivers feel at home in their vehicle's cabin space. The auto-dimming rearview mirror takes this up an notch with its smart integration of a live video feed from behind your car - creating even more visibility while you're out on the roads.

7. Modern Technology

These days, people generally expect to be able to stay connected to their networks wherever they go. The Ascent makes it easier to do so when traveling, as it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard components. SiriusXM and HD Radio are standard as well. The base trim has a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while all the others have eight-inch touchscreens and Wi-Fi capability. Navigation is standard on the top trim and available on two others, and this can be so useful when trying to figure out an efficient route when driving in unfamiliar territory.

8. Looks Out for Trouble

Subaru has equipped the Ascent with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This safety suite provides drivers with lane departure and sway warning, pre-collision braking when a frontal collision is imminent, and adaptive cruise control that comes with lane centering. It's so great that the Ascent can watch out for a variety of issues and warn drivers about them, and it's even better that it can take corrective measures. Several trims are equipped with more safety systems, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.

9. Rugged Style

A capable presence on the open road, the Ascent exudes ruggedness with its tall and muscular silhouette atop 18” or 20" wheels. Its raised roof rails provide further assurance of its all-terrain capabilities - this is an SUV that looks ready for anything.

10. Lots of Trim Choices

Subaru's expansive portfolio of trim varieties allows customers to tailor their driving experience. Boasting a range of price points, from budget-friendly options, all the way up to luxury trims equipped with high end upgrades - there is something for everyone. With no compromises on crucial mechanical components between levels; it boils down solely to personal preference and affordability when deciding which path one should take in order for them make the most out of ownership.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2022 Subaru Ascent – The Cons

1. Not Extremely Efficient

Boasting impressive highway ratings of 27 miles per gallon, the Subaru Ascent is a formidable pickup. But even with this notable record, its city rating at 21 mpg can be improved – especially when considering that more fuel-efficient hybrid options are now available in newer models on the market. Unfortunately for drivers hoping to maximize both power and efficiency from one vehicle, an optimal solution remains elusive as Subaru has yet to offer an alternate powertrain giving further gas savings in their popular Ascent line.

2. No Surround View

The Touring trim of the Subaru Ascent offers drivers a 180-degree front monitor, however what it lacks is an all-encompassing 360 degree view. While other vehicles in its price range boast this feature for parking convenience, the Ascent does not - but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on smart driving features.

3. Not Much Extra Flair

The Ascent's exterior design gives it an air of strength and athleticism, but don't expect any wild designs or special badging. For other SUVs with more striking details like grilles, front fascia’s and exterior badges you'll have to look elsewhere - the Subaru Forester and Outback offer Wilderness trims that boast these features in abundance.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

As more drivers look to upgrade their ride with the spaciousness of a three-row SUV, there's ample competition for Subaru's latest offering; from established veterans in this segment to newer models vying for attention. Let’s dive into how the capable and highly equipped Ascent sits among its class rivals.

2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Honda Pilot

When it comes to car shopping, price is no doubt a major factor. The 2022 Subaru Ascent and the 2022 Honda Pilot are both worthy contenders - however when closely compared in entry-level trims, buyers will find that the cost of equipping an all-wheel drive Pilot significantly outweighs its counterpart from Subaru at more than $8,000 extra. Despite differences in pricing for these similarly sized vehicles with comparable power capabilities; drivers could struggle justifying such additional expenses unless they value certain features over others above this threshold limit.

Conclusion

With its impressive combination of features and affordability, the 2022 Subaru Ascent is a top choice for anyone looking to upgrade from their current large SUV. From spacious cabins to added safety measures, this car packs it all; plus with trims ranging in price - accommodating any budget - there's an option perfect for everyone! So whether you're seeking something reliable or just wanting luxury starting at your fingertips, check out the newest addition to the family: The 2022 Subaru Ascent.

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2021 Subaru Ascent