2 years ago

Overview
With standard all-wheel drive and abundant passenger space, the three-row 2022 Subaru Ascent will appeal to the brand's fans, especially those with a growing family. Every version of the mid-size crossover is equipped with numerous driver assists, including adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Unfortunately, the largest Subaru also has a four-cylinder engine and a gearless transmission (a.k.a. a CVT) that can be a slow and noisy tandem at highway speeds. The Ascent has a cushy ride and is available with highly configurable second-row captain's chairs, but its third row is smaller than some rivals—and some desirable features are reserved for the pricier trim levels.

What's New for 2022?
For 2022, the only change to the Ascent lineup is the new Onyx Edition. An appearance package based on the seven-seat Premium model, it includes unique black-out exterior elements and 20-inch rims. It also comes standard with a hands-free power liftgate, a heated steering wheel, passive entry with push-button start, and rear automated emergency braking. The lone option package for the Onyx Edition adds onboard navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and a retractable cargo cover.

Pricing and Which One to Buy
Base $33,470
Premium $35,920
Limited $40,720
Touring $46,570
We think the Premium model packs the best balance of desirable features and overall value. Every model has all four wheels spun via the same plucky turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, but the base Ascent and the Premium have slightly better EPA fuel-economy ratings than the top two trims. Compared with the base model, the Premium gets standard upgrades that include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. Those who want to ditch the second-row bench seat for a pair of captain's chairs will need the 7-Passenger Convenience package, which isn't offered on the bottom-rung Ascent. We'd choose that option on our Subie, since it also adds hands-free passive entry, a power-operated rear gate, and rear automated emergency braking.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
With the company's trademark all-wheel-drive system, the Ascent is well suited for four-season family road trips. Its 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder powertrain delivers middling acceleration and can be noisy under duress, but it'll pull a camper trailer or speedboat. While the Subaru's continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) contributed to a noisy ride during our test, the gearless gearbox was otherwise receptive and steady. Its throttle response was particularly abrupt at low speeds around town. The Ascent even has paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel for those who want more control over the transmission. The Subaru has a comfortable ride that isolated us from rough surfaces. It wore 20-inch wheels but still rode smoothly over bumpy roads and soaked up harsh impacts. Unfortunately, we noticed a lot of wind and road noise while cruising on the highway. While the Subaru lacks the fun-to-drive nature found on the Mazda CX-9, the sizable three-row was nicely composed. Its light and accurate steering responded to quick maneuvers and felt relaxed at higher speeds. The brake pedal on our test vehicle was firm and progressive, with no play or touchy feedback.

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