Hey guys! Today, we are diving deep into the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium, a fantastic SUV that has been making waves in the family vehicle market. If you’re in the market for a reliable, spacious, and feature-packed ride, then buckle up because this review is just for you. We'll cover everything from performance and interior comfort to tech features and overall value.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium doesn't disappoint. The heart of this beast is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a robust 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provides ample power for daily commutes and long road trips alike. Whether you're merging onto the highway or climbing steep hills, the Ascent offers responsive acceleration and smooth power delivery. The standard all-wheel-drive system ensures confident traction in various weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for families living in areas with snow or rain. The Ascent's Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) contributes to its fuel efficiency, offering a combined EPA rating of around 23 mpg. While some drivers might miss the feel of a traditional automatic transmission, the CVT is well-tuned to maximize both performance and fuel economy. Moreover, the Ascent's suspension is designed to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver the large SUV in tight spaces. Overall, the Ascent's performance and handling strike a good balance between power, comfort, and efficiency, making it a solid choice for families seeking a versatile and capable SUV. For those who enjoy outdoor adventures, the Ascent also boasts a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, allowing you to bring along your boat, trailer, or other recreational gear. The inclusion of trailer stability assist further enhances safety and control when towing, giving you peace of mind on the road.

Interior Comfort and Design

Step inside the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium, and you'll be greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The interior is designed with comfort and practicality in mind, making it an ideal choice for families. With three rows of seating, the Ascent can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers, ensuring that everyone has enough room to stretch out and relax. The Premium trim features cloth upholstery that is both durable and comfortable, providing a pleasant seating experience even on long journeys. The front seats offer ample support and adjustability, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The second-row seats are also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adults. Access to the third row is made easy thanks to the wide door openings and the sliding second-row seats. While the third row is best suited for children or smaller adults, it still offers a decent amount of space for shorter trips. The Ascent's interior also boasts a generous amount of cargo space, with up to 75.6 cubic feet of room with the second and third rows folded down. This provides ample space for luggage, groceries, sports equipment, or anything else you need to haul. The interior design is simple yet elegant, with a focus on functionality and ease of use. The controls are well-placed and easy to reach, and the dashboard is clean and uncluttered. Overall, the Ascent's interior comfort and design make it a pleasant and practical space for families to spend time together on the road.

Technology and Features

The Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium is packed with technology and features designed to enhance your driving experience. At the heart of the infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen display that is responsive and easy to use. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Ascent also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. These features work together to help you stay safe on the road and avoid potential accidents. Other notable technology features include a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind you when backing up, and a blind-spot monitoring system, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots. The Premium trim also includes a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adding to the overall comfort and convenience of the vehicle. For those who want even more technology, higher trim levels offer features such as a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and a navigation system. Overall, the Ascent's technology and features make it a well-equipped and modern SUV that is sure to appeal to tech-savvy families.

Safety and Reliability

When it comes to safety and reliability, the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium excels. Subaru has a long-standing reputation for building safe and dependable vehicles, and the Ascent is no exception. The Ascent has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), demonstrating its ability to protect occupants in the event of a crash. As mentioned earlier, the Ascent comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes a range of advanced safety features designed to prevent accidents. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. In addition to these active safety features, the Ascent also boasts a strong and durable body structure that is designed to withstand impact forces. The vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to provide further protection for occupants. Subaru's commitment to safety extends beyond crash protection. The Ascent is also designed to be easy to control and maneuver, even in challenging driving conditions. The standard all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability, while the responsive steering and brakes give you confidence behind the wheel. In terms of reliability, the Ascent has received generally positive reviews from owners and critics alike. While some early models experienced minor issues, Subaru has addressed these concerns with updates and improvements. Overall, the Ascent is a safe and reliable SUV that is well-suited for families who prioritize safety and peace of mind.

Trim Levels and Options

The Subaru Ascent 2022 offers a range of trim levels to suit different needs and budgets. The base model comes standard with a generous array of features, including all-wheel drive, Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display. The Premium trim, which we've been focusing on in this review, adds even more features, such as an 8-inch touchscreen display, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Moving up the trim ladder, you'll find the Limited and Touring models, which offer even more luxury and convenience features. The Limited trim adds leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a blind-spot monitoring system, while the Touring trim includes a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and exclusive exterior and interior trim. In addition to the various trim levels, the Ascent also offers a range of optional packages and accessories that allow you to customize the vehicle to your specific needs. These options include a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a variety of exterior and interior accessories. Whether you're looking for a basic and affordable family SUV or a fully loaded luxury vehicle, the Ascent has a trim level and options package to suit your needs. With its versatile range of configurations, the Ascent is a compelling choice for families seeking a practical and well-equipped SUV.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, let's break down the pros and cons of the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium:

Pros:

• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Standard all-wheel drive
• Excellent safety ratings
• User-friendly technology
• Generous cargo space

Cons:

• CVT transmission may not appeal to all drivers
• Third-row seating is best suited for children
• Fuel economy could be better

Final Verdict

The Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium is a fantastic choice for families seeking a reliable, spacious, and well-equipped SUV. Its standard all-wheel-drive, excellent safety ratings, and user-friendly technology make it a standout in its class. While the CVT transmission and limited third-row space may not appeal to everyone, the Ascent's overall strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you're in the market for a three-row SUV that offers a great balance of practicality, comfort, and value, the Ascent is definitely worth considering. So there you have it, guys! I hope this review was helpful in your car-buying journey. Happy driving!