2022 Subaru Ascent Premium: Review, Specs, & More

by Alex Braham 50 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium, a fantastic SUV that's been making waves in the family vehicle market. If you're looking for a reliable, spacious, and well-equipped ride, the Ascent Premium might just be your perfect match. We'll cover everything from its performance and interior features to its safety ratings and overall value. 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 choice in the crowded three-row SUV segment. It's designed to cater specifically to families, offering ample space, a comfortable ride, and a host of features that enhance both convenience and safety. What makes the Ascent Premium particularly appealing is its blend of practicality and value. It provides many of the desirable attributes found in higher-end SUVs but at a more accessible price point. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on quality or features.

Subaru has a strong reputation for building reliable and safe vehicles, and the Ascent Premium is no exception. It comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. This is a significant advantage, especially for those who live in areas with challenging weather, such as snow or rain. The Ascent Premium also includes a suite of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, all of which contribute to a safer driving experience.

Inside, the Ascent Premium offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long road trips more enjoyable. The second and third rows provide enough room for adults, which is a notable advantage over some of its competitors. The interior design is functional and straightforward, with user-friendly controls and a logical layout. The materials used throughout the cabin are of good quality, giving the Ascent Premium a refined feel.

In terms of technology, the Ascent Premium comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system, providing access to navigation, music, and other apps. The system is responsive and easy to use, making it a breeze to stay connected on the go. Additionally, the Ascent Premium offers a range of available features, such as a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and a power liftgate, which further enhance its appeal.

Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. It's a practical and reliable choice for families who need a spacious and safe vehicle. With its standard all-wheel drive, advanced safety features, and comfortable interior, the Ascent Premium is definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a three-row SUV.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and explore the key features and specs that make the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium a standout choice in its class. Understanding these details will help you appreciate what this SUV brings to the table.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Ascent Premium boasts a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine. This engine delivers a solid 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for daily driving and even some light towing. The turbocharger ensures that the engine remains responsive, even when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Ascent Premium offers smooth and efficient acceleration.

The CVT is designed to maximize fuel economy, and the Ascent Premium achieves respectable EPA ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. While these numbers aren't class-leading, they are competitive for a three-row SUV with all-wheel drive. The combination of the turbocharged engine and CVT makes the Ascent Premium a capable and comfortable performer in various driving conditions.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Ascent Premium is designed with comfort and practicality in mind. The cabin is spacious, with three rows of seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers. The seats are upholstered in durable cloth material, which is both comfortable and easy to clean. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The second-row seats offer plenty of legroom, and the third row is surprisingly spacious for adults.

The Ascent Premium also comes with a range of convenience features that enhance the overall driving experience. These include tri-zone automatic climate control, which allows you to set different temperatures for the front and rear of the cabin. There are also multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, ensuring that everyone can keep their devices charged. The rear seats also have climate control, making it extra comfy for rear passengers.

Technology and Infotainment

The Ascent Premium is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system, providing access to navigation, music, and other apps. The system is responsive and easy to use, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. The Ascent Premium also comes with a six-speaker audio system, which delivers decent sound quality for most listeners.

Other technology features include Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and a suite of advanced safety features. The Ascent Premium also offers available features such as a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and a power liftgate, which further enhance its appeal.

Safety Features

Subaru is known for its commitment to safety, and the Ascent Premium is no exception. It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features use sensors and cameras to monitor the road around you and alert you to potential hazards.

The Ascent Premium has also performed well in crash tests, earning top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This provides peace of mind knowing that the Ascent Premium is designed to protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision.

Driving Experience

Alright, let's talk about what it's actually like to get behind the wheel of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium. Beyond the specs and features, the driving experience is a crucial factor in determining whether a vehicle is right for you. The Ascent Premium offers a balanced and comfortable ride, making it well-suited for both daily commutes and long road trips.

On the Road

The Ascent Premium delivers a smooth and composed ride on the road. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and potholes, providing a comfortable experience for both the driver and passengers. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver the Ascent Premium in tight spaces. The visibility is also excellent, thanks to the large windows and high seating position.

The turbocharged engine provides ample power for merging onto the highway and passing other vehicles. The CVT is smooth and responsive, and it does a good job of keeping the engine in its optimal power range. The Ascent Premium also comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. This is a significant advantage, especially for those who live in areas with challenging weather.

Off-Road Capabilities

While the Ascent Premium is primarily designed for on-road use, it does offer some off-road capabilities. The standard all-wheel drive system provides good traction on loose surfaces, such as gravel and dirt. The Ascent Premium also has a decent amount of ground clearance, which allows it to navigate over small obstacles. However, it's important to remember that the Ascent Premium is not a dedicated off-road vehicle, and it's not designed for tackling extreme terrain.

Noise and Comfort

The Ascent Premium offers a quiet and comfortable cabin, making it a pleasant place to spend time. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, and the interior materials are of good quality. The Ascent Premium also comes with a range of convenience features that enhance the overall driving experience, such as tri-zone automatic climate control and multiple USB ports.

One of the downsides of the Ascent Premium is that the engine can be a bit noisy under hard acceleration. The CVT also tends to drone at higher speeds, which can be annoying on long road trips. However, these are relatively minor complaints, and overall, the Ascent Premium offers a comfortable and refined driving experience.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium. This will help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages and determine if this SUV is the right fit for your needs.

Pros

  • Spacious Interior: The Ascent Premium offers ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a great choice for families.
  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions.
  • Advanced Safety Features: The Ascent Premium comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Strong Safety Ratings: The Ascent Premium has earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

Cons

  • Fuel Economy: The Ascent Premium's fuel economy is decent but not class-leading.
  • Engine Noise: The engine can be a bit noisy under hard acceleration.
  • CVT Drone: The CVT tends to drone at higher speeds, which can be annoying on long road trips.
  • Base Trim Features: While the Premium trim adds some nice features, the base trim is a bit basic.
  • Resale Value: Subaru's resale value are not good compared to Toyota or Honda.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium? Overall, it's a solid choice for families looking for a spacious, safe, and well-equipped SUV. The standard all-wheel drive and advanced safety features are major selling points, and the comfortable interior and user-friendly technology make it a pleasant vehicle to drive and own.

While it may not be the most exciting SUV on the market, the Ascent Premium offers a great balance of practicality and value. It's a reliable and capable vehicle that's well-suited for daily commutes, family road trips, and everything in between. If you're in the market for a three-row SUV, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is definitely worth considering. I hope this helps you in your decision making!