2022 Aston Martin Vantage Convertible

2022 Aston Martin Vantage Review

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　It's difficult to call a car costing upward of $160,000 entry-level, but in the case of the 2022 Aston Martin Vantage, it's appropriate. That's mostly because it's the smallest and least expensive vehicle in the Aston Martin lineup. Compared to more mass-produced sport coupes, the Vantage boasts strong but not awe-inspiring performance. It has a 503-horsepower turbocharged V8 sourced from Mercedes and sharp handling that should thrill most drivers.

　　So what do you get for the money? The Vantage exudes an air of exclusivity that no brand can invent overnight. Given Aston Martin's extensive customization options, you are all but guaranteed to configure a one-of-a-kind model. What you don't get is also worth noting. The suspension favors handling over comfort, so don't expect a luxurious ride. Don't expect many of the latest technology features either since the infotainment system is pulled from the previous-generation Mercedes parts bin.

　　Overall, the 2022 Vantage remains a desirable sport coupe on an emotional level, but less so when you give it a more rational examination. Check out our test team's Expert Rating to get our full evaluation.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　7.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

　　How does the Vantage drive? We tested the Vantage Roadster. It backs up its evocative styling with solid straight-line punch and a muscular soundtrack. We launched the Aston Martin to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and saw it rip through the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds at nearly 120 mph. Those numbers are fairly standard for this impressive class but that doesn't make them any less intoxicating. Braking numbers were equally as impressive: The Aston stopped from 60 mph with authority and consistency in just 100 feet.

　　Handling leaves a little to be desired. The steering is overly light no matter what mode you select, and the tires aren't up to managing both the speed and weight of the Vantage Roadster over longer stretches of a twisty road.

　　It's a solid everyday driver, however. Thanks to its bountiful low-end torque, the Vantage can effortlessly dawdle around at city speeds. The transmission's shifts are smooth, but you'll want to shut off the auto engine stop-start feature. The restarts are loud and clumsy.

Comfort

　　How comfortable is the Vantage? The seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive. They also have adjustments aplenty so most everyone can be comfortable. We wish the center air vents offered as much adjustability since they never really directed enough air directly at the passengers. The climate control does work well enough with the top up, but the small buttons are fussy and tough to read at a quick glance.

　　Road noise from the high-performance tires is definitely noticeable but shouldn't put off buyers used to cars of this nature. But the ride quality spoils the experience the most. The Vantage lacks the comfort, refinement and body control we celebrate in similar vehicles such as the BMW M8.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below