2022 Subaru Ascent

　　

2022 Subaru Ascent Review

byRonald MontoyaSenior Consumer Advice Editor & Content Strategy

　　Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Ronald is a senior consumer advice editor and content strategy at zzdcar and has also contributed to the Associated Press. He has also been featured on ABC, NBC and NPR on a number of car shopping topics. He got his start in the auto industry by taking a part-time job at a car dealership, where he worked in the service and accounting department.

　　The Subaru Ascent made its debut just a few years back to take its spot as the biggest SUV in Subaru's lineup. It's a three-row SUV with seating for up to eight people. Like the smaller Forester, it's notable for its respectable list of standard and optional driver aids, a slick infotainment system, and an interior that feels a bit more premium than those in some rivals. And, as with nearly all Subarus, all-wheel drive is standard.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Subaru Ascent 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$161/mo  for Ascent Base

　　Ascent Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $32,795 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $35,295 MSRPOnyx Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $38,495 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $40,095 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $45,945 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　It's not all perfect. The Ascent can feel a little smaller inside than rivals including the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. It's also not quite as smooth-driving. But on the whole the 2022 Subaru Ascent is worth checking out, especially if your priorities include all-wheel drive and off-road capability. Check out our Expert Rating below to learn more about the Ascent's biggest hits and misses.

　　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.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Ascent drive? The Ascent's turbocharged engine packs a strong punch, making it one of the quicker vehicles in the segment when you mash the gas. For typical driving, however, you'll need a fine touch to make the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) work smoothly. Even moderate throttle inputs result in surging acceleration, which can make passengers uncomfortable.

　　The Ascent has standard all-wheel drive and includes software-controlled traction and hill descent control. Combine those features with its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and you've got an effective combination for taking on snow and dirt. The Subaru really is a four-season SUV.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Ascent? The Ascent's interior seating is comfortable and inviting for the most part. Third-row passengers might long for softer seats over longer distances. The climate control works well to keep the cabin environment pleasant, and rear passengers will appreciate the ceiling-mounted vents that provide good coverage.

　　On the downside, driving over cracks and seams in the pavement sends a lot of tire noise and vibration into the cabin. There's also the issue of engine noise, which can grow from a muted hum to a loud groan as the rpm climb to redline. The Ascent doesn't feel floaty, but overall ride comfort falls below the class leaders.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below