2022 Subaru Ascent
If you love the thrill of driving an Impreza but feel it no longer suits your lifestyle because it’s not awesome for a car seat and groceries, then you’ll adore the 2022 Subaru Ascent. The AWD and the mid-sized crossover have ample space with three rows, seating seven or eight passengers. It’ll make separating the squabbling young ones easier and give you enough performance to get everyone to school and work on time.
The Ascent can tow a camper and speedboat, and make it over rough terrain. On the busier city roads, the comfortable ride ensures that you can zip through traffic without damaging that prized birthday cake. It also has all the standard safety features that are on the market, like a forward-collision warning system. Subaru has added the Onyx to the lineup of Ascents taking the range of models to five.
The Ascent lineup
Subaru has made seven different models of the Ascent, but we have listed them as five. This is because there are two versions of the Limited and the Touring Ascent. Besides a $600 price difference, one comes as an eight-seater and the other comes with Captain’s chairs which turns it into a seven-seater.
Below is the price of each model:
- Convenience (eight-seater): $37,295
- Touring (eight-seater) – $42,895. The cheaper of the two versions
- Onyx (eight-seater) – $44,995
- Limited (eight-seater)- $48,295. The cheaper of the two versions
- Premier (seven-seater) – $51,795
The Premier and the Convenience models have slightly better EPA fuel-economy ratings than the other models, although all the models come with the same four-cylinder turbocharged powertrain.
The new Onyx model has an appearance based on the Premier seven-seater. It has 20-inch rims that are blacked out to match the exterior trims. It also shares the standard heated steering wheel, push-to-start button with passive entry, a hands-free power liftgate, and rear automated emergency braking. The other additions unique to the Onyx are a panoramic sunroof, onboard navigation, and a retractable cargo cover.
Performance and transmission
The Ascent has a 2.4L four-cylinder turbocharged powertrain that delivers 280 hp. Subaru has fitted the Ascent with its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which is steady and receptive offroad but can be noisy and offer a bit of a lag when accelerating on city roads.
The Ascent has the standard Subaru Symmetrical Full-time AWD system and a more than decent height clearance that makes it easy to make those offroad trips tackling all types of terrain. The X-Mode system is an added advantage on trickier terrain. The Ascent has a fully independent suspension system for a smoother and more comfy ride. This also provides more control for the driver.
Interior and connectivity
The Ascent has all the features you’d expect to find in a modern SUV. It has a raised driving position and many versatile seating positions. It has more than enough space for the whole family, thanks to its eight-seat capacity.
There are two models of the Ascent that come with added features like heated seats, leather upholstery, and powered seats for the passenger. The touch screen infotainment console has large icons for easier navigation and comes with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and a Wifi Hotspot.