Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium. If you’re in the market for a reliable, family-friendly SUV, this one might just be the ticket. We're going to cover everything from its performance and interior features to its safety tech 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 solid contender in the competitive three-row SUV market. Subaru has built a reputation for producing vehicles that are not only reliable but also safe and practical, and the Ascent Premium is no exception. This model aims to provide families with a comfortable and capable ride, boasting ample space, a host of convenience features, and Subaru’s renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive system. The Ascent Premium distinguishes itself with a well-rounded package that emphasizes functionality and value, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize dependability and practicality in their family vehicle. With thoughtful design and engineering, Subaru has created an SUV that meets the diverse needs of modern families, offering a blend of comfort, safety, and performance that resonates with a broad spectrum of drivers. The Ascent Premium is particularly attractive for its ability to handle various driving conditions, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, which provides enhanced traction and stability in adverse weather. Whether navigating city streets or embarking on a road trip, the Ascent Premium offers a secure and comfortable experience for both driver and passengers. The interior is designed with family use in mind, featuring durable materials and easy-to-clean surfaces, as well as a range of storage solutions to keep everyone organized and comfortable on the go. Additionally, the Ascent Premium includes a suite of advanced safety technologies that provide peace of mind for parents and caregivers, making it a smart and sensible choice for families seeking a reliable and safe SUV. All in all, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium encapsulates Subaru's commitment to quality and practicality, delivering a vehicle that is well-suited to the demands of everyday family life.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a respectable 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for daily driving and long road trips alike. The turbocharged engine ensures that the Ascent doesn't feel underpowered, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Ascent offers smooth and seamless acceleration. While some drivers might miss the feel of a traditional automatic transmission, the CVT helps to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. The transmission is tuned to keep the engine in its optimal power band, providing quick and responsive acceleration when needed. One of the standout features of the Ascent is Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which comes standard on all models. This system provides excellent traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions, making the Ascent a confident performer in snow, rain, and even light off-road situations. The all-wheel-drive system continuously monitors wheel speed, throttle position, and other factors to distribute power to the wheels with the most grip. This ensures that the Ascent maintains its composure, even when faced with slippery or uneven surfaces. In terms of handling, the Ascent strikes a good balance between comfort and control. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for passengers. At the same time, the Ascent feels relatively composed in corners, with minimal body roll. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver the Ascent in tight spaces. While it’s not a sports car, the Ascent is surprisingly agile for its size, and it inspires confidence behind the wheel. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a balanced and capable driving experience that is well-suited to the needs of families. Its turbocharged engine provides ample power, its all-wheel-drive system ensures confident traction, and its comfortable suspension makes it a pleasure to drive on long trips.

Interior and Comfort

Inside the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium, you’ll find a spacious and well-appointed cabin designed with family comfort in mind. The Premium trim offers a nice balance of features and value, providing a comfortable and convenient experience for both driver and passengers. The seats in the Ascent Premium are upholstered in durable cloth, which is both comfortable and easy to clean – a major plus for families with kids. The front seats offer ample support and adjustability, ensuring a comfortable driving position for drivers of all sizes. The second-row seats are also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adults. The Ascent Premium comes standard with a second-row bench seat, which provides seating for up to eight passengers. However, you can also opt for second-row captain’s chairs, which reduce seating capacity to seven but provide a more luxurious and comfortable experience for second-row passengers. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they’re still a welcome addition for families who need the extra seating capacity. Access to the third row is made easy by the Ascent’s wide door openings and available tilt-and-slide second-row seats. In terms of features, the Ascent Premium comes standard with a range of amenities designed to enhance comfort and convenience. These include a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. The infotainment system is easy to use and responsive, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car’s infotainment system, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. Other notable interior features include a USB charging port in the front and second rows, a 12-volt power outlet, and a variety of storage compartments throughout the cabin. The Ascent also offers ample cargo space, with 17.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 86.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a comfortable and family-friendly interior with plenty of space, features, and amenities to keep everyone happy on long trips.

Technology and Safety Features

The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is packed with technology and safety features designed to keep you and your family connected, entertained, and, most importantly, safe. Subaru has a strong reputation for safety, and the Ascent is no exception, earning top marks in crash tests from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features on the Ascent Premium include Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, while automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes if you don’t react in time. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and lane keep assist can gently steer you back into your lane. In addition to EyeSight, the Ascent Premium also comes standard with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which helps you to avoid accidents when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces. Other notable safety features include a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what’s behind you when backing up, and a tire pressure monitoring system, which alerts you if your tires are underinflated. On the technology front, the Ascent Premium comes standard with a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This system allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car’s infotainment system, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The infotainment system is easy to use and responsive, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. Other technology features include a six-speaker audio system, a USB charging port in the front and second rows, and a 12-volt power outlet. The Ascent Premium also offers available features such as a Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows you to connect your devices to the internet on the go, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system, which provides exceptional sound quality. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features that provide peace of mind and convenience for drivers and passengers alike.

Fuel Efficiency and Value

Let's talk about fuel efficiency and overall value of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium. For a three-row SUV, the Ascent achieves respectable fuel economy. The EPA estimates are around 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Of course, real-world mileage can vary depending on driving conditions and habits, but overall, the Ascent is competitive with other SUVs in its class. One of the key factors contributing to the Ascent's fuel efficiency is its continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is designed to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range, which helps to maximize fuel economy. Additionally, the Ascent's turbocharged engine provides ample power without sacrificing fuel efficiency. In terms of value, the Ascent Premium offers a compelling package for families looking for a reliable, safe, and well-equipped SUV. With a starting price in the low- to mid-$30,000s, the Ascent Premium is competitively priced compared to other SUVs in its class. And when you consider all of the standard features and amenities that come with the Premium trim, it represents a good value for the money. One of the biggest selling points of the Ascent is its standard all-wheel-drive system, which provides enhanced traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions. Many other SUVs in this class offer all-wheel drive as an optional extra, but it comes standard on all Ascent models. This makes the Ascent a particularly attractive choice for drivers who live in areas with snow or inclement weather. Additionally, the Ascent comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes a suite of advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. These features can help to prevent accidents and keep you and your family safe on the road. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a compelling combination of fuel efficiency and value, making it a smart choice for families who are looking for a practical and affordable SUV.

Conclusion

So, what’s the final verdict on the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium? Well, if you're after a dependable, spacious, and feature-rich SUV for your family, this one definitely deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s got that classic Subaru reliability, a comfortable interior, and plenty of tech to keep everyone happy. Sure, it might not be the flashiest or most exciting SUV out there, but it gets the job done and does it well. For families prioritizing safety, practicality, and value, the Ascent Premium is a solid choice. Plus, with Subaru's reputation for longevity, you can expect it to be a faithful companion for years to come. Happy car hunting, folks!