Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium. If you're in the market for a reliable, spacious, and family-friendly SUV, the Ascent Premium might just be the perfect fit for you. We're going to cover everything from its performance and interior features to its safety ratings and overall value. Buckle up, because there's a lot to unpack!

Overview of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium

The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium stands out in the crowded three-row SUV segment. It’s designed to offer a blend of comfort, practicality, and Subaru's renowned all-wheel-drive capability. Think of it as a dependable companion for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The Ascent is Subaru's largest vehicle, providing ample space for passengers and cargo, making it an ideal choice for larger families or those who frequently travel with groups. The Premium trim level enhances the base model with a host of additional features, focusing on convenience and technology.

What sets the Ascent Premium apart is its standard all-wheel-drive system, a hallmark of Subaru vehicles. This feature provides enhanced traction and stability, making it well-suited for driving in various weather conditions and terrains. Furthermore, the Ascent Premium comes equipped with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a suite of safety features that includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These technologies work together to provide an added layer of safety and peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Inside, the Ascent Premium offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin with features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. These amenities enhance the overall driving experience and contribute to the vehicle's appeal as a family-friendly SUV. In terms of design, the Ascent Premium features a rugged yet refined exterior, with a bold front grille, sleek headlights, and muscular lines. The vehicle's overall appearance exudes confidence and capability, while remaining stylish and modern. With its combination of practicality, safety, and comfort, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is a compelling option for those seeking a versatile and reliable SUV.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium doesn't disappoint. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a solid 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. The turbocharger ensures that the engine responds quickly to throttle inputs, providing brisk acceleration and confident passing ability. The Ascent Premium comes standard with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which helps to maximize fuel efficiency while delivering smooth and seamless gear changes. While some drivers may initially be hesitant about CVTs, Subaru's version is well-tuned and provides a driving experience that is both responsive and refined. The CVT also features an eight-speed manual mode with paddle shifters, allowing drivers to take greater control of the transmission when desired.

One of the standout features of the Ascent Premium is its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This system constantly monitors traction and distributes power to the wheels that need it most, providing enhanced stability and control in a variety of driving conditions. Whether you're driving on wet pavement, snow-covered roads, or gravel trails, the all-wheel-drive system helps to keep the Ascent Premium planted and secure. In terms of handling, the Ascent Premium strikes a good balance between comfort and agility. The suspension is tuned to provide a smooth and compliant ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. At the same time, the Ascent Premium feels relatively stable and composed in corners, thanks to its well-weighted steering and responsive chassis. While it's not a sports car, the Ascent Premium is surprisingly nimble for its size, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and navigate through traffic. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a well-rounded driving experience, with plenty of power, confident handling, and the added security of all-wheel-drive. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or embarking on a road trip, the Ascent Premium is up to the task.

Interior and Features

Let's step inside the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium and explore its interior. The cabin is designed with both comfort and functionality in mind. The Premium trim offers a nice balance of features without overwhelming you with unnecessary extras. One of the first things you'll notice is the spaciousness. With three rows of seating, the Ascent Premium can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making long trips more enjoyable. The second-row seats slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. Getting into the third row is also relatively easy, thanks to the wide door openings and the available captain's chairs in the second row. In terms of materials, the Ascent Premium features a mix of soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The overall fit and finish are good, and the cabin feels well-built and solid. The dashboard is logically laid out, with all of the controls within easy reach of the driver.

The Ascent Premium comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system is user-friendly and responsive, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. The Ascent Premium also features tri-zone automatic climate control, which allows you to set different temperatures for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers. This is a great feature for keeping everyone comfortable on long trips. Other standard features on the Ascent Premium include a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. These features add a touch of luxury and convenience to the driving experience. In terms of cargo space, the Ascent Premium offers plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. With all three rows of seats in place, there's still a decent amount of cargo space behind the third row. When you need more room, you can fold down the third-row seats to create a larger cargo area. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped. It's a great place to spend time, whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a long road trip with your family.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is packed with features designed to protect you and your passengers. One of the most notable safety features is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This suite of advanced safety systems includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic emergency braking can detect vehicles or pedestrians in front of you and automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, while lane keep assist can gently steer the vehicle back into the center of the lane. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, automatically adjusting your speed to match the flow of traffic. These features work together to provide an added layer of safety and peace of mind on the road.

In addition to EyeSight, the Ascent Premium also comes standard with blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. Blind-spot detection monitors the areas beside and behind your vehicle and alerts you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot. Lane change assist can help you make safer lane changes by providing additional warnings if there's a vehicle approaching in the adjacent lane. Rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space or driveway. The Ascent Premium also features a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind your vehicle when you're backing up. This can help you avoid collisions with objects or pedestrians. Other standard safety features on the Ascent Premium include anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full suite of airbags. These features work together to help you maintain control of the vehicle in emergency situations. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is a very safe vehicle, with a comprehensive set of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers.

Fuel Efficiency and MPG

When considering a three-row SUV, fuel efficiency is often a key factor for buyers. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers reasonable gas mileage for its class. The EPA estimates that the Ascent Premium gets 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 23 mpg. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary depending on your driving habits and road conditions. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving in the city, you may see lower fuel economy. Conversely, if you do a lot of highway driving at a consistent speed, you may see higher fuel economy. The Ascent Premium has a fuel tank capacity of 19.3 gallons, which gives it a decent range between fill-ups. With a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, you can expect to drive around 440 miles on a full tank of gas.

Compared to other three-row SUVs, the Ascent Premium's fuel economy is about average. Some competitors offer slightly better fuel economy, while others offer slightly worse. However, the Ascent Premium's standard all-wheel-drive system can have a slight impact on fuel economy compared to front-wheel-drive competitors. To maximize fuel efficiency in the Ascent Premium, there are a few things you can do. First, try to avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Smooth and steady driving will help you conserve fuel. Second, make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires can increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Third, remove any unnecessary weight from the vehicle. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it will consume. Finally, consider using the adaptive cruise control on the highway. This can help you maintain a consistent speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers reasonable fuel efficiency for its class. While it's not the most fuel-efficient three-row SUV on the market, it's not the least either. With a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, it should be adequate for most drivers.

Pricing and Value

Let's talk about the bottom line: pricing and value. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium typically starts around $35,000, but this can vary depending on the options and packages you choose. Compared to other three-row SUVs in its class, the Ascent Premium is competitively priced. It offers a good balance of features and value for the money. When you consider the standard all-wheel-drive system, the spacious interior, and the comprehensive suite of safety features, the Ascent Premium is a compelling option for families. Of course, the total cost of ownership includes more than just the purchase price. You'll also need to factor in things like insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs. Subaru vehicles generally have a good reputation for reliability, which can help to keep maintenance costs down.

The Ascent Premium also holds its value well over time. According to industry experts, Subaru vehicles tend to depreciate less than other brands. This means that you can expect to get a good return on your investment when you eventually sell or trade in your Ascent Premium. When evaluating the value of the Ascent Premium, it's important to consider your individual needs and priorities. If you need a spacious and reliable SUV with all-wheel-drive capability, the Ascent Premium is definitely worth considering. It offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior, a comprehensive suite of safety features, and a reasonable price. However, if you're looking for the most fuel-efficient or luxurious three-row SUV on the market, there may be other options that are a better fit for you. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium represents a good value for the money. It offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and reliability at a competitive price. If you're in the market for a three-row SUV, be sure to give the Ascent Premium a look.