2022 Subaru Ascent Premium: A Detailed Look

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a ride that's been making waves in the SUV scene: the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium. If you're in the market for a family-friendly, capable, and comfortable SUV, you've probably stumbled upon this gem. Subaru has a reputation for building vehicles that are both practical and adventurous, and the Ascent certainly fits that bill. The Premium trim, in particular, strikes a fantastic balance between essential features and a touch of luxury, making it a sweet spot for many buyers. We're going to break down what makes this particular model stand out, from its performance and interior comfort to its safety tech and overall value. So, buckle up, grab your favorite drink, and let's explore the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium!

Performance and Capability

Let's start with what's under the hood, guys. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium comes standard with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, and honestly, that's a huge selling point right off the bat. It means you're getting serious traction and stability no matter what the weather throws at you, from icy roads to muddy trails. Powering this beast is a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine. Now, Subaru BOXER engines are known for their unique horizontally opposed design, which helps lower the center of gravity, leading to better handling. This turbo mill churns out a respectable 260 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. That's plenty of grunt to get this three-row SUV moving, even when it's loaded up with family and gear. Mated to a smooth and responsive Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the Ascent offers a driving experience that's both refined and capable. While it's not a sports car, the acceleration is more than adequate for merging onto highways and passing slower vehicles. For those who like to tow, the Ascent boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is pretty solid for its class. This makes it a viable option for hauling a small boat, a couple of ATVs, or a decent-sized camper for weekend getaways. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections effectively, making long road trips a breeze. You'll appreciate the quiet cabin, too, which allows for easy conversation even at highway speeds. The steering is precise, giving you confidence behind the wheel, and the braking is firm and reassuring.

Interior Comfort and Features

Step inside the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium, and you'll find an interior that's designed with families and comfort in mind. The Premium trim offers a nice step up from the base model, bringing a host of desirable features that enhance the driving and passenger experience. You'll immediately notice the comfortable cloth upholstery, which is durable and easy to clean – a must-have for parents! The cabin is surprisingly spacious, with ample legroom and headroom in all three rows. Even adults can find a comfortable spot in the second and third rows for shorter trips, which is a big win for a vehicle in this segment. The driver's seat offers good adjustability, ensuring you can find your perfect driving position. Standard features on the Premium trim include a user-friendly 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. This system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls. It's intuitive and responsive, making it easy to control your media and access essential apps. You'll also get tri-zone automatic climate control, meaning the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers can all set their preferred temperature. This is a game-changer for family harmony on those hot summer days or chilly winter mornings. Other niceties include heated front seats for those cold mornings, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a generous number of cupholders – because who doesn't need more cupholders? The cargo space is also quite practical. With the third-row seats folded down, you get a substantial amount of room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Even with the third row up, there's still enough space for everyday essentials. Subaru has done a great job of making the interior feel open and airy, with good visibility all around thanks to its large windows and relatively slim pillars.

Safety and Technology

When it comes to safety, Subaru is a brand that consistently earns top marks, and the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is no exception. The star of the show here is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which comes standard on the Premium trim and above. This suite of advanced safety features uses stereo cameras to monitor traffic, optimize cruise control, and warn you if you're drifting out of your lane. It includes features like Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and Adaptive Cruise Control. These aren't just buzzwords; they genuinely contribute to a safer driving experience and can help prevent accidents. You also get a standard Rear-Vision Camera, which makes backing up much easier and safer. Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are also available, adding even more layers of protection. The Ascent has consistently received excellent safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA, giving you peace of mind when transporting your loved ones. Beyond safety, the tech in the Premium trim is focused on convenience and connectivity. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, as mentioned before, is a highlight, offering seamless smartphone integration. You'll also find USB ports strategically placed throughout the cabin, ensuring everyone can keep their devices charged. Steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control buttons make it easy to manage functions without taking your hands off the wheel. The inclusion of features like automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers further adds to the convenience, allowing the car to adapt to changing conditions automatically. Overall, Subaru packs a lot of value into the Ascent Premium, especially when it comes to safety, which is often a top priority for SUV buyers.

Fuel Economy and Practicality

Let's talk numbers, specifically fuel economy, because we all want to save a few bucks at the pump, right? The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium, with its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, achieves an EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Now, for a three-row SUV that's always ready to tackle the elements, those figures are quite respectable. The AWD system, while fantastic for traction, can sometimes impact fuel efficiency, but Subaru has done a commendable job balancing performance and economy here. Over a week of mixed driving – commuting, running errands, and a bit of highway cruising – you'll likely find yourself averaging somewhere in the low 20s, which is pretty much on par with many competitors in this segment. The fuel tank capacity is also generous, allowing for a good driving range before needing to refuel, which is always a plus on longer road trips. When it comes to practicality, the Ascent shines. Its three-row configuration means it can comfortably seat up to seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating choice (captain's chairs or bench seat). This makes it an excellent choice for larger families or for those who often carpool. The ease of access to the third row is also well-thought-out, with a one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat that makes getting in and out of the back much less of a hassle. The cargo area, as we touched upon, is versatile. With the rear seats folded, you get over 43 cubic feet of storage space, and with all rear seats folded, it expands to a massive 75.5 cubic feet. This versatility means you can haul everything from weekly groceries to bulky items like furniture or camping gear. The roof rails are also a standard feature, providing an excellent platform for attaching a roof box or other carriers for even more cargo capacity, perfect for those extended family vacations.

Why Choose the Ascent Premium?

So, why should the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium be on your radar? Well, guys, it really boils down to value and capability. You're getting a vehicle that comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, a feature that many rivals only offer on higher, more expensive trims. This means you're not paying extra to get the sure-footedness and confidence that comes with AWD in all conditions. The Premium trim hits that sweet spot, offering a significant upgrade in features over the base model without breaking the bank. You get the enhanced safety of EyeSight, the convenience of heated seats and tri-zone climate control, and the essential connectivity of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all wrapped up in a comfortable and spacious package. Compared to other three-row SUVs, the Ascent Premium often comes out ahead in terms of standard safety tech and its inherent all-weather capability. It's a vehicle that feels robust and ready for whatever life throws at it, whether it's a daily commute through snowy streets or a summer road trip to the beach. The comfortable ride quality, quiet interior, and ample passenger space make it an ideal choice for families who prioritize comfort and practicality. Plus, Subaru's reputation for reliability and excellent resale value means you're likely investing in a vehicle that will serve you well for years to come. It’s a smart, practical, and well-rounded choice for anyone needing a capable and safe family hauler. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is more than just an SUV; it's a reliable partner for all your adventures, big and small.