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 should definitely be on your radar. We'll 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 compelling option in the competitive three-row SUV segment. It's designed to cater specifically to families, offering a spacious interior, a suite of advanced safety features, and Subaru's renowned all-wheel-drive system. The Premium trim level balances affordability with a strong set of features, making it a popular choice among buyers. The exterior design maintains Subaru's rugged aesthetic, while the interior focuses on comfort and practicality. Under the hood, a turbocharged engine provides ample power for daily driving and long road trips. Overall, the Ascent Premium delivers a well-rounded package that emphasizes safety, reliability, and value. One of the key highlights of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is its focus on safety. Subaru has equipped this model with its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These technologies work together to enhance driver awareness and prevent accidents, providing peace of mind for families on the go. The Ascent Premium also earns high marks for its crash test performance, further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle. Beyond safety, the Ascent Premium offers a comfortable and spacious interior that can accommodate up to eight passengers. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making long journeys more enjoyable. The vehicle also provides ample cargo space, even with all three rows in use, making it easy to haul groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. The Premium trim includes features like a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control, adding to the overall comfort and convenience. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of power for accelerating, merging onto the highway, and towing trailers. The Ascent Premium also comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which provides excellent traction in all weather conditions. The combination of the turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system makes the Ascent Premium a capable and confident performer, whether you're driving around town or exploring off the beaten path. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium represents a strong value proposition in the three-row SUV market. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including advanced safety technologies, a spacious interior, and a powerful engine, all at a competitive price point. The Ascent Premium also benefits from Subaru's reputation for reliability and durability, which can save you money on maintenance and repairs in the long run. If you're looking for a family-friendly SUV that offers safety, comfort, and value, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is definitely worth considering.

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about how the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium performs on the road. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of power for most driving situations, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. The Ascent Premium also comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which enhances traction and stability in various weather conditions. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is well-tuned and delivers smooth acceleration. While some drivers may prefer a traditional automatic transmission, the CVT in the Ascent Premium is responsive and efficient. The steering is precise and provides good feedback, making it easy to maneuver the SUV in tight spaces. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections effectively. Overall, the Ascent Premium offers a comfortable and composed ride. In terms of handling, the Ascent Premium is surprisingly agile for its size. The all-wheel-drive system helps to maintain grip and stability, even on slippery surfaces. The SUV also has a decent turning radius, making it relatively easy to park and maneuver in urban environments. While the Ascent Premium is not a sports car, it handles confidently and predictably. The engine provides ample power for accelerating and merging onto the highway. The turbocharged engine delivers strong low-end torque, which means you don't have to rev the engine excessively to get moving. The CVT is also programmed to simulate gear changes, which helps to prevent the engine from droning during acceleration. The Ascent Premium is also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This makes it a practical choice for families who need to haul trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment. The SUV also comes standard with trailer stability assist, which helps to keep the trailer under control while towing. Fuel economy is another important consideration for SUV buyers. The Ascent Premium delivers reasonable fuel economy for its class, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. These numbers are competitive with other three-row SUVs in the market. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a balanced and capable driving experience. The turbocharged engine provides plenty of power, while the all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability. The SUV is also comfortable, composed, and relatively fuel-efficient. If you're looking for a family-friendly SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions, the Ascent Premium is definitely worth considering. Its performance and handling characteristics make it a standout choice in the competitive three-row SUV segment.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The interior of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is designed with both comfort and technology in mind. The seats are upholstered in durable cloth and provide ample support for long journeys. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The front seats are also heated, which is a nice feature to have on cold days. The second-row seats are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adults. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they are still usable for short trips. The Ascent Premium also has tri-zone automatic climate control, which allows you to set different temperatures for the front and rear of the vehicle. This helps to keep everyone comfortable, regardless of where they're sitting. In terms of technology, the Ascent Premium comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system is easy to use and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allows you to connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Ascent Premium also has a six-speaker audio system, which delivers decent sound quality. Other standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a rearview camera. Optional features include a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and a navigation system. The interior design of the Ascent Premium is functional and practical. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to read. The controls are logically laid out and easy to reach. The materials used throughout the cabin are of good quality and feel durable. The Ascent Premium also has plenty of storage compartments, including a large center console, door pockets, and cupholders. One of the standout features of the Ascent Premium's interior is its spaciousness. The SUV has a generous amount of cargo space, even with all three rows of seats in use. With the third-row seats folded down, the Ascent Premium offers even more cargo space, making it ideal for hauling groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. The Ascent Premium also has a power liftgate, which makes it easy to load and unload cargo. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped with technology. The seats are supportive, the infotainment system is easy to use, and there's plenty of cargo space. If you're looking for a family-friendly SUV that offers a comfortable and convenient interior, the Ascent Premium is definitely worth considering. Its combination of comfort and technology makes it a standout choice in the competitive three-row SUV segment.

Safety Features

When it comes to family SUVs, safety is paramount, and the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium doesn't disappoint. It comes packed with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your loved ones on the road. Standard on the Ascent Premium is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This includes features like: Automatic Emergency Braking: Helps to avoid or mitigate collisions by automatically applying the brakes if a potential crash is detected. Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed to match the flow of traffic. Lane Departure Warning: Alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, helping to prevent accidents caused by distracted driving. Lane Keep Assist: Provides gentle steering corrections to help keep you centered in your lane. In addition to EyeSight, the Ascent Premium also comes with: Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot or approaching from the side when you're backing up. Reverse Automatic Braking: Automatically applies the brakes if it detects an obstacle behind you while you're in reverse. These advanced safety features work together to provide a comprehensive safety net for you and your passengers. The Ascent Premium also earns high marks in crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the Ascent its Top Safety Pick+ rating, which is the highest rating possible. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also given the Ascent a five-star overall safety rating. These ratings demonstrate that the Ascent is a safe and reliable vehicle. The Ascent Premium also comes with a number of other safety features, including: Anti-lock brakes: Prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control. Electronic Stability Control: Helps to prevent skidding and maintain stability in slippery conditions. Traction Control: Limits wheelspin to improve traction on slippery surfaces. Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Alerts you if your tires are low on pressure, which can improve fuel economy and prevent accidents. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is a safe and well-equipped SUV. Its comprehensive suite of safety features, combined with its excellent crash test ratings, make it a top choice for families who prioritize safety. If you're looking for a family-friendly SUV that will protect you and your loved ones on the road, the Ascent Premium is definitely worth considering. Its safety features provide peace of mind and make it a standout choice in the competitive three-row SUV segment.

Value and Pricing

Let's break down the value and pricing of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium. The Ascent Premium typically starts at around $35,000, but this can vary depending on the region and any optional features you add. For that price, you get a well-equipped SUV with a lot to offer. When evaluating the value of the Ascent Premium, it's important to consider its standard features. As we've discussed, it comes with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, and a spacious interior. These are all features that you might have to pay extra for on other SUVs. The Ascent Premium also offers good fuel economy for its size, which can save you money at the pump. It's also known for its reliability, which can reduce your maintenance costs over the long term. When comparing the Ascent Premium to other three-row SUVs, it's important to look at the features and price of each vehicle. Some competitors may offer more luxurious features, but they also tend to be more expensive. The Ascent Premium strikes a good balance between features and price. It offers a lot of value for the money. The Ascent Premium also holds its value well over time. This means that you can expect to get a good price for it when you eventually decide to sell or trade it in. This is an important consideration when evaluating the long-term cost of ownership. Of course, the value of any vehicle is subjective and depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a compelling value proposition. It's a well-equipped, reliable, and fuel-efficient SUV that's priced competitively with other three-row SUVs. If you're looking for a family-friendly SUV that offers a lot of value for the money, the Ascent Premium is definitely worth considering. Its combination of features, price, and reliability make it a standout choice in the competitive three-row SUV segment. You might be able to find lower priced SUVs, but they might not offer the same level of standard features or reliability. On the other hand, you might be able to find more luxurious SUVs, but they will likely be more expensive. The Ascent Premium is a good middle-ground option that offers a lot of value for the money.

Final Thoughts

So, what's the final verdict on the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium? Overall, it's a fantastic choice for families looking for a reliable, spacious, and safe SUV. Its standard all-wheel drive gives you confidence in various weather conditions, and the EyeSight safety suite provides peace of mind on every drive. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, and the turbocharged engine offers plenty of power for daily commutes and road trips. While it might not be the flashiest SUV on the market, the Ascent Premium excels in practicality and value. It's a no-nonsense vehicle that's built to last and designed to handle the demands of family life. If you're in the market for a three-row SUV, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium should definitely be on your list to consider. It's a well-rounded package that offers a lot for the money. I hope this review has been helpful in your car-buying journey! Remember to do your own research and test drive the Ascent Premium to see if it's the right fit for you. Happy driving, guys!