Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium: Review, Specs, And More!

by Alex Braham 53 views

Hey guys! Are you thinking about getting a new family SUV? Let’s dive into the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium. This ride is packed with features and offers a comfortable experience for both the driver and passengers. In this article, we’re going to break down everything you need to know, from its performance and interior to its tech and safety features. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Overview of the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium

The Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium is designed as a three-row SUV, which means it's perfect for larger families or anyone who needs extra space for passengers and cargo. The Ascent stands out in the crowded SUV market with its standard all-wheel drive, a hallmark of Subaru vehicles, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions. The 2022 Premium trim builds upon the base model by adding more comfort and convenience features, making it a popular choice for those seeking a bit more luxury without breaking the bank. Its spacious interior, combined with a suite of advanced safety technologies, makes it a strong contender for families prioritizing safety and practicality. The exterior design is both functional and appealing, with a robust stance and thoughtful details that enhance its overall look. Let's not forget that Subaru has a reputation for reliability, and the Ascent aims to continue that tradition, offering peace of mind for owners. Whether you're navigating city streets or heading out on a road trip, the Ascent Premium offers a versatile and enjoyable driving experience.

Engine and Performance

When it comes to the engine and performance of the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium, you're getting a solid powertrain that balances power and efficiency. The Ascent is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a respectable 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for daily commutes, highway driving, and even hauling a full load of passengers and cargo. The turbocharger ensures that the engine responds quickly when you need it, making merging and passing maneuvers feel confident and smooth. Paired with the engine is a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps optimize fuel efficiency while providing seamless gear changes. While CVTs sometimes get a bad rap, Subaru's implementation is well-tuned, offering a driving experience that feels both natural and responsive. Of course, a key feature of the Ascent is its standard all-wheel-drive system. This system continuously monitors traction and distributes power to the wheels that need it most, providing enhanced stability and control in various weather conditions. Whether you're driving in rain, snow, or even light off-road situations, the Ascent feels sure-footed and composed. Fuel economy is also a consideration, and the Ascent delivers respectable numbers for its class. You can expect to get around 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which is competitive with other three-row SUVs. Overall, the engine and performance of the Ascent Premium are well-rounded, providing a balance of power, efficiency, and capability that makes it a great choice for families.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium, you’ll immediately notice the spacious and comfortable interior. The Ascent is designed with families in mind, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. The Premium trim enhances the comfort with features like stain-resistant cloth upholstery, which is perfect for handling spills and messes from kids or pets. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making long road trips a breeze. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position, and the second-row seats slide and recline, providing added comfort for passengers. One of the standout features of the Ascent is its three-row seating configuration. The second row can be configured as either a bench seat or captain's chairs, depending on your preference. The bench seat allows for seating up to eight passengers, while the captain's chairs reduce the capacity to seven but provide easier access to the third row. The third row is surprisingly spacious for a mid-size SUV, with enough headroom and legroom to accommodate adults on shorter trips. In terms of cargo space, the Ascent offers a generous amount of room behind the third row, perfect for groceries or luggage. When you need more space, the third-row seats can be easily folded down to create a larger cargo area. The interior design is functional and straightforward, with controls that are easy to reach and use. The materials used throughout the cabin feel durable and well-made, contributing to a sense of quality. Overall, the interior of the Ascent Premium is a comfortable and practical space that's well-suited for families on the go.

Technology and Features

Let's talk tech! The Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium is loaded with technology and features designed to keep you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. At the heart of the infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is responsive and easy to use. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Premium trim also comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot, so you and your passengers can stay connected on the go. In terms of audio, the Ascent Premium features a six-speaker sound system that delivers clear and balanced sound. For those who want an even better audio experience, higher trims offer a premium Harman Kardon sound system. Other notable technology features include keyless entry with push-button start, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. The tri-zone climate control ensures that everyone in the vehicle can stay comfortable, regardless of where they're sitting. The rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind you, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. From a safety perspective, the Ascent Premium comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology. This suite of features includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. These technologies work together to help prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. Overall, the Ascent Premium offers a comprehensive set of technology and features that enhance both the driving experience and passenger comfort.

Safety and Driver-Assistance

Safety is a top priority for families, and the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium doesn't disappoint. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features designed to protect you and your passengers. As mentioned earlier, the Ascent includes Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology. This system uses two cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor traffic and road conditions. Adaptive cruise control helps maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed as needed. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, while lane keep assist can gently steer you back into the correct lane. Pre-collision braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision, helping to reduce the severity of an accident. In addition to EyeSight, the Ascent Premium also includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. This feature alerts you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot, making it safer to change lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space or driveway. The Ascent also comes with a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind you, and automatic high beams, which automatically switch between high and low beams depending on traffic conditions. In terms of crash protection, the Ascent is built with a strong and rigid frame designed to absorb and distribute impact energy. It also comes standard with a full array of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. The combination of these safety features and a robust structure has earned the Ascent excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Overall, the Ascent Premium provides peace of mind with its comprehensive safety features and strong crash test performance.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium so you can get a clear picture of what it offers.

Pros:

  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: A huge plus for those living in areas with inclement weather. Gives you extra confidence on slippery roads.
  • Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it great for families.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use, and the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a big win.
  • Comprehensive Safety Features: EyeSight driver-assist technology provides an extra layer of protection.
  • Comfortable Ride: The Ascent offers a smooth and comfortable ride, even on long trips.

Cons:

  • CVT Transmission: While well-tuned, some drivers may not like the feel of a CVT compared to a traditional automatic transmission.
  • Fuel Economy: While competitive, it's not the best in its class. Keep this in mind if fuel efficiency is a top priority.
  • Exterior Styling: The design may not appeal to everyone. It's functional but not particularly flashy.
  • Base Engine: While adequate, some may find the engine a bit lacking when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium is a solid choice for families looking for a reliable, safe, and spacious SUV. With its standard all-wheel drive, comfortable interior, and comprehensive safety features, it's a practical and well-rounded vehicle. While it may not be the flashiest SUV on the market, it offers a lot of value for the money. If you're in the market for a three-row SUV, the Ascent Premium is definitely worth considering. Just weigh the pros and cons to see if it aligns with your needs and preferences. Happy driving, guys! And remember, always buckle up and drive safe!