2022 Subaru Ascent

Single powertrain across the 2022 Ascent lineup — 260 hp is the figure for every trim, not a volume-trim pick among options.

Flat torque curve typical of the turbocharged Boxer engine, same across all 2022 trims.

No manufacturer-quoted 0-60 figure exists; independent instrumented tests of this unchanged 2.4T/CVT powertrain across the 2019-2022 generation cluster around 7.0 seconds, varying with trim curb weight.

The twin-scroll turbo four delivers strong low-end torque with minimal lag, but reviewers consistently note coarse, strained engine noise under hard acceleration — refined at cruise, less so when pushed.

Lineartronic CVT with simulated 8-speed manual mode behaves predictably in normal driving but exhibits classic CVT drone and a rubber-band feel under hard acceleration; the simulated steps help but don't fully mask it.

Maximum rating when properly equipped, per manufacturer.

Symmetrical AWD is standard on every 2022 Ascent trim (no FWD option) with an electronically controlled variable transfer clutch and X-MODE (dual-function on Onyx Edition/Limited/Touring) for low-traction terrain — sophisticated for the segment even without a low-range transfer case.

8.7 in. ground clearance with 17.6° approach / 21.8° departure angles and X-MODE terrain response give genuine light-duty capability, but there's no skid-plate package, locking differential, or dedicated off-road trim in the 2022 lineup (the Wilderness variant didn't arrive until later).

Every 2022 Ascent trim (Base through Touring) uses the identical 2.4L turbocharged flat-4/CVT combination — no engine choice, no hybrid or electrified option, take-it-or-leave-it.

Volume trim (Premium, 18-in. wheels) figure; larger 20-in. wheel trims post 1 MPG less across the board.

Volume trim figure.

Volume trim figure.

EPA-derived total range figure for the volume trim (19.3-gal tank × 23 MPG combined).

EPA standard-assumption figure for the volume trim.

Runs on regular 87-octane unleaded across every 2022 trim; no premium recommendation or requirement despite the turbocharged engine.

NHTSA's full 2022 Ascent test carries a 5-star overall rating, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash and 4 stars for rollover resistance (typical for a tall mid-size SUV).

The 2022 Ascent earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+, its fifth consecutive TSP/TSP+ award, with Good ratings in all six original crashworthiness tests (small overlap front driver and passenger, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraints/seats) plus Good headlights and Superior front crash prevention. IIHS's newer, stricter 2022+ moderate-overlap protocol later rated it only Acceptable, but that updated test was not part of the criteria the 2022 model was awarded against.

EyeSight (AEB with pre-collision throttle management, full-range adaptive cruise, lane keep assist) is standard on every 2022 Ascent trim including base, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard only from Premium up, leaving the base trim without them.

IIHS rated the standard EyeSight front crash prevention Superior for vehicle-to-vehicle (avoided collisions at both 12 and 25 mph) and Superior for daytime pedestrian detection, with an Advanced rating for nighttime pedestrian detection where performance varied by beam setting.

Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on Premium, Limited, Onyx Edition and Touring (four of five trims) but absent on the base Ascent; coverage is alert-based rather than an actively-intervening system.

EyeSight's lane centering functions on the highway but owner reports describe occasional ping-ponging between lane lines and abrupt re-centering after a driver releases the wheel, consistent with a functional but not best-in-class system.

Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering covers the full speed range including stop-and-go, and is generally well-regarded, though some owners note rough edges such as late braking response or abrupt resume behavior in stop-and-go traffic.

The 2022 Ascent's EyeSight suite is hands-on only; Subaru offered no supervised hands-free highway driving system (no BlueCruise/Super Cruise/FSD equivalent) on this model year.

All 2022 Ascent trims use LED projector headlights with curve-adaptive lighting and high-beam assist, and IIHS rated them Good overall, with good visibility in all high-beam tests and only fair low-beam visibility on the left side.

Reviewers consistently cite the Ascent's large windows and thin roof pillars as giving excellent forward and side sightlines; top trims add a camera-based rearview mirror, with the main critique being that the rear pillars could still be slimmer for over-the-shoulder visibility.

IIHS rated the 2022 Ascent's LATCH ease of use Good, and the three-row layout offers extra lower-anchor positions, but the added second- and third-row anchor positions sit awkwardly atop seat-belt buckles and are largely unusable, so fitting multiple seats still takes some extra care.

The 2022 Ascent's volume trim (Premium) seats 8 with the standard second-row bench; captain's chairs drop capacity to 7 on Limited/Touring and as an option on Premium.

Front headroom is unchanged across all 2022 Ascent trims at 41.3 inches, near the top of the mid-size SUV band.

Front legroom of 42.2 inches sits mid-pack for the mid-size SUV segment, roomy but not class-leading.

Second-row headroom of 40.0 inches sits at the top of the mid-size SUV band, aided by the Ascent's tall, boxy greenhouse.

Second-row legroom of 38.6 inches is generous for the segment, one of the Ascent's consistently praised strengths.

Third-row headroom (36.3 in) and legroom (31.7 in) are usable for kids and short adult trips, but adults are cramped on longer drives — typical for the mid-size three-row class rather than a standout.

With the third row folded, cargo space behind the second row is 47.5 cubic feet, below the top of the mid-size SUV band despite the Ascent's size.

Maximum cargo volume with both rear rows folded is 86.5 cubic feet, above segment average and one of the class's larger figures.

The Ascent was marketed around a class-competitive oversized center console bin, deep door pockets, and 19 cupholders, plus rear USB/12V power, but it lacks a standout signature storage innovation.

Reviewers describe front seats as comfortable for daily and highway use with adequate cushioning and support, without singling them out as class-leading; cloth is standard on lower trims, leather on Limited/Touring.

Reviewers consistently praise the Ascent's ride as absorbent and calm over broken pavement, including on the optional 20-inch wheels, a genuine strength for the segment.

Wind and road noise are average for the class, but the turbocharged 2.4L four paired with the CVT becomes noticeably vocal under hard acceleration, which reviewers note as a refinement shortfall.

Heated front seats and heated steering wheel are standard from Limited up, with heated second-row seats standard on Limited/Touring, but no ventilated seats or rear climate touchscreen were offered on any 2022 trim.

Subaru's own 2022 pricing announcement lists Base 8-Passenger at $32,795 plus a $1,125 destination charge.

Premium is the Ascent's best-selling trim, adding roof rails, dual-zone climate and upgraded infotainment over Base for a modest premium.

Edmunds' True Cost to Own tool projects above-segment-average combined maintenance and repair spend for the Ascent, consistent with its weak Consumer Reports reliability standing.

Third-party depreciation trackers put the Ascent's 5-year retention around 48-52%, roughly on par with or slightly better than the midsize SUV segment average, but a 2022 unit's observed 31% loss after ~3-4 years on the road tracks toward the low end of that range.

Subaru's basic new-vehicle warranty sits at the industry-standard floor for the segment.

Powertrain coverage matches mainstream Japanese-brand norms but trails Hyundai/Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage in the same segment.

Subaru does not bundle complimentary scheduled maintenance with the Ascent (unlike Toyota's ToyotaCare or Hyundai/Kia included plans); owners get roadside assistance for the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty term and a limited trial of MySubaru Safety Plus connected services, but must buy into the optional Added Security plan for anything beyond that.

$36,420 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (50% retained, or about $18,210) leaves about $18,210 in depreciation. Add the projected $11,187 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $29,397 in total.

Consumer Reports gave the 2022 Ascent its lowest possible predicted reliability rating (1/5, an 18/100 reliability score), flagging the transmission, power equipment, brakes, in-car electronics, and climate system as trouble spots and placing it on CR's least-reliable-new-cars list.

Subaru scored below the industry average in J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study for six consecutive years through 2022 (seven by 2023), with the Ascent, Forester, Outback and Crosstrek all cited as below-average performers and no Subaru model winning a segment award — a below-average multi-year standing, though not the very bottom of the industry.

NHTSA campaign 22V-907 recalled roughly 271,694 2019–2022 Ascents for an improperly fastened PTC cabin-heater ground bolt that can melt surrounding components and create a fire risk — a safety-system/fire recall, the category's worst class — on top of separate CVT-related technical service bulletins for harsh engagement and hesitation.

The FA24 2.4L turbo boxer itself has no major red flags and an estimated 160,000-mile service life, but the Lineartronic CVT (TR730) it's paired with in the Ascent is widely reported for hesitation from a stop, harsh Park-to-Drive engagement, low-speed surging, and, in a minority of cases, valve-body failure with repairs running $1,500-$8,500 — a mixed record that keeps this out of the proven/high-mileage tier.

Reviews split on the cabin: some owners and outlets praise solid switchgear and no cheap-feeling knobs, while others call the mix of hard plastic and padded surfaces plasticky in places — a practical, family-oriented cabin that's competitive for a mainstream three-row but not a standout for materials.

No systemic panel-gap, rattle, or misassembly pattern surfaces in owner reviews or reliability trackers for the 2022 model year — assembly quality reads as generally solid with scattered complaints, consistent with a mainstream-segment three-row rather than a class leader.

Subaru distributes through roughly 640 US retailers and Subaru of America has ranked #1 among mass-market brands in J.D. Power's Customer Service Index and #2 in the Sales Satisfaction Index in the most recent studies — a dense, well-regarded service network.

Subaru's average annual repair bill (~$617, per RepairPal) runs close to but above the industry average, and while routine parts are readily available through the large dealer network, CVT-related repairs (valve body, transmission replacement) can run into the thousands — normal-to-slightly-elevated cost and availability rather than notably cheap or notably expensive.

The volume Premium trim carries an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen; the base Ascent gets a smaller 6.5-inch unit. Both are small relative to the segment's newer 10-12 inch displays.

The 2022 Starlink Multimedia system on the Ascent was frequently criticized by owners and reviewers for laggy touch response and occasional Bluetooth/connectivity glitches, though basic layout is logical.

The 2022 Ascent's Starlink system requires a wired USB connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim; wireless projection was not introduced until the later-generation 11.6-inch-screen Ascent update.

Built-in navigation is available on Limited/Touring but reviewers and owners generally describe Starlink's native voice commands and maps as functional at best, with most drivers defaulting to phone-projected navigation instead.

A Harman Kardon premium audio system is available on the Touring trim, while lower and mid trims get an adequate but unremarkable standard system.

The 2022 Ascent uses traditional analog gauges with a small multi-function display between them (monochrome on base, color LCD on Premium and up) rather than a configurable full-digital cluster.

Subaru's Starlink platform in this era offered little in the way of meaningful over-the-air software updates beyond map data on navigation-equipped trims; there was no whole-vehicle OTA feature-update capability.

The MySubaru Starlink app supports remote start with climate preconditioning, lock/unlock, and vehicle locate on Premium and above, but requires an ongoing Starlink subscription after an initial trial and is described by owners as functional rather than polished.

The 2022 Ascent offers USB-A data/charge ports across the first two rows plus 12V outlets, but predates Subaru's USB-C rollout, and a wireless charging pad was only a dealer-installed accessory rather than a factory console feature.

Proximity keyless entry with push-button start is standard from Premium up, and app/fob-based remote start with climate preconditioning is available on Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited and Touring — broad coverage across the volume trims.

A rearview camera is standard across the range, and front/side visibility monitors are available on upper trims, but no full 360-degree surround-view system was offered on the 2022 Ascent.

The 2022 Ascent does not offer a true windshield head-up display; it only has small EyeSight status indicator lights reflected near the base of the windshield, not a configurable information HUD.

Wide-opening doors, a low load floor, and IIHS-rated Good LATCH ease of use make loading kids and gear straightforward, though the extra second/third-row lower anchors sit awkwardly atop seatbelt buckles.

EyeSight driver-assist (AEB, adaptive cruise, lane-keep/centering) is standard on every trim including base, and the 2022 Ascent earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with a 5-star NHTSA overall rating, giving families strong safety credentials even on the entry configuration.

Second-row legroom (38.6 in) and available rear climate vents, heated 2nd-row seats, and rear USB ports make multi-hour trips comfortable for four, though third-row amenities and cargo-with-seats-up space are more modest.

Light steering effort, a high seating position with good outward visibility, and a comfortable ride make the Ascent relaxed in daily traffic, even if its size takes some getting used to.

EPA ratings of roughly 21 city/27 highway/22-23 combined mpg on regular fuel are below the mid-size SUV average, since all 2022 Ascents run the turbocharged engine with standard AWD.

At 196.8 in long and 76.0 in wide, the Ascent is a large footprint to place, partially offset by a competitive 38-foot turning circle and a standard rearview camera; front/side monitors help on upper trims.

5,000 lbs of towing capacity is at the top of the mainstream mid-size crossover class and standard across trims, plus a large 86.5 cu ft max cargo hold, though there is no bed and no factory tow-package payload boost beyond the standard rating.

Consumer Reports flagged Ascent transmission (CVT) reliability as a persistent weak point through the 2019-2022 model years, with owner reports of CVT shudder and costly torque-converter repairs — a real concern for sustained work-duty use.

Roof rails and crossbars are available for light equipment hauling, but the Ascent has no factory onboard power outlet, no bed, and no meaningful upfit ecosystem for jobsite use — it's a family SUV pressed into light-duty service at best.

An absorbent highway ride, full-speed-range adaptive cruise with lane centering, and a roughly 400+ mile highway range on the 19.3-gallon tank make the Ascent a competent long-distance cruiser, tempered by some turbo/CVT noise under load.

Standard AWD with X-Mode (dual-function on Onyx Edition/Limited/Touring), 8.7 in of ground clearance, and standard roof rails give the Ascent genuine light off-pavement and gear-hauling credibility uncommon in the mainstream 3-row class.

60/40-split second- and third-row seats fold to a largely flat load floor yielding 86.5 cu ft of max cargo space, and roof rails plus a standard tow hitch receiver (5,000 lb) add flexibility for bulky gear or trailers.

Reviewers describe the Ascent's handling as grippy, stable, and predictable with little body lean on sweeping ramps, but it is tuned for comfort over engagement and is consistently rated behind sportier three-row rivals like the Mazda CX-9.

Steering effort is light and easy to manage in parking lots and traffic, but reviewers consistently note a lack of genuine feedback, making it numb rather than communicative.

No major brake complaints surfaced in period reviews or owner forums; pedal feel and stopping performance are described as adequate and consistent for a family SUV of this size and weight, without standout praise.

The turbocharged 2.4L four with Lineartronic CVT is smooth and adequately responsive around town, with mild turbo lag off the line, but throttle response and shift-simulation programming are unremarkable rather than polished.

The turbo-4/CVT pairing becomes audibly coarse and drones under hard acceleration or passing maneuvers, a common CVT-in-a-heavy-SUV trait, though it settles to inoffensive levels at a steady cruise.

A 38.0-foot turning circle is mid-pack for a mid-size three-row SUV of the Ascent's length, respectable given its size but not class-leading.

A commanding, SUV-typical seating position combined with large windows and thin pillars gives excellent outward sightlines, and controls are logically laid out, though rear-pillar thickness slightly hampers over-the-shoulder visibility.

The Ascent is engineered as a comfortable, appliance-like family hauler rather than an engaging drive; reviewers rarely recommend it to enthusiasts, prioritizing comfort and stability over driver enjoyment.

Every 2022 Ascent trim comes standard with all-wheel drive, the turbocharged 2.4L engine, 8-passenger seating and Subaru EyeSight driver-assist suite, items rivals like the Highlander and Pilot charge extra for or reserve for upper trims.

Standard AWD, three rows and a strong tow rating for the class undercut similarly-equipped Highlander and Pilot AWD trims on price, though the Ascent's high projected maintenance/repair spend eats into that advantage over time.

Five trims (Base, Premium, new-for-2022 Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring) span working-family to loaded, but every trim shares the same engine/AWD combo with no drivetrain or seating-config choice beyond 7- vs 8-passenger on some trims.

The Ascent posted 63,704 US sales for 2022, a steady but distant trailer to segment leaders Highlander (~230k), Explorer (~190k) and Traverse; it's a consistent mid/lower-pack seller rather than a rising or leading nameplate.

Subaru carries a loyal, outdoorsy-lifestyle brand image with above-average owner loyalty, though the Ascent specifically drags on that halo given its weak Consumer Reports reliability standing for the nameplate.

2022 fell during the industry-wide inventory shortage, when Subaru (like most brands) had thin stock and buyers commonly paid at or near MSRP with few incentives on offer.

2022 is the fourth model year of the second-generation Ascent (started 2019) — current and freshened with the new Onyx Edition trim, but mid-cycle rather than newly redesigned, with the next refresh still a year out.

Reviewers consistently praise the Ascent's standard AWD, safety suite and interior practicality, but it is rarely the outright pick over the Telluride, Highlander or Pilot in three-row comparison tests, and its reliability weighs against award consideration.