Subaru Ascent 2022 Review

The Subaru Ascent made its debut just a few years back to take its spot as the biggest SUV in Subaru's lineup. It's a three-row SUV with seating for up to eight people. Like the smaller Forester, it's notable for its respectable list of standard and optional driver aids, a slick infotainment system, and an interior that feels a bit more premium than those in some rivals. And, as with nearly all Subarus, all-wheel drive is standard.

It's not all perfect. The Ascent can feel a little smaller inside than rivals including the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. It's also not quite as smooth-driving. But on the whole the 2022 Subaru Forester is worth checking out, especially if your priorities include all-wheel drive and off-road capability. Check out our Expert Rating below to learn more about the Ascent's biggest hits and misses.

Which Ascent does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Subaru Ascent is available in base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited and Touring trim levels. All use a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft of torque) paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup. Feature highlights include:

Base Starts you off with:

• 18-inch wheels
• LED headlights
• Seating for eight
• Three-zone climate control
• 6.5-inch infotainment screen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
• Six-speaker sound system
• 2,000-pound towing capacity
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Subaru and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)

Premium Adds some appealing upgrades, including:

• 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity
• Optional seven-passenger seating configuration
• Upgraded interior materials
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

Standard on the on the Premium's seven-passenger configuration and optional for the eight-passenger are:

• Power rear liftgate
• Proximity keyless entry and push-button start
• Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

Onyx Edition Based on the seven-passenger Premium trim, it adds:

• 20-inch black finish alloy wheels
• LED foglights
• Black grille and exterior trim
• Simulated leather upholstery

Limited Compared to the seven-passenger Premium, the Limited gains:

• 20-inch dark gray alloy wheels
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated second-row seats
• Perforated leather upholstery
• Folding mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Driver's seat memory settings
• Power-adjustable front-passenger seat

Touring Comes with everything in the Limited and adds:

• Ambient interior lighting
• 120-volt power outlet
• Ventilated front seats
• 180-degree forward parking camera
• 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Navigation system
• Panoramic sunroof