- The 2022 Subaru Ascent gets some light updates for this year, including the addition of the Onyx Edition
- Subaru Ascent is one of the more rugged options in 3-row midsize SUVs
- The Ascent gets standard all-wheel drive, plenty of ground clearance, and a strong suite of safety equipment
- Premium trim gets keyless entry/ignition and foglights, and Sport gets blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Pricing starts at $32,295 | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Subaru Ascent models for sale near you
The Subaru Ascent doesn’t get many upgrades for 2022, but it continues to offer seating for seven or eight passengers in a family-friendly package. It comes with a roomy interior with plenty of space for passengers and cargo with standard all-wheel drive. It also offers a strong suite of safety tech that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, steering-responsive LED headlights with automatic high beams, and much more.
The standard engine in every Ascent is a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4 linked to a CVT automatic transmission.
The 2022 Ascent is essentially the same as the 2021 model with the addition of one new trim: The Onyx Edition that comes with a unique interior and exterior.
Passenger Room and Comfort
The 7- or 8-passenger 2022 Subaru Ascent is roomy and comfortable in the first two rows, but the third row is admittedly tight and best reserved for smaller kids.
The base trim is only available in an 8-seat configuration with a second-row bench. Second-row captain’s chair in the Premium trim is a no-cost option, but only if you add the $1,460 Convenience Package, which adds a power liftgate, pushbutton start, an auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink garage remote, and automatic reverse braking.
The new Onyx Edition can only be had with seven seats, and it has a $2,200 option package that adds a panoramic moonroof, navigation, and a cargo cover. It also boasts black exterior trim, unique 20-inch wheels, StarTex water-repellent seats, reverse automatic braking, power liftgate, heated steering wheel, and pushbutton start.
The same option package is available for the Limited trim at the same price, and the Limited offers seven seats or eight with no price difference.
Features and Tech
The standard Starlink infotainment system in the Ascent is a 6.5-inch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The standard safety suite is the EyeSight system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist with lane centering, and automatic emergency braking. The package also includes automatic high beams, steering-responsive LED headlights, and a rear-seat reminder.
Upgrading to the mid-range Premium trim adds some excellent features, including more safety tech like blind-spot monitoring and lane-change assist, power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, second-row independent climate control, and heated front seats. The biggest reason to upgrade to the Premium model is the 8-inch Starlink infotainment system with Wi-Fi capability.
The Limited trim starts to put the Ascent into luxury territory. It adds leather seats, 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar, 4-way power front passenger seat, second-row sunshades, more USB ports, and heated second-row seats. You also get LED foglamps, chrome exterior trim, and 20-inch wheels. Also available on the Limited trim is a Technology Package for $2,950. This option adds navigation, Harman Kardon audio, panoramic moonroof, and cargo cover.
Finally, the top Touring model is fully loaded with navigation, Harman Kardon 14-speaker premium audio, and apanoramic moonroof. Also included are rain-sensing wipers, camera mirror, front-view camera, and Java Brown or Slate Black perforated leather seats.
Materials and Design
Materials and design have not changed much for the 2022 model year. The Premium range adds leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the Onyx Edition features StarTex water-repellent seats and heated steering wheel. Touring comes in either Java Brown or Slate Black perforated leather seats.
The Subaru Ascent looks like a Subaru. It kind of looks like the Outback, but in the form of a more conventional midsize 3-row crossover, and we think that’s a good thing. It sits pretty up high with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. That translates to good off-road capabilities without being so tall that it’s hard to climb in and out of.
The new Onyx Edition changes the look quite a bit while sticking to the same basic design. It adds unique black exterior trim and special 20-inch wheels distinct to the Onyx model. The upper Limited and Touring trims also have 20-inch wheels and add extra chrome, giving it a more premium look.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
Behind the rear seats of the Ascent, you get 17.6 cubic feet of luggage space. Fold those seats down to reveal a maximum cargo area of 86.5 cubic feet. Passenger volume is a commodious 153.5 cubic feet.
You also can get up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity plus a variety of roof and hitch attachments to carry everything from bikes to cargo boxes. Also, Ascent offers plenty of pet-friendly accessories including foldable crates, seat covers, and food bowls.
More 2022 Subaru Ascent
Build and price your own 2022 Subaru Ascent to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or see Ascent models for sale near you.
