2022 Subaru Ascent

Pros: Ample cargo and passenger room; easy-to-use infotainment controls; comprehensive list of available safety and convenience features

Cons: Nonlinear power delivery; some desirable features restricted to top trim levels

CG Says: The 2022 Subaru Ascent adds a new Onyx Edition characterized by black trim elements on the interior and exterior trim and black 20-inch wheels. It’s based on the Premium trim level and also adds LED head and fog lights, heated steering wheel and power liftgate. The Sport package for the Premium trim level has been discontinued. The three-row midsize crossover SUV Ascent is the largest passenger vehicle Subaru has ever sold and seats eight passengers when equipped with a second-row bench seat, or seven with the available second-row captain’s chairs. The sole powertrain is a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter “flat” four mated to a CVT automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. Standard safety features include Subaru’s EyeSight suite of high-tech safety features (which includes forward collision warning and mitigation, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control). All Ascents have lane centering, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and steering-linked headlights. Also standard is a handy Lead Vehicle Alert feature that sounds a warning tone when the car ahead of you at a stoplight begins to move (so that you’re not left sitting there if your attention has been diverted). Standard on the top-line Touring model is a rearview mirror that displays a camera image that isn’t blocked by rear-seat passengers or cargo, and a Front View Monitor that displays a 180-degree view in front of the vehicle. Subaru’s family-friendly SUV has generous passenger and cargo room, along with a decent ride/handling balance for a vehicle its size. The Ascent is packed with comfort and high-tech safety features that make it a compelling entry in the three-row SUV field.