Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium. If you're in the market for a reliable, family-friendly SUV, the Ascent might just be your perfect match. We'll cover everything from its performance and interior features to its safety ratings and overall value. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Overview of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium

The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium stands out as a compelling option in the crowded three-row SUV segment. It's designed for families needing space, safety, and Subaru's renowned all-wheel-drive capability. The Ascent provides a comfortable ride, a host of standard features, and a reputation for reliability, making it a smart choice for many buyers. But what exactly makes the Premium trim so appealing? Let's delve into the details.

What Makes the Premium Trim Special?

The Premium trim level of the 2022 Subaru Ascent hits a sweet spot by offering a balance of features and affordability. It builds upon the base model with several enhancements that add convenience and comfort. For example, it typically includes upgrades like stain-resistant cloth upholstery, which is a godsend for families with kids. It also often features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (up from the base model's 6.5-inch screen), offering a more user-friendly experience. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is another significant addition, boosting safety and driver confidence. The inclusion of these features, without jumping to the higher-priced Limited or Touring trims, makes the Premium a popular choice. The Premium trim really stands out by offering a blend of practicality and comfort. It's not just about the added features; it's about how those features make your daily driving experience better. The stain-resistant cloth upholstery means you won't be constantly worrying about spills and stains. The larger touchscreen makes navigating and controlling your media much easier and more intuitive. And the blind-spot monitoring system gives you an extra set of eyes on the road, which is especially helpful when maneuvering in traffic. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is often equipped with additional USB ports, which can be a lifesaver on long road trips when everyone needs to keep their devices charged. Also, many Premium models come with a power-adjustable driver's seat, adding to the overall comfort for the driver. Think about it: all these little conveniences add up to a more enjoyable and less stressful driving experience.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium doesn't disappoint. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a robust 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to optimize fuel efficiency while providing smooth acceleration. The Ascent's standard symmetrical all-wheel drive ensures confident traction in various weather conditions. The turbocharged engine provides ample power for daily driving and highway cruising. It's responsive and doesn't feel underpowered, even when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The CVT is well-tuned to the engine, offering smooth and seamless gear changes. While some drivers might miss the feel of a traditional automatic transmission, the CVT in the Ascent does an excellent job of maximizing fuel efficiency and providing a comfortable ride. One of the standout features of the Ascent is its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. This system continuously monitors traction and distributes power to the wheels that need it most, providing enhanced stability and control in slippery conditions. Whether you're driving in rain, snow, or on gravel roads, the Ascent's all-wheel-drive system gives you the confidence to tackle various terrains. The Ascent also offers decent handling for a three-row SUV. The steering is precise and responsive, and the suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections. While it's not a sporty vehicle by any means, the Ascent feels stable and planted on the road. The Ascent's towing capacity is also worth mentioning. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a capable choice for families who need to tow a trailer or boat. The Ascent's combination of power, all-wheel drive, and towing capacity makes it a versatile SUV that can handle a variety of tasks. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a well-rounded driving experience that's both comfortable and capable. It's a great choice for families who need a reliable and versatile SUV that can handle daily commutes, road trips, and various weather conditions.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium, you'll find a spacious and well-appointed interior designed with families in mind. The Premium trim offers a host of features that enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity. Let's take a closer look at what you can expect inside.

Comfort and Convenience

The Premium trim typically comes with stain-resistant cloth upholstery, which is a huge plus for families with kids or pets. This upholstery is designed to withstand spills and stains, making it easier to keep the interior clean and fresh. The driver's seat is often power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. Heated front seats are also commonly included, providing added comfort during cold weather. The second-row seats are typically configured as a 60/40 split-folding bench, providing ample space for passengers and cargo. Some Premium models may also offer available captain's chairs in the second row, which provide more individual comfort and easier access to the third row. The third-row seats are surprisingly spacious for a mid-size SUV, making them suitable for adults on shorter trips. The Ascent also offers plenty of cargo space, with up to 75.6 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down. This is enough space to haul luggage, groceries, or sporting equipment. Tri-zone automatic climate control is another standard feature, allowing you to set different temperatures for the front and rear of the vehicle. This ensures that everyone stays comfortable, regardless of where they're sitting. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium also includes a variety of storage compartments and cupholders throughout the cabin, providing plenty of space to store drinks, snacks, and other small items. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, making it easy to keep organized and comfortable on long trips.

Technology and Connectivity

The Premium trim is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is a significant upgrade over the base model's 6.5-inch screen. This system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle. You can use these features to access your favorite apps, make calls, send texts, and stream music. The infotainment system is generally easy to use, with a clear and responsive touchscreen. It also includes physical buttons and knobs for controlling the volume and tuning the radio, which can be helpful when you don't want to take your eyes off the road. The Ascent also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to connect your devices to the internet on the go. This is a great feature for families who want to stay connected on road trips. The Ascent also comes standard with several USB ports, allowing you to charge your devices while you're driving. Some Premium models may also include a wireless charging pad, which is a convenient way to charge your smartphone without having to plug it in. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a good balance of technology and convenience features, making it a great choice for families who want to stay connected and entertained on the road.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is packed with features designed to protect you and your passengers. The Ascent has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it a safe and reliable choice for families. The Ascent comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes a suite of advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features use cameras and sensors to monitor the road around you and can help to prevent accidents. Automatic emergency braking can detect pedestrians and other vehicles in your path and can automatically apply the brakes if you don't react in time. Lane departure warning can alert you if you start to drift out of your lane, and lane keeping assist can help to steer you back into your lane. Adaptive cruise control can maintain a set distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, automatically adjusting your speed as needed. The Premium trim also includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which can alert you if there are vehicles in your blind spots or approaching from the side when you're backing up. This is a valuable feature that can help to prevent accidents when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces. The Ascent also comes standard with a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind you when you're backing up. This can help you to avoid hitting obstacles or pedestrians. In addition to these advanced safety features, the Ascent also includes a number of standard safety features such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full complement of airbags. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is designed with safety in mind, providing you with peace of mind knowing that you and your passengers are well-protected.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many buyers, and the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers respectable fuel efficiency for a three-row SUV. The Ascent is EPA-rated at 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 23 mpg. These numbers are competitive with other SUVs in its class. Of course, your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. If you do a lot of city driving or heavy towing, you can expect to see lower fuel economy numbers. However, if you do mostly highway driving, you may be able to achieve better fuel economy than the EPA estimates. The Ascent's continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps to optimize fuel efficiency by keeping the engine in its most efficient range. The CVT also provides smooth and seamless gear changes, which can further improve fuel economy. The Ascent also includes a number of features that can help you to save fuel, such as an eco mode that optimizes engine performance for maximum fuel efficiency. The eco mode can reduce acceleration and throttle response, but it can also help you to save gas. Regular maintenance can also help to improve your fuel economy. Make sure to keep your tires properly inflated, and get your oil changed regularly. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers reasonable fuel economy for a three-row SUV. While it's not the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, it's still a good choice for families who need space and versatility.

Pricing and Value

Pricing and value are key factors to consider when purchasing a new vehicle, and the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a compelling combination of features and affordability. The Ascent Premium typically starts at around $35,000, which is competitive with other three-row SUVs in its class. The Premium trim offers a good balance of features and value, making it a popular choice for many buyers. The Ascent comes standard with a long list of features, including all-wheel drive, Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and stain-resistant cloth upholstery. These features add value and make the Ascent a well-equipped SUV for the price. The Ascent also has a strong reputation for reliability, which can save you money on maintenance and repairs in the long run. Subaru is known for building durable and dependable vehicles, and the Ascent is no exception. The Ascent also has good resale value, which means that you can expect to get a decent amount of money for it when you trade it in or sell it. This can help to offset the initial cost of the vehicle. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium offers a good value for the money. It's a well-equipped, reliable, and safe SUV that's perfect for families. While it may not be the cheapest SUV in its class, it offers a compelling combination of features and value that makes it a smart choice for many buyers.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium? Overall, it's a fantastic choice for families needing a spacious, safe, and reliable SUV. With its standard all-wheel drive, ample safety features, and comfortable interior, it’s well-equipped to handle daily commutes and long road trips alike. While it may not be the flashiest SUV on the market, its practicality and value make it a smart buy. If you're in the market for a three-row SUV, be sure to give the Ascent Premium a serious look! You won't regret it!