2022 Subaru Ascent Review
Price Estimate: $22,590 - $36,990





+185
Average
7.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2022 Ascent stands out with its standard all-wheel drive, useful technology features and solid build quality. A roomier third-row seat and a smoother-shifting transmission would make it better, but overall this is an appealing family hauler.
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2022 Subaru Ascent Review
Pros
- Substantial list of standard and optional driving aids
- High-quality interior materials
- Generous ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive
- Easy-to-use infotainment system
Cons
- Accelerator pedal is too touchy
- Invasive engine and tire noise
- Not much second-row shoulder room, and third row is tight
- Rolling over bumps at higher speeds sends vibrations through the cabin
What's new
- Premium trim's Sport package is no longer available
- New Onyx Edition features blacked-out exterior trim
- Part of the first Ascent generation introduced for 2019
Overview

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.
For sale nearby
752 listings
- $21,032great price$2,987 below market
- 84,486 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 8 Seats, 21 City / 27 Hwy MPG
- Stew Hansen Hyundai (359 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Third-row seating
- Upgraded Headlights
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Located in Des Moines, IA
Certified. Clean CARFAX. CARFAX One-Owner. Crystal Black Silica 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium Lineartronic CVT AWD 2.4L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16VHeated Seats, ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (21 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4S4WMABD9N3436111
Stock: 78822P
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-08-2025 - $32,199fair price$1,071 below market
- 28,410 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 7 Seats, 20 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Walser Subaru St Paul (231 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
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Located in South St Paul, MN
At Walser, you’ll get an exceptional car-buying experience. Our *streamlined process* means you’ll work with one dedicated customer specialist to help...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4S4WMAPD6N3463419
Stock: 25S1072L
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-05-2025
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 Ascent 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.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.6
out of 10
We drove the 2022 Subaru Ascent on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7.5/10
How does the Ascent drive? The Ascent's turbocharged engine packs a strong punch, making it one of the quicker vehicles in the segment when you mash the gas. For typical driving, however, you'll need a fine touch to make the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) work smoothly. Even moderate throttle inputs result in surging acceleration, which can make passengers uncomfortable.
The Ascent has standard all-wheel drive and includes software-controlled traction and hill descent control. Combine those features with its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and you've got an effective combination for taking on snow and dirt. The Subaru really is a four-season SUV.
The Ascent has standard all-wheel drive and includes software-controlled traction and hill descent control. Combine those features with its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and you've got an effective combination for taking on snow and dirt. The Subaru really is a four-season SUV.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Ascent? The Ascent's interior seating is comfortable and inviting for the most part. Third-row passengers might long for softer seats over longer distances. The climate control works well to keep the cabin environment pleasant, and rear passengers will appreciate the ceiling-mounted vents that provide good coverage.
On the downside, driving over cracks and seams in the pavement sends a lot of tire noise and vibration into the cabin. There's also the issue of engine noise, which can grow from a muted hum to a loud groan as the rpm climb to redline. The Ascent doesn't feel floaty, but overall ride comfort falls below the class leaders.
On the downside, driving over cracks and seams in the pavement sends a lot of tire noise and vibration into the cabin. There's also the issue of engine noise, which can grow from a muted hum to a loud groan as the rpm climb to redline. The Ascent doesn't feel floaty, but overall ride comfort falls below the class leaders.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? Get the seven-seater for full-size adults or the eight-seater for cargo and/or kids. The Ascent is an approachable and easy-to-use crossover, and it fits drivers both big and small. Everything is clearly labeled, though there are a few acronyms that may require you to crack open the instruction manual.
The large windows and door-mounted side mirrors allow excellent side visibility. A high-def rear camera helps supplement an already large rear window. The one downside is the way the hood slopes down, which makes it hard to place the front edges of the bumper.
The large windows and door-mounted side mirrors allow excellent side visibility. A high-def rear camera helps supplement an already large rear window. The one downside is the way the hood slopes down, which makes it hard to place the front edges of the bumper.
Technology
8/10
How’s the tech? Subaru's Starlink system is in full force here. It features a crisp and responsive touchscreen and multiple ways to integrate your smartphone, and it is easy to use with minimal setup. A smattering of USB ports help keep your passengers' devices charged.
Our test car was equipped with a responsive and easy-to-use touchscreen navigation system. Otherwise, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard and can handle nav needs for those without it. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver aids is comprehensive and standard on all trim levels. Adaptive cruise control works all the way to a full stop.
Our test car was equipped with a responsive and easy-to-use touchscreen navigation system. Otherwise, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard and can handle nav needs for those without it. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver aids is comprehensive and standard on all trim levels. Adaptive cruise control works all the way to a full stop.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The Ascent has an average amount of space for cargo, with up to 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and a max 86 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The third-row seats have to be folded from the back, and the second row must be folded from the rear passenger doors. The resulting load floor isn't perfectly flat but should be sufficient in most cases. There are a lot of places for small items up front, but few are generous in size.
Most Ascent models provide 5,000 pounds of maximum towing weight. Standard Trailer Stability Assist helps minimize excess trailer sway. Towing requires the addition of an optional trailer hitch assembly that includes a wiring harness, which can be covered by a panel when not in use.
Most Ascent models provide 5,000 pounds of maximum towing weight. Standard Trailer Stability Assist helps minimize excess trailer sway. Towing requires the addition of an optional trailer hitch assembly that includes a wiring harness, which can be covered by a panel when not in use.
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? We achieved 23.6 mpg on our 115-mile test loop, which slightly better than the Ascent's 22 mpg combined estimate (20 city/ 26 highway). Our best overall tank was 25.2 mpg after logging nearly 200 miles of highway driving, while our test average came out to 21.7 mpg. That's not bad, and neither is the engine's requirement for 87 octane — no premium required.
Value
8/10
Is the Ascent a good value? The cabin's interior design looks a bit busy, but its build quality is on par for the segment and price-competitive. Also on par are the warranty and roadside assistance offerings. As for value, you get standard all-wheel drive, which impresses buyers who regularly deal with inclement weather.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The Ascent is comfortable, fun and capable when the going gets dirty. It's also smartly designed to carry four adults with all of their gear. Opting for the second-row bench seat makes for easy child-seat duty. Think of it as the golden retriever of three-row crossovers.
2022 Subaru Ascent trim level differences
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:
Which Ascent trim does Edmunds recommend?
Most Ascent shoppers will be well served by the Premium trim level, which is just one notch up from the base Ascent. The Premium balances affordability with feature availability. It comes standard with the larger 8-inch touchscreen and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and it offers options such as navigation and a panoramic sunroof. If you like the look of the blacked-out trim, the Onyx Edition is not much more and is worth looking into.
Compare 2022 Subaru Ascent trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$168/mo for Ascent Base
Ascent Base
vs
$232/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Reliability
The 2022 Subaru Ascent has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 22V907000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- WRL-22
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 271694
- Defect Description:
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
- Defect Consequence:
- A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Subaru Ascent Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great in snow and at high speeds
5 out of 5 starsWickedPete, 07/10/2022
2022 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
We have had our Ascent for 13 months and have driven over 15k miles of mountain, city and highway miles on it. It has been flawless with everything we have asked it to do. Living at 8,500 feet in the Colorado Rockies, it has handled winter snow storms without issue. We have also vacationed through Yellowstone, Seattle and Portland (3,700 miles total). No issues passing on high speed … 2 lanes, sometimes pushing significantly over the 70 mph speed limit. Very comfortable on a long trip. Only issue has been a bad battery, which Subaru paid for a new Interstate AGM battery.
Negatives... Limited passenger seat only adjusts 4 way. Brakes could be a little better in the mountains. Android Auto is a bit quirky but works fine.
Smooth, quiet and nice interior
4 out of 5 starsCLTGUY, 12/22/2022
2022 Subaru Ascent Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
What a great vehicle - it's missing a couple refinements but is amazing and wonderful considering it is the replacement for our 2016 Acura MDX Advanced SH-AWD that we never truly loved because of the Transmission being so jerky - in fact that same transmission being used on the Honda Pilot and 2023 Nissan Pathfinder eliminated them from our list to look at.
I always found the Forester … and Outback overpriced for such a bumpy ride and cheap interior. Obviously, I am willing to pay for quality, and the Subaru Ascent Touring caught me off guard! We went to test drive the forester and drove less than 1/4 mile before turning around since it was just junky. I had never heard of the Ascent, but the salesman said, "Drive this" and gave us keys to a used 2021 touring to try. The java puke interior looked horrible, but the ride and comfort were amazing! We looked and found a 2022 Silver with Black interior to buy and have been happy so far!
The interior was the biggest shock in a good way compared to other Subaru models. The leather interior is firm but plush, providing comfort and the feel of durability. The accent trims of wood grain and two-tone leather really make it pop. The LEG ROOM in the front and second rows are enough for my 6'1" 270-lb frame to feel comfortable - I found the Ascent to be more comfortable than other options we looked at. The VW Atlas, Telluride, and Sorento were high on our list - but the Telluride was more expensive for less, and the second row was smaller. The Atlas was HUGE but the leg room in the front is limited in width from the console. The Sorento is just a smaller vehicle. The MDX, Pathfinder, CX9 and Highlander were all cramped inside for being so big. The seats are very comfortable, and the front driver and passenger get heated and ventilated seats - and they work well! Hot is HOT! Cold is enough to feel the cooling but not freeze your rump. The heated steering wheel was just put to the test during a skiing trip - my cold hands were loving gripping the smooth, warm leather after being frozen.
The Infotainment system in the Ascent is simple and functional Android Auto is awesome! Something we hated on the MDX, Pathfinder, CX9 and Highlander was the location of the controls, and the painful steps you needed to take to change the temp, radio station, or enter an address. The Ascent is simple - while not the biggest screen, or flashy features, it is very functional which is the most important thing since you can actually use the system easily while driving! There is a small info display screen for showing temperature, directions, or radio stations above the dash while the main screen is being used for navigation. The cup holders could be larger, but what the lack in size is made up in quantity, rivaling a minivan with 19.
The engine is a boxer 4 cylinder, turbocharged and universally used for Subarus. It's low center of gravity make the GIANT SUV feel smaller than it actually is when making turns - the body roll is very dampened. The SUV is supposedly slower than our MDX was off the line - but it doesn't feel sluggish, and the ride is FAR smoother. The CVT and suspension is probably to thank for that. I found I am never going below the speed limit or worrying that I won't be able to merge onto the highway. The standard AWD make turning the long vehicle a breeze, the turning radius is pretty good for the length of the vehicle.
Safety - the stereo camera system does an amazing job with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and mitigation braking. The rear doors have a giant latching lug that makes it feel like a tank.
What I don't love are some of the luxury features that would make this rival any other vehicle. The keyless remotes are not personalized - meaning the car doesn't distinguish between Driver 1 or 2 based on the keys, even though the car has memory seats and driver profiles. You have to press 1 or 2 when you get in the car, and the profile is selected based on whose phone pairs first. If my wife gets the kid in the car while I'm fixing my cup of coffee, I have to go load my profile and hit 2 on the memory seats when I get in to drive. The touring also has power folding mirrors - but the button for them makes them fold in when pressed - not when the car is turned off - it's something so simple to build into the car - when activated, fold mirrors in when car turned off, unfold when car turned on - but that is not the case. The rear gate light is does not turn on when you open the trunk - so you have to flip a switch or unlock the car with the remote to get the interior lights to come on - annoying since the trunk is so big.
For having all the luxury feel, they just missed some basic things to make this perfect. For instance - I get that wireless android and apple auto came in 2023 and would have been nice with a wireless charging pad, but the USB plugs for the connection are right in front of the gear shift. Just little things that aren't a big deal, but really would have made this feel luxurious and sporty at the same time.
The car lacks parking sensors for some reason, so pulling into a spot or garage requires you to activate the extra front camera that only comes on the touring model so you can see what's directly in front of your bumper, I really wish it just activated when you hit your garage door opener, or the stereo cameras noticed you were parking. The rear sensors aren't such an issue since the backup camera is activated when you are reversing. On the touring model you can flip the rearview mirror and activate an additional rear camera mounted high that replaces your mirror view if the back window is obstructed - it's weird to use while but definitely helpful for specific situations.
The 3-year 36,000 warranty on a complex engine is a painful point - compared to others being 40,000-50,000 miles (KIA's 100,000 warranty is VERY limited). We traveled to buy our Ascent in another state for $5,000 off MSRP and opted to use those savings for the 100,000-mile extended bumper to bumper warranty - still costing us less than a Kia Sorento. I wish Subaru (and Honda for that fact) just warrantied their vehicles as such since they tout their reliability. Not necessarily a Subaru thing alone, but don't brag about reliability without backing it up.
Overall, this is a great vehicle - my family owned a 1988 Subaru Legacy Station wagon that got 188,000+ miles on before the head gasket blew. I imagine this will be with us for at least the same amount of time, but most likely longer.
Best car I've ever owned
5 out of 5 starsUpstate1NY, 03/24/2022
2022 Subaru Ascent Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
I have driven mostly SUVs throughout my life, and this vehicle is far superior to all the rest. The safety and convenience features available on the touring model are worth the extra cost.
UPDATE: I am handicapped and need a walker. It fits well in back with the third row folded down. The car has many safety features which make driving a lot easier, for example, lane departure warning … and automatic dimming of high beams. The only negative is a donut instead of a full size spare tire.
The safest car ever!!!
5 out of 5 starsAlexander Hathaway , 02/23/2023
2022 Subaru Ascent Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
This suv is amazing. It's so safe to drive. It's an 8 seater which is perfect for my huge family. We couldn't find an 8 seater anywhere without ordering it and waiting almost 2 months.
Apparently captain chairs are popular. We're so happy Subaru has 8 seaters and readily available. My wife said to me she didn't know she was such a terrible driver until we got our Subaru lol. she … realized she tailgated a lot. With the Subaru it lets you know you're too close. If you're in cruise control it will slow down the vehicle according to how close you are to the vehicle in front of you. If someone jumps out in front of you the car literally pushes the breaks for you. This vehicle makes it nearly impossible to rear end someone. I'm just so happy to know my wife and kids are safe in our Subaru
2022 Ascent Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $32,795 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $168/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Ascent models:
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Automatically applies the vehicle's brakes if an obstacle is detected while you're in reverse.
- EyeSight Assist Monitor
- Provides a head-up display of the EyeSight system's status and warnings on the windshield.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Scans vehicle blind spots and alerts you of vehicles on either side via mirror-mounted indicators.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover17%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedGood
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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