2022 Subaru Ascent Review

The Subaru Ascent made its debut just a few years back, marking the Japanese automaker's latest attempt at a three-row SUV. While the Ascent isn't our favorite three-row around — that honor currently rests with the Kia Telluride — it's a solid class entrant and a marked improvement over Subaru's last attempt, the B9 Tribeca. The Ascent offers a 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 feels small, especially in the second and third rows, compared to rivals including the Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot. The engine is loud, and a touchy gas pedal and loud engine undermine some of the Ascent's refinement in other areas. Those are hard issues to fix without a full redesign, something that's a few years away.

The Subaru Ascent is a solid three-row SUV, and we don't expect any significant changes for 2022. A handful of flaws keep it from the top of the pack, but there's still a lot to like.