2022 Subaru Ascent Limited Review: Family SUV Perfection?

Let's dive deep into the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited review, a top contender in the family SUV arena. If you're on the hunt for a reliable, spacious, and feature-packed vehicle to haul your precious cargo, the Ascent Limited deserves a serious look. In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down everything from its performance and handling to its interior comfort and tech features, helping you decide if it's the right fit for your family's needs. We're not just throwing specs at you; we're talking real-world driving experience, so buckle up and let’s get started.

Performance and Handling: Ready for Anything

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited 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 provides ample power for daily commutes, highway cruising, and even tackling some light off-road adventures. The Ascent's standard all-wheel-drive system ensures confident traction in various weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for families living in areas with snow or rain. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is smooth and responsive, offering seamless gear changes and contributing to the vehicle's overall fuel efficiency. Speaking of fuel efficiency, the Ascent Limited achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is respectable for a vehicle of its size. The Ascent's handling is surprisingly nimble for a three-row SUV. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing a good feel for the road. The suspension does a great job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, delivering a comfortable and composed ride. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling winding mountain roads, the Ascent feels stable and controlled. Furthermore, the Ascent boasts a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it capable of hauling trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment. The standard trailer stability assist system helps to keep things in check while towing, providing added confidence and safety. In summary, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited offers a well-rounded performance package that combines power, efficiency, and handling prowess. It's a vehicle that's equally adept at tackling everyday tasks and embarking on weekend adventures.

Interior Comfort and Features: A Home Away From Home

Stepping inside the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited feels like entering a comfortable and well-equipped home away from home. The interior is spacious and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Limited trim offers leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury and refinement to the cabin. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long road trips a breeze. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. Second-row passengers will appreciate the generous legroom and headroom, and the available captain's chairs offer added comfort and convenience. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they provide valuable extra seating when needed. The Ascent's interior is also packed with features that enhance comfort and convenience. The tri-zone automatic climate control system ensures that everyone stays comfortable, regardless of their location in the vehicle. The heated front and rear seats are a welcome addition on cold days, and the panoramic sunroof lets in plenty of natural light. The Ascent also offers a variety of storage compartments and cupholders throughout the cabin, making it easy to keep things organized. The cargo area behind the third-row seats is surprisingly spacious, and the available power liftgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo. With the third-row seats folded down, the Ascent offers even more cargo space, making it ideal for hauling groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited's interior is a comfortable and well-equipped space that's perfect for families. It's a place where you can relax and enjoy the ride, no matter how long the journey.

Technology and Safety: Keeping You Connected and Protected

In today's world, technology and safety are paramount, and the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited delivers on both fronts. The Ascent comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to prevent accidents and keep you and your family safe on the road. The Ascent also offers a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, which helps you to avoid collisions when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces. The available reverse automatic braking system can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an obstacle behind the vehicle, further enhancing safety. In terms of technology, the Ascent Limited features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's easy to use and responsive. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle. The Ascent also offers a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, so you can stay connected on the go. The available Harman Kardon premium audio system delivers crystal-clear sound, making your favorite music sound even better. The Ascent also offers a variety of USB ports and charging outlets throughout the cabin, so everyone can keep their devices charged. Furthermore, the Ascent has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable family SUV. With its comprehensive suite of technology and safety features, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited provides peace of mind and keeps you connected on every journey.

Trim Levels and Options: Finding the Perfect Fit

The 2022 Subaru Ascent offers a range of trim levels to suit different budgets and needs. The base model comes standard with a variety of features, including all-wheel drive, Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim adds features such as a power-adjustable driver's seat, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Onyx Edition offers a unique blacked-out exterior trim and water-repellent upholstery. The Limited trim, which we're focusing on in this review, adds leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The top-of-the-line Touring trim includes features such as ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 180-degree front-view monitor. In addition to the various trim levels, the Ascent also offers a variety of optional features, such as a rear-seat entertainment system, a cargo area protector, and a trailer hitch. With so many options to choose from, you can customize the Ascent to perfectly fit your family's needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a basic and affordable family SUV or a fully loaded luxury vehicle, the Ascent has something to offer. The key is to carefully consider your needs and budget and then choose the trim level and options that best suit your requirements. Don't hesitate to visit your local Subaru dealer and take a test drive to experience the Ascent firsthand. This will give you a better sense of which trim level and options are right for you.

Conclusion: Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited Right for You?

So, after this deep dive into our 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited review, is it the right SUV for you and your family? The answer, as with most things, depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you're looking for a spacious, safe, and reliable three-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive, the Ascent Limited is definitely worth considering. Its powerful engine, comfortable interior, and comprehensive suite of technology and safety features make it a compelling choice in the competitive family SUV market. However, it's important to weigh the Ascent's pros and cons against those of its rivals. Some competitors may offer more cargo space, better fuel economy, or a more luxurious interior. It's also worth noting that the Ascent's CVT transmission may not appeal to everyone, as some drivers prefer the feel of a traditional automatic transmission. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Ascent Limited is right for you is to take it for a test drive and compare it to other vehicles in its class. Consider your budget, your family's needs, and your personal preferences. If you value safety, reliability, and versatility, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited is a strong contender that deserves a spot on your shortlist. It's a vehicle that's equally adept at tackling daily commutes and embarking on weekend adventures, making it a great choice for families who lead active lifestyles. So, go ahead and give it a try – you might just find that the Ascent Limited is the perfect SUV for your family.