Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited. If you're in the market for a reliable, family-friendly SUV with a touch of luxury, this might just be the ride you've been searching for. Let's get started and see what makes this vehicle stand out from the crowd. We'll cover everything from its performance and interior features to its safety ratings and overall value. Buckle up; it's going to be a detailed journey!

Overview of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited

The 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited is the penultimate trim level in the Ascent lineup, offering a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and advanced features. It's designed to cater specifically to families needing three rows of seating without sacrificing the amenities that make driving enjoyable. The Ascent, in general, has been Subaru's attempt to capture a larger share of the family SUV market, and the Limited trim aims to do so by adding a layer of sophistication and convenience. From the outside, the Ascent Limited boasts a confident and sturdy stance, characteristic of Subaru's design language. Inside, you'll find a well-appointed cabin with leather upholstery, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a host of safety technologies designed to keep you and your loved ones secure on the road. This model year includes several enhancements over previous versions, refining the overall experience and addressing some common criticisms. The Subaru Ascent Limited distinguishes itself with features like a larger touchscreen display, improved driver-assistance technologies, and subtle styling tweaks that enhance its appeal. The ride quality is smooth, making long journeys comfortable for all passengers. Furthermore, the Ascent Limited retains Subaru’s reputation for reliability and durability, making it a smart choice for those who prioritize longevity in their vehicles. It's equipped with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system as standard, providing excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions. This feature alone makes it an attractive option for families living in areas with frequent snow or rain. Additionally, the Ascent Limited offers ample cargo space, ensuring you can easily haul groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. With all seats in place, there’s still a decent amount of room behind the third row, and folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area significantly. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited is a well-rounded SUV that balances practicality with comfort and technology, making it a strong contender in the competitive three-row SUV segment. It’s perfect for families who need space, reliability, and a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. The Ascent Limited truly embodies Subaru's commitment to safety and dependability, offering peace of mind to drivers and passengers alike. So, if you're considering a new family vehicle, be sure to give the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited a close look – it might just surprise you!

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about what's under the hood of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited. It's powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers a respectable 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which aims to provide smooth and efficient power delivery. Now, I know some of you might be skeptical about CVTs, but Subaru has done a decent job of tuning it to mimic the feel of a traditional automatic transmission. The turbocharger helps to provide ample low-end torque, which is especially useful when the Ascent is fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The acceleration is adequate for daily driving, and it doesn't feel underpowered, even when merging onto the highway or climbing steep hills. One of the standout features of the Ascent is its standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This system continuously monitors traction and distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, providing enhanced stability and control in various driving conditions. Whether you're dealing with snow, rain, or gravel roads, the Ascent feels sure-footed and confident. The ride quality is generally comfortable, thanks to the well-tuned suspension that absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road. However, it's not the most engaging SUV to drive. The steering is light and lacks a bit of feedback, so it doesn't inspire much confidence in corners. But let's be real, most people buying a three-row SUV aren't looking for sporty handling anyway. Fuel economy is another important consideration, and the Ascent delivers reasonable numbers for its size. It's EPA-rated at 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is on par with other SUVs in its class. Of course, your actual mileage may vary depending on your driving style and conditions. The Ascent also has a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it capable of hauling a small boat, trailer, or camper. This adds to its versatility and makes it a practical choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited offers a balanced combination of performance, handling, and fuel economy. It's not the fastest or most exciting SUV on the market, but it's a reliable and capable choice for everyday driving and family adventures. The all-wheel-drive system provides added peace of mind, and the towing capacity expands its utility. If you're looking for a practical and dependable SUV that can handle a variety of tasks, the Ascent is definitely worth considering.

Interior and Features

Alright, let's step inside the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited and see what it has to offer. The interior is designed with a focus on comfort and practicality, making it a great place to spend time on long road trips. The Limited trim comes with leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury and is also easy to clean – a definite plus for families with kids. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, including lumbar support. This makes it easy to find the perfect driving position, even on long journeys. The second row is spacious and offers plenty of legroom, even for taller adults. You can choose between a bench seat or captain's chairs, depending on your preference. The captain's chairs provide easier access to the third row, while the bench seat allows you to carry an extra passenger. The third row is best suited for children or smaller adults, but it's still usable for short trips. One of the highlights of the Ascent Limited is its infotainment system. It features an 8-inch touchscreen display that's responsive and easy to use. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, so you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps. There's also a built-in navigation system, which is helpful for finding your way in unfamiliar areas. Other convenient features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, multiple USB ports, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system that delivers excellent audio quality. The Ascent Limited also comes with a tri-zone automatic climate control system, which allows you to set different temperatures for the front and rear passengers. This is a great feature for keeping everyone comfortable, especially on hot summer days. In terms of cargo space, the Ascent offers a generous amount of room for luggage, groceries, and other gear. With all three rows of seats in place, there's still a decent amount of space behind the third row. And when you fold down the rear seats, you get a massive cargo area that's perfect for hauling large items. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited is well-designed and packed with features that make it a comfortable and convenient place to be. The leather upholstery, spacious seating, and user-friendly infotainment system make it a great choice for families who spend a lot of time on the road. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a cross-country adventure, the Ascent Limited provides a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all passengers. The attention to detail and thoughtful design make it a standout in its class, offering a blend of luxury and practicality that's hard to beat.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited doesn't mess around. Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the Ascent is no exception. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants. One of the key safety features is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This system includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. It also includes lane departure warning, which alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and lane keep assist, which gently steers you back into your lane. Another important feature is pre-collision braking, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision. This can help to reduce the severity of an accident or even prevent it altogether. The Ascent also comes with blind-spot detection, which alerts you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot, and rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space. These features can help to improve your awareness and reduce the risk of accidents. In addition to these driver-assistance features, the Ascent also has a strong and durable body structure designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. It has multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to provide further protection. The Ascent has received excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It has earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, which is the highest honor awarded by the organization. These ratings demonstrate Subaru's commitment to safety and provide peace of mind to buyers. The Ascent also comes with a rearview camera, which makes it easier to see what's behind you when you're backing up. This is especially helpful when you're maneuvering in tight spaces or backing out of a driveway. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited is a safe and reliable SUV that's packed with features designed to protect you and your family. The combination of advanced driver-assistance technologies, a strong body structure, and excellent safety ratings make it a top choice for safety-conscious buyers. Whether you're driving around town or embarking on a long road trip, you can feel confident that the Ascent is working to keep you safe.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited into its pros and cons to give you a clear picture.

Pros:

• Standard All-Wheel Drive: This is a huge plus for those living in areas with inclement weather. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability.
• Spacious Interior: The Ascent offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it a great choice for families.
• Comprehensive Safety Features: The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and other safety features provide added peace of mind.
• User-Friendly Infotainment System: The 8-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned, providing a smooth and comfortable ride on various road surfaces.
• Towing Capacity: With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Ascent can handle a small boat or trailer.

Cons:

• CVT Transmission: While Subaru has done a decent job of tuning it, some drivers may still prefer a traditional automatic transmission.
• Uninspiring Handling: The steering is light and lacks feedback, making it less engaging to drive than some competitors.
• Third-Row Seating: The third row is best suited for children or smaller adults, which may be a limiting factor for some families.
• Fuel Economy: While not terrible, the Ascent's fuel economy is not the best in its class.
• Generic Styling: Some may find the exterior styling to be a bit bland compared to other SUVs in the market.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited? Overall, it's a solid and reliable three-row SUV that's well-suited for families. It offers a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The standard all-wheel-drive system is a major selling point, providing added confidence in all weather conditions. While it may not be the most exciting SUV to drive, it's a practical and dependable choice that's built to last. The Ascent Limited strikes a good balance between comfort, convenience, and safety, making it a strong contender in the competitive three-row SUV segment. If you're looking for a family-friendly SUV that can handle a variety of tasks, the Ascent is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons and compare it to other SUVs in its class to make sure it's the right fit for your needs. But, if you value safety, reliability, and practicality, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited is a great option.