The Subaru Ascent is not essentially good-looking, however it positive is helpful.

Craig Cole/Roadshow

Subarus are hardly ever one of the best of their section. Competing autos are inclined to look nicer, provide extra options and have higher interiors. However rattling if these sensible Japanese automobiles and crossovers aren’t all the time a bedrock-solid alternative, straightforward suggestions thanks to plain all-wheel drive and exemplary crash-test scores. For drivers in want of a sensible three-row SUV, the 2022 Ascent completely epitomizes the Subaru model.

Blackluster

The Onyx Version trim is new for 2022, falling proper in the midst of the Ascent’s five-trim lineup. Spicing issues up, this variant comes with a wide range of visible enhancements together with a blacked-out grille, black window trim, black badges and black mirror caps. The car rolls on 20-inch wheels which are handled to — you guessed it — a black end. Inside, the carpeted ground mats characteristic particular logos and there are black inside accents.

Onyx Version Ascents come commonplace with LED head- and foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, keyless entry with pushbutton begin, plus an influence liftgate and heated steering wheel. Additionally they characteristic tri-zone local weather management and USB ports in all three rows. And when you’re actually thirsty, 19 cup and bottle holders are included at no additional value.

A no-frills affair

The Onyx Version Ascent’s inside is trustworthy and utilitarian, however when you’re a frill-seeker you may need to look elsewhere. The dashboard design is rugged (if a bit busy), and attractively textured tender plastics are liberally employed all through the cabin. Perforated supplies and contrast-color stitching assist hold issues from wanting too dour.

However not the whole lot is praiseworthy. Among the {hardware} buttons for the infotainment system really feel low hire and there is a hodgepodge of chrome and painted-silver accents sprinkled all through. Arguably, although, the worst a part of the Onyx Version’s inside is the black plastic trim on the dashboard and doorways. Shiny and embossed with a mesh texture, it appears unhealthy and feels worse, making a “zizz-zizz” sound whenever you run your fingernails backwards and forwards throughout it. This Ascent additionally comes commonplace with StarTex artificial upholstery, which is water-repellent and dirt-resistant. It would not really feel wherever close to as good as high quality leather-based, however it ought to be straightforward to scrub and maintain as much as years of abuse, essential concerns in a household hauler.

Easy, trustworthy, healthful… these are three phrases that precisely describe the Ascent’s inside. 

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The entry-level Ascent incorporates a 6.5-inch infotainment show, however all different variations include an 8-inch touchscreen. Subaru’s Starlink multimedia array will not win any magnificence contests and it is actually not one of the best system accessible at this time, however it’s pleasant to make use of and responsive sufficient. Embedded navigation is non-obligatory within the Onyx Version, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are commonplace throughout all the mannequin vary.

The Ascent will get excessive marks for passenger consolation. The entrance bucket seats are ergonomically pleasant and there is loads of house within the second-row captain’s chairs, which alter fore and aft and tip and slide for straightforward entry to the third row. That aft-most bench is a bit of tight on headroom (although no worse than in rival autos), however it’s nonetheless decently snug as a result of the underside cushion is an efficient peak above the ground, so your knees aren’t at chin degree when sitting again there. I additionally love the little seize handles on the highest of the second-row seatbacks. They make accessing the third row just a bit simpler.

The Onyx Version is obtainable in a seven-passenger configuration, although the Ascent can seat as much as eight individuals. When it is time to haul cargo, this car serves up 17.8 cubic toes of house with the third-row seat up and 86.5 with each again rows folded, figures which are in lockstep with competing fashions.

Punching above its weight

Only one drivetrain is obtainable within the Ascent. Offering hustle is a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four that’s each easy and discreet. This engine cranks out a decent if not astounding 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. These figures are proper in keeping with the warmth different three-row SUVs are packing today. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, as an illustration, each have a skosh extra horsepower, however this massive, unhealthy Subie is endowed with a bit extra twist. Except you depend the Dodge Durango, Ford’s Explorer is about the one rival with a transparent benefit, its accessible 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 handily outmuscling the competitors, particularly in ST trim.

This turbocharged boxer-four is easy and surprisingly potent. 

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The Ascent’s engine is matched solely to a repeatedly variable transmission, one that gives eight simulated gears when shifted manually. This unit does an admirable job offering robust efficiency and good gas economic system. Because of plentiful torque and favorable gearing, this SUV virtually leaps off the road whenever you faucet the accelerator. This gusto carries by to larger speeds, too. No, the Ascent is not sports-car fast, however its efficiency is robust. I do want, although, that the “gearbox” have been a bit smoother. That is an odd criticism for a CVT since they do not actually, , shift, however sometimes this transmission feels clunky, shuddering barely at decrease speeds.

Rounding out the Ascent’s powertrain is commonplace all-wheel drive, which is totally clear, no less than in dry, summer season circumstances. This method can be a godsend in winter slop or on moist roads, however it must also assist make this SUV a steady towing platform. All in, the Ascent is rated to pull as much as 5,000 kilos, a determine that is proper in keeping with the competitors.

General, the Ascent’s mechanicals ought to get you 20 mpg in metropolis driving and 26 mpg on the freeway. Mixed, the Ascent is rated at 22 mpg, a determine I’ve managed to beat with out a lot effort. Based on the journey pc, the Onyx Version mannequin I am testing is returning a powerful 23.5 mpg. Curiously, in accordance with the EPA, lower-trim Ascents are barely extra environment friendly than higher-end fashions.

You get class-competitive quantities of cargo room on this Subaru.

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Refined and responsive, the Ascent’s powertrain is a winner, however the car’s different dynamics may very well be improved. My chief criticism is the steering, which is unfastened and imprecise, too mild on heart and overly boosted. I get it, no person buys a three-row SUV for canyon carving, however competing autos provide extra exact steering and really feel nimbler than the Ascent.

This SUV’s trip high quality is refined, neither so stiff that it crashes over bumps nor too tender that it wallows like a hog when hustled. The construction feels prefer it was carved out of a metal billet and is totally unyielding, with no quivering or shakes when pushed over damaged roads.

Security valedictorian

That strong basis helps present glorious crash efficiency, a significant consideration of any family-oriented car. This Subaru earns a Prime Security Choose Plus score from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security, the best rating the smash-’em-up group arms out. The car obtained “good” crash-test scores throughout the board, comes with glorious accident-prevention expertise, has easy-to-use child-seat anchors and has vivid LED headlights.”

The 2022 Subaru Ascent is a well-rounded three-row SUV.

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The automaker’s EyeSight suite of driver aids is commonplace throughout the Ascent vary. This consists of gadgets like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise management and automated emergency braking. Lane centering is bundled, too, although it is from one of the best accessible at this time, continually beeping when street markers finish or when you flip previous a sure level whereas cornering. This characteristic additionally tugs awkwardly on the wheel generally, paradoxically making it tougher to drive. Happily, lane centering is simple to change off. Computerized excessive beams are included at no additional cost and all fashions, save the bottom model, include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Within the thick of it

This 2022 Subaru Ascent Onyx Version SUV checks out for an eminently affordable $41,320 together with $1,125 in vacation spot charges, a complete that is proper in keeping with the common new-vehicle transaction worth today. That determine is padded by a $2,200 choices bundle, which features a panoramic sunroof, cargo-area cowl and provides embedded navigation to the Starlink infotainment system. Not solely is the Ascent a roomy, snug and extremely protected three-row SUV, it is also a powerful worth.

Though I would somewhat have a Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot, that are extra upscale and higher to drive, I can not fault anybody for purchasing a Subaru Ascent. This family-hauler is an eminently logical alternative, one which’s within the thick of the three-row SUV section, competing on equal phrases with rivals just like the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse.