The Subaru Ascent is not essentially good-looking, however it positive is helpful.
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Subarus are not often one of the best of their phase. Competing autos are inclined to look nicer, supply extra options and have higher interiors. But rattling if these sensible Japanese automobiles and crossovers aren’t at all times a bedrock-solid alternative, simple suggestions thanks to straightforward 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.

LikeStandard all-wheel driveStellar security ratingsSpunky acceleration

Don’t LikeSpastic lane-keeping assistMeh inside high qualityNot nice to drive

BlacklusterThe Onyx Edition trim is new for 2022, falling proper in the course 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 can be handled to — you guessed it — a black end. Inside, the carpeted ground mats function particular logos and there are black inside accents.Onyx Edition Ascents come customary with LED head- and foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, keyless entry with pushbutton begin, plus an influence liftgate and heated steering wheel. They additionally function tri-zone local weather management and USB ports in all three rows. And if you happen to’re actually thirsty, 19 cup and bottle holders are included at no further value.

A no-frills affairThe Onyx Edition Ascent’s inside is trustworthy and utilitarian, however if you happen to’re a frill-seeker you may wish to look elsewhere. The dashboard design is rugged (if a bit busy), and attractively textured gentle plastics are liberally employed all through the cabin. Perforated supplies and contrast-color stitching assist maintain issues from trying too dour.But not every little thing is praiseworthy. Some of 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 Edition’s inside is the black plastic trim on the dashboard and doorways. Glossy and embossed with a mesh texture, it seems unhealthy and feels worse, making a “zizz-zizz” sound if you run your fingernails forwards and backwards throughout it. This Ascent additionally comes customary with StarTex artificial upholstery, which is water-repellent and dirt-resistant. It would not really feel anyplace close to as good as high quality leather-based, however it needs to be simple to scrub and maintain as much as years of abuse, vital concerns in a household hauler.

Simple, 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 in the present day, however it’s pleasant to make use of and responsive sufficient. Embedded navigation is elective within the Onyx Edition, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary throughout the complete 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 just a little tight on headroom (although no worse than in rival autos), however it’s nonetheless decently comfy as a result of the underside cushion is an efficient top above the ground, so your knees aren’t at chin stage 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 Edition is obtainable in a seven-passenger configuration, although the Ascent can seat as much as eight folks. When it is time to haul cargo, this car serves up 17.8 cubic ft of house with the third-row seat up and 86.5 with each again rows folded, figures which can be in lockstep with competing fashions.Punching above its weightJust one drivetrain is obtainable within the Ascent. Providing 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 step with the warmth different three-row SUVs are packing as of late. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, as an illustration, each have a skosh extra horsepower, however this huge, unhealthy Subie is endowed with a bit extra twist. Unless 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 completely to a repeatedly variable transmission, one that gives eight simulated gears when shifted manually. This unit does an admirable job offering sturdy efficiency and good gasoline economic system. Thanks to considerable torque and favorable gearing, this SUV virtually leaps off the road if you faucet the accelerator. This gusto carries by way of to larger speeds, too. No, the Ascent is not sports-car fast, however its efficiency is robust. I do want, although, that the “gearbox” had been a bit smoother. This is an odd grievance for a CVT since they do not actually, you already know, shift, however sometimes this transmission feels clunky, shuddering barely at decrease speeds.Rounding out the Ascent’s powertrain is customary all-wheel drive, which is totally clear, a minimum of in dry, summer season situations. This system could 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 tug as much as 5,000 kilos, a determine that is proper in step with the competitors.Overall, the Ascent’s mechanicals ought to get you 20 mpg in metropolis driving and 26 mpg on the freeway. Combined, the Ascent is rated at 22 mpg, a determine I’ve managed to beat with out a lot effort. According to the journey laptop, the Onyx Edition mannequin I’m testing is returning a formidable 23.5 mpg. Curiously, in line 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 could possibly be improved. My chief grievance is the steering, which is free and imprecise, too mild on middle and overly boosted. I get it, no one buys a three-row SUV for canyon carving, however competing autos supply extra exact steering and really feel nimbler than the Ascent.This SUV’s journey high quality is refined, neither so stiff that it crashes over bumps nor too gentle 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.Safety valedictorianThat strong basis helps present glorious crash efficiency, a significant consideration of any family-oriented car. This Subaru earns a Top Safety Pick Plus ranking from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the best rating the smash-’em-up group arms out. The car acquired “good” crash-test scores throughout the board, comes with glorious accident-prevention know-how, has easy-to-use child-seat anchors and has shiny 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 customary throughout the Ascent vary. This consists of objects like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise management and automated emergency braking. Lane centering is bundled, too, although it’s miles from one of the best accessible in the present day, always beeping when street markers finish or if you happen to flip previous a sure level whereas cornering. This function additionally tugs awkwardly on the wheel generally, paradoxically making it tougher to drive. Fortunately, lane centering is straightforward to modify off. Automatic excessive beams are included at no further cost and all fashions, save the bottom model, include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.In the thick of itThis 2022 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition SUV checks out for an eminently cheap $41,320 together with $1,125 in vacation spot charges, a complete that is proper in step with the common new-vehicle transaction value as of late. 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, comfy and extremely protected three-row SUV, it is also a powerful worth.Even although I’d fairly 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 phase, competing on equal phrases with rivals just like the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse.