The Ascent is one of the more recent entries into Subaru’s lineup and is the only three-row SUV from the manufacturer. It's also the biggest and most expensive option from Subaru, incorporating all the usual technologies that we know and love like the standard all-wheel-drive system and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Ascent makes perfect sense for Subaru fans with a large family that still want all of the brand’s capabilities in an all-around package. Available with captain's chairs in the middle, and a total passenger capacity of 8, the Ascent is well equipped for the job at hand.
2022 Subaru Ascent Dashboard
As the popularity of crossovers rises day by day, the competitive mid-size SUV segment is awash with rivals like the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, and the Honda Pilot. The 2022 Subaru Ascent is reasonably priced for what it offers, starting at $33,420 for the base model, and going up to $46,570 with all-wheel-drive as standard across the range.
2022 Subaru Ascent Interior Design, Dimensions, and Comfort
As with all three-row SUVs of this size, the Ascent gets a versatile and comfortable interior with seating for up to 8 passengers depending on the configuration. The beige and black combination works well and extends to the dashboard and door pads. Subaru has also included several storage areas around the cabin. However, the quality of materials used is average for the class, and build quality is still not on par with rivals. Subaru also offers captain's chairs as an option on the higher trim levels.
2022 Subaru Ascent Seating
The simple and functional dashboard is easy to use with a neatly laid out center stack and physical controls for most functions. As with most Subarus, a separate multi-information display is provided at the top to show various vehicle information. Silver accents are used around the center stack and gear lever to add a bit of sophistication to the mix. The wide center console also provides ample storage and a separate tray for smartphones.
Soft-touch plastics cover most areas, although there are some hard plastics on top of the dashboard. Higher trims improve plastic quality by a noticeable margin with better accents and materials.
The plush seats and high seating position lend the Ascent excellent comfort for longer journeys. Space at the front is more than adequate for larger passengers and the ergonomics are well laid out. Visibility is also excellent through the front.
Other than the base model, all the higher trims can be bought with comfortable captain's chairs in the middle that offers better bolsters and support. The captain seat option also makes ingress to the third row easier.
Speaking of the third row, it offers adequate space for smaller adults and children. But, don't expect adults to get comfortable on longer journeys.
With a wide center armrest at the front and two individual armrests for the middle-row captain chairs, passengers can get comfortable on longer journeys. There are a total of 19 cupholders spread out around the cabin. The tri-zone automatic climate control system available as standard also cools the cabin down quickly with separate controls for the rear passengers and vents in all three rows.
Models
2022 Subaru Ascent
2022 Kia Telluride
2022 Honda Pilot
2022 Ford Explorer
Seating Capacity
8
7
8
7
Interior Passenger Volume (ft³)
153.5
157.1
151.7
152.7
First Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
41.3/61.1/42.2
39.5/61.6/41.4
39.5/62/40.9
40.7/61.8/43
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
40/60.3/38.6
38.8/59.9/42.4
39.9/62/38.4
40.5/61.9/39
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
36.3/57.2/31.7
37.8/55.3/31.4
38.9/57.6/31.9
38.9/54.6/32.2
While the third-row space is average at best on the Subaru Ascent, it can squeeze in a third passenger like the Honda Pilot. Both the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride offer better quality cabins with more modern features and creature comforts, especially when compared to the Ascent.
2022 Subaru Ascent Infotainment
While it is not as impressive as some of its competitors, Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system covers all the basics that consumers love including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth connectivity, cloud-based applications, SiriusXM satellite radio, and more on the base models, controlled through a smaller 6.5-inch display.
2022 Subaru Ascent Infotainment System
Higher trims get more features like voice control, HD radio, and even built-in navigation with a bigger 8-inch display. The interface is simple to navigate and use but not as smooth as a modern system ought to be.
Subaru also includes a capable 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on the higher trims, swapping out the basic six-speaker system of the standard models.
Key infotainment features
8-inch touchscreen display with Subaru Starlink interface
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Starlink cloud-based applications
Bluetooth and aux connectivity
Built-in navigation and voice controls
HD radio
14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity
2022 Subaru Ascent Cargo Capacity
With a low loading lip and seats that fold completely flat, the Subaru Ascent scores high on practicality, offering adequate space even with all the seats up. The third row folds in a 60/40 split configuration, liberating up to 47.5 cubic feet.
2022 Subaru Ascent Cargo Space
Dropping both the second and third-row seats will maximize capacity to 86.5 cubic feet. Subaru also includes some clever additions like velcro straps for securing cargo.
Models
2022 Subaru Ascent
2022 Kia Telluride
2022 Honda Pilot
2022 Ford Explorer
Standard Cargo Capacity (ft³)
17.8
21
16.5
18.2
Maximum Cargo Capacity (ft³)
86.5
87
83.8
87.8
Trunk space is par for the course in the segment, and the Subaru Ascent manages to beat out the Honda pilot in terms of cargo capacity. However, the new Kia Telluride is still the most practical option here, followed by the Ford Explorer.
Additional Interior Storage Spaces
Other than the usual storage spaces like the door pockets and glovebox, the Subaru Ascent doesn't get much in the way of clever storage areas or cubby holes. The front passenger gets a small tray above the glovebox, and the center console runs deep with integrated cupholders. All three rows also get cupholders, and the third-row passengers also get small cubby holes on either side for keeping smartphones.
2022 Subaru Ascent Creature Comforts
All five trim levels on offer are well equipped for the price, with the base model adding features like three-zone automatic climate control, bench seats in the middle, and more. The Premium model unlocks the 7-seater configuration and adds features like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, upgraded interior quality, heated front seats, and more. Next up is the Onyx edition that focuses on style with exterior updates and simulated leather upholstery.
Upgrading to the Limited trim adds a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, perforated leather upholstery, driver’s seat memory functions, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. Finally, the range-topping Touring model adds ambient interior lighting, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
Verdict
While it is not the most well-equipped or modern offering on the market, the Subaru Ascent continues to tick all the right boxes for a spacious family SUV. With the bench seat option, passenger capacity is also impressive at 8, which is a rarity for the segment. The standard design of the interiors will also appeal to families looking for a traditional SUV with no extra complications and just the right amount of useful features and creature comforts. The clever infotainment system also deserves special mention for the simple interface and feature list. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent is a strong contender in the three-row SUV space.
