Hey everyone, are you ready to dive deep into the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring? This SUV has been turning heads, and for good reason! In this comprehensive review, we're going to break down everything you need to know about this family-friendly vehicle, from its performance and features to its pros and cons. So, buckle up, and let's get started, guys!

Unveiling the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring: What's New?

Alright, let's kick things off with a quick overview of what makes the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring stand out. First off, this is Subaru's largest SUV, designed with families in mind. You get three rows of seating, making it perfect for those weekend getaways or daily school runs. The Touring trim sits at the top of the Ascent lineup, meaning it's packed with all the bells and whistles. Think premium features, advanced technology, and a luxurious feel. The 2022 model year brought some minor updates, with a focus on refining the already impressive package. One of the main things you'll notice is the improved infotainment system and some tweaks to the safety features. Subaru has always been known for its commitment to safety, and the Ascent Touring is no exception. It comes loaded with advanced driver-assistance systems designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. From adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assist, you'll feel confident behind the wheel. The Ascent Touring also boasts Subaru's legendary all-wheel-drive system, which provides excellent traction and handling in various conditions. Whether you're driving in snow, rain, or on dry pavement, you'll experience a secure and stable ride. The exterior design is sleek and modern, with a bold front grille and stylish LED headlights. The interior is equally impressive, with high-quality materials and a spacious cabin. The Ascent Touring offers plenty of room for both passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice for families of all sizes. This SUV is truly a game-changer.

Key Features and Upgrades

The 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring isn't just about size and safety; it's also packed with features designed to enhance your driving experience. The Touring trim specifically offers a premium experience, so let's check out some of the highlights.

• Infotainment System: The updated infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive. You get a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a premium audio system to enjoy your favorite tunes.
• Driver-Assistance Technology: Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology is standard, including features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. These systems work together to provide an extra layer of safety on the road.
• Comfort and Convenience: The Ascent Touring offers a host of comfort features, such as leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a power liftgate. These features enhance the overall driving experience, making it more enjoyable for both the driver and passengers.
• All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is standard on the Ascent Touring, providing superior traction and handling in various weather conditions. This system gives you peace of mind, knowing that you can handle anything that the road throws your way.
• Spacious Interior: With three rows of seating, the Ascent Touring can accommodate up to eight passengers (or seven with captain's chairs in the second row). The interior is also designed to maximize cargo space, making it easy to carry luggage, groceries, or sports equipment.

Performance and Driving Experience

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: How does the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring actually perform on the road? The Ascent Touring is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, delivering a punchy 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The combination of the turbo engine and CVT offers a good balance of performance and fuel economy. The Ascent Touring can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 7 seconds, which is respectable for an SUV of its size. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, making it feel planted and stable on the road. Whether you're driving on a winding road or in challenging weather conditions, the Ascent Touring gives you confidence behind the wheel. The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Engine and Transmission

The engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that's common across the Ascent lineup. It provides plenty of power for daily driving and highway cruising. The CVT is generally well-regarded, offering smooth transitions between speeds and contributing to good fuel efficiency. It is important to note that the CVT can sometimes feel a bit sluggish compared to a traditional automatic transmission, but this is a minor trade-off for the benefits it offers.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Ascent Touring handles surprisingly well for its size, thanks to Subaru's all-wheel-drive system. The ride quality is comfortable, but it can feel a bit firm on rough roads. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to navigate city streets and parking lots. Overall, the driving experience is pleasant and refined, with a focus on comfort and practicality. Subaru has done a great job of balancing performance with everyday usability, making the Ascent Touring a great choice for families.

Interior Design and Comfort

Step inside the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring, and you'll be greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The interior design is clean and modern, with high-quality materials throughout. The Touring trim takes it up a notch with leather-trimmed upholstery, adding a touch of luxury to the space. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The second-row seats are also spacious, and they can accommodate three adults comfortably. The third row is best suited for children, but it's still usable for adults on shorter trips. The Ascent Touring offers a generous amount of cargo space, with up to 86.5 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down. This makes it easy to carry luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. The interior is also packed with convenient features, such as multiple USB ports, cupholders, and storage compartments. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, with a large touchscreen display and smartphone integration.

Seating and Space

As mentioned earlier, the Ascent Touring offers seating for up to eight passengers (or seven with captain's chairs in the second row). The second-row seats slide and recline, providing flexibility for passengers of all sizes. The third-row seats are easy to access, thanks to a simple one-touch folding mechanism. The cargo space is also generous, with plenty of room for luggage and other gear.

Materials and Features

The Touring trim is the top-of-the-line model, so it comes loaded with premium features. The leather-trimmed upholstery adds a touch of luxury, and the heated front and rear seats keep you comfortable in cold weather. The panoramic moonroof provides an airy feel, and the power liftgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo. The Ascent Touring also features a premium audio system, which delivers excellent sound quality.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2022 Ascent Touring is no exception. It comes standard with the EyeSight driver-assist technology suite, which includes a range of advanced safety features. These features work together to provide an extra layer of protection on the road, helping to prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe.

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front.
• Lane Departure Warning: Alerts you if you drift out of your lane.
• Lane Keeping Assist: Helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
• Pre-Collision Braking: Automatically applies the brakes if it detects an impending collision.
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management: Reduces engine power to help minimize damage in a potential collision.

Additional Safety Features

In addition to EyeSight, the Ascent Touring is equipped with several other safety features, including:

• Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rearview Camera with Steering Responsive Headlights
• Automatic High Beam
• Driver Monitoring System (Distraction Mitigation System)

Infotainment and Technology

The 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display. The system is responsive and easy to navigate, with intuitive menus and controls. The Touring trim comes standard with a premium audio system that delivers excellent sound quality. The Ascent Touring also offers smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your phone to the vehicle. This enables you to access your favorite apps, music, and navigation services on the go.

Infotainment System Features

• 11.6-inch Starlink Multimedia System with a responsive touchscreen display
• Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Premium Audio System
• Multiple USB Ports
• Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability
• Navigation System (Optional)

Connectivity and Convenience

The Ascent Touring offers a range of connectivity and convenience features, including:

• Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls and audio streaming
• SiriusXM satellite radio (subscription required)
• USB ports for charging and data transfer
• 12-volt power outlets
• Optional wireless charging for smartphones

Pros and Cons of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring

Alright, let's weigh the good and the bad. No car is perfect, so here's a balanced look at the pros and cons of the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring.

Pros

• Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Excellent traction and handling in various conditions.
• Advanced Safety Features: Loaded with EyeSight driver-assist technology.
• Comfortable Ride: Smooth and refined ride quality.
• User-Friendly Infotainment System: Easy to navigate and use.

Cons

• CVT Transmission: Some drivers may prefer a traditional automatic.
• Fuel Economy: Average fuel economy for its class.
• Third-Row Space: The third row is best suited for children.
• Price: The Touring trim can be expensive.

Final Verdict: Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring Right for You?

So, is the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring the right SUV for you? If you're looking for a spacious, safe, and family-friendly vehicle, then the answer is likely yes. The Ascent Touring offers a premium driving experience with a long list of features and advanced technology. The standard all-wheel-drive system provides confidence in all weather conditions, and the EyeSight driver-assist technology helps to keep you and your passengers safe. The Ascent Touring is a great choice for families who need plenty of space for passengers and cargo. It is a very good choice if you're looking for an SUV that combines practicality, comfort, and safety. If you value a luxurious interior and advanced technology, the Touring trim is a great option. However, if you are on a budget, you might want to consider lower trims. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a three-row SUV.

I hope this review has given you a clear picture of what the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring has to offer. Do you have any other questions, let me know in the comments below! Safe travels, everyone!