Hey guys, let's dive into the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium! If you're on the hunt for a spacious, capable, and seriously family-friendly SUV, then you've landed in the right place. The 2022 Ascent Premium trim steps up the game from the base model, offering a sweet spot of features that many families will find incredibly appealing without breaking the bank. We're talking about a vehicle that’s designed to handle everything from the daily school run to those epic weekend adventures, and trust me, it does it with Subaru's signature blend of safety and practicality. This isn't just another SUV; it's a command center for your family's life on the go. Subaru has really nailed it with this one, focusing on what truly matters to drivers who need a reliable workhorse that can also be a comfortable haven. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore what makes the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium such a compelling choice for so many.

What's Under the Hood and How Does it Drive?

When we talk about the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium, one of the first things you'll want to know is what's powering this beast and how it handles on the road. Under the hood, you'll find a robust 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This bad boy delivers a healthy 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Now, that might not sound like a sports car, but for an SUV of this size, it’s more than enough oomph to get you moving confidently, whether you're merging onto the highway or navigating steep inclines. The turbocharger really helps with responsiveness, reducing that lag you sometimes feel in larger vehicles. Mated to this engine is Subaru's continuously variable transmission (CVT), which they call the Lineartronic CVT. While CVTs can sometimes get a bad rap, Subaru's implementation is pretty smooth and efficient, doing a commendable job of keeping the engine in its power band without sounding strained. Plus, it’s tuned to feel more like a traditional automatic with simulated shifts, which many drivers appreciate. And of course, this being a Subaru, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes baked in. This is a huge selling point, guys! It means you get excellent traction and stability in all sorts of weather conditions – rain, snow, or even a bit of light off-roading. The AWD system actively distributes power to the wheels that have the most grip, giving you peace of mind on slippery surfaces. In terms of ride quality, the Ascent Premium offers a comfortable and composed experience. The suspension is well-tuned to soak up bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth ride for all passengers. Steering is light and direct enough for easy maneuverability in parking lots, yet it firms up nicely at higher speeds for added stability. While it’s not the most engaging SUV to drive dynamically, its primary focus is on providing a safe, comfortable, and capable experience for families, and it absolutely succeeds in that mission. The Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium truly shines when you consider its all-weather capability combined with a comfortable ride for long journeys.

Interior Comfort and Tech Features

Stepping inside the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium, you'll immediately notice the spaciousness and thoughtful design aimed squarely at families. This is where the Premium trim really starts to justify its existence. You get comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, with captain's chairs in the second row on some configurations, which is a fantastic perk for easy access to the third row and for keeping warring siblings separated! The materials used throughout the cabin are a step up from the base model, offering a more premium feel without going overboard. You'll find soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and doors, durable cloth upholstery that can withstand the rigors of family life, and generally a well-put-together cabin that feels built to last. The ergonomics are spot-on; all the controls are within easy reach, and visibility from the driver's seat is excellent, thanks to Subaru's signature large windows and good sightlines. When it comes to technology, the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium comes well-equipped. The centerpiece is a responsive 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, calls, and more, keeping everyone entertained and connected on the go. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, allowing for easy audio streaming and hands-free calling. Beyond the infotainment, Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on the Premium trim. This suite of active safety features is a massive plus for families. It includes things like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lead vehicle start alert. Having these advanced safety systems working to protect you and your loved ones provides an incredible sense of security. USB ports are scattered throughout the cabin, ensuring that everyone can keep their devices charged on long trips. Climate control is also well-handled, with multi-zone automatic climate control allowing different temperature settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers. The Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium doesn't skimp on comfort features either. Heated front seats come standard, providing welcome warmth on chilly mornings. Keyless entry and push-button start add a touch of convenience. Overall, the interior of the Ascent Premium is a comfortable, tech-savvy, and safe environment designed for the demands of modern family life. It strikes a great balance between practicality and a bit of everyday luxury.

Cargo Space and Practicality for Families

Let's talk about the real reason many families consider SUVs: cargo space and sheer practicality, and the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium doesn't disappoint. When you're juggling strollers, groceries, sports equipment, and luggage for a family trip, every cubic inch counts. The Ascent offers a very generous amount of cargo space. Behind the third-row seats, you get a respectable 17.8 cubic feet of storage. This is enough room for a few grocery bags or a couple of smaller suitcases. Now, here's where things get really impressive: when you fold down the third-row seats, that cargo volume expands dramatically to 43.5 cubic feet. That’s a massive amount of space, easily swallowing up larger items, multiple strollers, or the week's shopping haul with room to spare. But Subaru didn't stop there. Fold down both the second and third rows, and you unlock a cavernous 75.6 cubic feet of total cargo capacity. This is enough space to haul furniture, camping gear for the whole crew, or anything else life throws your way. The Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium also boasts a wide and tall liftgate opening, making it easy to load and unload bulky items. The load floor is relatively flat, which is a huge plus for sliding things in and out. Additionally, there are numerous small storage cubbies and compartments throughout the cabin, perfect for stashing phones, keys, snacks, and other essentials that tend to clutter up a family vehicle. Think door pockets, seat-back pockets, a sizable center console bin, and even storage under the cargo floor. For families with young children, the second-row captain's chairs (if equipped) make accessing the third row much simpler, and the LATCH child-seat anchor system is conveniently located and easy to use for all rear seating positions. The overall design of the Ascent Premium prioritizes ease of use and flexibility. The split-folding rear seats allow you to carry both passengers and cargo simultaneously, providing a versatile configuration for various needs. Whether you're heading to the airport with a full load of people and luggage or just running errands around town, the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium offers the practicality and expansive cargo solutions that busy families require. It's built to handle the load, both in terms of passengers and all their gear.

Safety First: Subaru's Renowned Safety Features

When it comes to family vehicles, safety is paramount, and Subaru has built its reputation on delivering some of the most advanced safety features in the industry. The Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium is no exception, coming standard with Subaru's acclaimed EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This isn't just a marketing buzzword; it's a comprehensive suite of active safety features that work together to help prevent accidents before they happen, or mitigate their severity if a collision is unavoidable. At the core of EyeSight are two high-definition cameras mounted near the rearview mirror. These cameras provide a wide field of view and enable features like: * Pre-Collision Braking: This system can detect potential frontal collisions and automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time. * Adaptive Cruise Control: This is a game-changer for highway driving. It maintains a set speed but also automatically adjusts it to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. It can even bring the car to a complete stop and then resume driving in traffic jams. * Lane Departure Warning & Sway Warning: If the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling, you'll get an audible and visual alert. Sway Warning alerts you if the system detects erratic steering, suggesting you might be drowsy. * Lead Vehicle Start Alert: In traffic, this notifies you when your vehicle has stopped moving forward because the car in front of you has started moving. Beyond EyeSight, the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium also offers other safety enhancements. Standard on this trim are high-beam assist headlights, which automatically dim the high beams when they detect oncoming traffic, and rear-seat reminder, a thoughtful feature to help prevent children or pets from being accidentally left behind in the rear seat. The Ascent also achieves excellent crash test ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), consistently earning top marks. Its strong structure, ample airbags, and sophisticated safety systems all contribute to its stellar safety profile. For parents, this means peace of mind knowing that their most precious cargo is protected by some of the best safety technology available on the market. The Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium prioritizes the well-being of its occupants, making it an excellent choice for safety-conscious families.

Is the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium the Right SUV for You?

So, after breaking down the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium, the big question remains: is this the right SUV for your family? Let's sum things up. If you're looking for a vehicle that offers ample space for up to eight people, boasts standard all-wheel drive for confidence in any weather, and comes packed with essential tech and advanced safety features, then the Ascent Premium absolutely deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s a practical choice that doesn't force you to compromise on capability or comfort. The generous cargo space means you won't have to play Tetris every time you pack for a trip, and the comfortable ride quality makes long journeys more enjoyable for everyone. For families who value safety above all else, the standard EyeSight suite of driver-assist technologies provides an unparalleled level of protection and peace of mind. The Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium strikes a fantastic balance between being a capable family hauler and a comfortable daily driver. It's not the flashiest SUV on the market, and it might not offer the most thrilling driving dynamics, but that's not really its purpose. Its purpose is to be a reliable, safe, and versatile vehicle that can handle the diverse needs of a modern family. Consider its standard AWD, its spacious and flexible interior, its robust safety suite, and its overall value proposition. If these aspects align with what you're looking for in an SUV, then you really can't go wrong with the Subaru Ascent 2022 Premium. It’s a solid contender that delivers on its promises, offering a well-rounded package for families on the move. Give it a test drive; you might just find it's exactly what you've been searching for!