2022 Subaru Ascent Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
So far... so good... reflections about my nearly 1-year old 2020 Subaru Ascent Touring. I spent 2 years exploring the 3-row cross-over market segment and finally ended up where I started my search and that was with the purchase of the Ascent Touring. In my humble opinion, the Ascent offered everything I wanted, nothing I didn't want, and zero compromises versus its competition. When all was said and done, I walked out of the dealership with 0% APR and the total price paid including tags and taxes = $41,500; which I felt and still feel was a wonderful price and value. Maintenance - Zero issues or concerns. My car has been back to the dealer for 2 oil changes and 1 tire rotation so far. Average Fuel Economy - Mixed driving over 9K miles has given me back exactly 22 MPG. Not bad. Not super awesome either. But is what I expected. Driving experience - The Ascent handles everyday driving very well. Excellent visibility, very sure-footed, responsive, relatively quiet, and smooth. Turbo lag is barely noticeable and you can definitely out-run anything on the highway when needed. Interior - Very nice fit and finish and much more upscale versus the competition in this segment at this price point. The Harmon/Kardon stereo sounds great. Quirks - Subaru has been using a CVT for a decade and this is my first car with a CVT. I have noticed that the CVT is louder (noticeable whine) than my old automatic and makes a rather disconcerting 'chirp' when cold and shifting into Drive. However, this 'chirp' is normal for a CVT when cold due to the pulley's filling up with Transmission Fluid. Otherwise, I appreciate the smoothness and efficiency of the CVT and it seems very well matched to the engine. Bottom Line - I have no regrets and would purchase this car again versus the competition in this segment. So far it has been a joy to drive and is as safe a car as you can get.
VS
Critical Review
For the first nine or 10 months we had constant quality issues with the car. Seats rattling, air conditioning not blowing out cold air, trim pieces falling off both interior and exterior, heated seats and steering wheel taking 10 minutes to warm up in the winter, very loud vented seats, to the point you couldn't have a conversation over the noise, and difficulty starting in cold weather. some of the issues have been addressed, but others we were told ' that's just that's the way it is.' We came from a higher-end European SUV that had been bulletproof over four years, but wanted something a little bit less ostentatious, and decided based off loyalty people have to the brand, to go with the Ascent over the CX-9 or Atlas. We won't make that mistake a second time. We have the touring, the seats are comfortable for about an hour and then become rock hard, even the second-row captain's chairs we received complaints from passengers after about an hour. the audio system is terrible- we have the top and system and it sounds like an AM radio. Honestly, my Galaxy s9 puts out fuller sound then this system does. Dynamically, the engine and transmission don't work very well together, we've had a couple of updates but the transmission still shutters the entire car at times, especially at lower speeds. handling is wallowy at best, it doesn't inspire a lot of confidence, but is fine for cruising on the highway or around town, but don't expect to have any fun with the car. It does soak up rough roads pretty well, but the suspension makes a sound like it's going to break over every significant impact. With a very light foot, I am averaging 17.4 mpg with more highway than around town driving. Even highway mileage rarely breaks 22, and that's on open highways, no traffic.... the turbo V8 in my last SUV got better mileage than this, and we drove that with a heavy foot. The engine is loud under any acceleration, although the car is quiet cruising the highway or at a steady speed where you don't need to apply additional throttle. don't be concerned about a turbo 4 versus a v6, the car does have plenty of torque and power, even with four adults & luggage, going over big hills. Passenger room is more than adequate in the front two rows, and better than most in the third. Cargo space, even with third row up, is better than most. The front stack is very well laid out, ergonomically correct, and easy to use. It doesn't look as fancy as most competitors, but it's more intuitive than most. However it looks cheap and feels plasticky. Outward visibility is excellent, the gauge cluster is very straightforward and easy to read. the lane keep assist is more sensitive than my other cars, but it definitely works. Luckily haven't had the need for any of the other systems. Adaptive cruise control works as well as my other cars, no better or worse. I like the styling, it's generic but handsome. The interior colors are nice, but I would say the feel is more rugged than luxurious, which probably hits right at the heart of the typical Subaru demographic. Like a Honda, the interior is much bigger on the inside than you would expect it to be based off exterior size. It's certainly not a bad car, and I'm sure if you are a Subaru loyalist, you will love it. We've had too many issues, several still unresolved, and felt the quality was just not there, and it's not enjoyable to drive. It's more of an appliance then something fun to get behind the wheel of. For its intended purpose it's probably good, but we will not be purchasing another Subaru. After witnessing all the problems we had with ours, our neighbors, who are Subaru loyalists, went with a CX-9. I wish we had also.
2022 Ascent Reviews
Showing 8 of 78 reviews.
Space, technology, safety, ease of access, winter handling
Gas mileage, minor design issues
We bought the Subaru Ascent because it’s one of the few SUVs roomy enough for a large family and practical in day-to-day life. It’s spacious even with all three rows in use, with enough cargo room in the back for groceries, bags, and strollers. The wide-opening doors and low cabin floor make it easy for our kids to climb in and out on their own. It also handles Wisconsin winters like a champ—ice, slush, snow, you name it. It’s powerful, packed with safety and driver-assist features, and competitively priced for everything it offers. But despite all those positives, we’re seriously considering trading it in—and the reason is simple: the gas mileage is shockingly bad. We’re averaging 16 MPG combined (mostly city driving), and on highway-heavy road trips, the best we’ve seen is 22 MPG. That’s well below the EPA estimates of 20 city / 26 highway. We’ve never come close to those numbers. There’s also no option to switch to an eco or fuel-saving driving mode—what you get is what you get. In today’s market, with many competing vehicles offering hybrid or plug-in hybrid options, it’s hard to justify burning through a full tank every week. For comparison, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid gets 35 MPG combined—more than double our in-town mileage. The dealership confirmed our Ascent is performing “within expected parameters,” but that only reinforces the problem: this is just how it runs. On top of the fuel economy issue, there are two frustrating design oversights. First, the window lock disables all window controls—including the driver’s. So if you want to stop the kids from playing with the windows, you also lose control. Second, there’s no way to turn off all the individual overhead lights from the front. That means if a kid leaves their light on, I have to crawl to the third row to turn it off. Not ideal at bedtime or in bad weather. Bottom line: The Ascent checks almost every box for a family SUV—but its poor fuel efficiency and lack of thoughtful design in some areas make it hard to recommend, especially with more efficient options now widely available.
Safety, options, look, snow
Gas mileage
I live in the snow belt and this car drove like a champ in the snow storm we just had. The safety features are top notch on this car it has prevented me from getting into accidents. I hope I’ll have this car 10+ years.
We have owned and driven our Ascent for 7 months and roughly 10k miles. Very pleased with the vehicle and really impressed with the turbo 4. I have read comments about fuel mileage and ours has ranged from a low of around 21 mpg and a high of 24.9. We live in rural so minimal city driving. On the interstate if you run 78 to 80 mph the best you will do is 22. I have noticed if you sit and idle for any extended period the fuel gauge drops quickly. Have never noticed this in other vehicles I have owned. The Ascent is very sturdy and quiet in my opinion. This sturdiness along with safety features makes me like this car better than any others that I have owned.
3 seats
Gas mileage, hood issues
I bought the 2023 Subaru ascent last summer because the window sticker said it for 26 mpg average. That is not the case, I get 13 in town and 18-20 highway depending on the direction of the wind. They have no explanation on why the gas mileage is so bad except to say that the EPA sets it and they have no say in it. . I have taken it back several times due to the hood jumping up and down on the highway , I was told they know they have a problem with the hood but will issue a recall. Their solution was to glue the lining on the inside of the hood. I have had the beauty rim off the fake front light on the front bottom just fall off. I have no idea when or where I lost it. I would avoid buying this car if I were looking at one.
some serious water damage from the dealer when he sold it to me, but I watched it out and it’s good as new!
Won’t last past 109k miles. 11k for rebuild side panels had to be replaced for rusting out. Front fog cover fell off and paint flaking on bumper. Bought it brand new.
Spacious love the black trim on Onyx edition
Does not do well on gas
I bought a 23 ascent it sucks in gas millage, first time out on highway left me stranded said still have 50 miles to empty and died. Had to call for assistance when they put gas its shows 110 miles to go only drove 34 to gas station then gas light came on still showing 50 miles to go! With all that being said this vehicle will not drive the miles it says. Filled tank it says 479 miles, was able to drive only 275 on one tank!!!! Waist of money worst buy dealer wont do anything since “there is nothing wrong” I heated that now I have a loan to pay but not a vehicle that I can enjoy
I am on my third transmission, luckily all under warranty. But as the vehicle warranty expires I don't know if Subaru will replace the fourth transmission or will it cost me $9500. If it does the car will be worthless.
