2022 Subaru Ascent Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

KJ on September 13, 2024

This is an update to my October 14, 2022 review regarding brake issues on the 2022 Ascent Touring I once owned, but was purchased back by Subaru after the vehicle qualified as a “lemon”, under the Lemon Law. As mentioned in my previous review I had taken this vehicle to my local Subaru dealer because the front brakes made squealing sounds when braking. After repeated complaints to Subaru corporate they insisted nothing was wrong with the brakes. Well just the other day I received a notice in the mail from Subaru that due to brake problems they were extending the brake warranty on 2019-2024 Ascents. REALLY? I laughed when I received this notice. It took me countless hours of fighting Subaru AND my dealership to point out that there was a brake issue, even though both claimed nothing was wrong. It took me months to resolve this dispute after I contacted my state’s Attorney General’s office. Anyone reading this can fight and win when they know something isn’t right with their vehicle. It’s an uphill battle but in the end it’s worth the fight.

Gary on August 18, 2024

Purchase our Ascent June of 2022 ,love the vehicle it now has little over 44,000 miles on it put new tires on at 29,000 not because of wear but for long trips,brakes are still in great shape at last inspection,we are retired but travel with our dog companion,this car has traveled to New Mexico across to Florida and to Florida every winter and also to Maine and the comfort is just fantastic and our overall gas mileage is twenty five MPG and yes when and if we need to trade it will be another Subaru!

AD2677 on April 23, 2024

We just traded our 2019 Ascent Touring, 52K miles (purchased used with 18K miles, and about 18 months old). We had no issues with the SUV. The turbo is just powerful enough to not worry about the power when needed. Interior held up very well to all the passengers, cargo, and 2 basset hounds as well. We're already sad and looking to get another one (we had downsized to Outback, but miss the big brute for many reasons, one of which is its interior space). I see some negative reviews here with brakes and other recall items, but somehow, we didn't experience either of those. Like I said, we're looking for another one, in hindsight we should've kept it. The only gripe I have is the poor tire choice by the Subaru, the original tires didn't last beyond 25k miles, replaced them with Continental tires and those should last the next owner for a while (originals were rated at 35k miles). Will update this post once we find a new one.

Kristopher on January 23, 2024

My Ascent is a very attractive and solidly built vehicle that feels much more expensive than it is: until you start the engine. The engine is under powered, noisy and idles rough, especially when in gear. The transmission’s performance is cringe-worthy at best. The entire powertrain just feels unrefined. Fuel economy is worse than some larger SUV’s.

Russ on February 23, 2023

I'm still driving the 2019 Ascent with 56k miles. Other than a few recalls handled quickly, no issues whatsoever. Dependable, quiet, performance, comfort. I just had a loaner of the 2023 Ascent Touring model and I was amazed at the improvements. While I am keeping and love my 2019, the 2023 has improved handling, quieter, the transmission is certainly smoother and a solid and comfortable ride. Perhaps it has to due with the Touring model. I am not certain. I find my Subaru dealer to be honest, supportive and with an educated staff. This Ascent is large, which I enjoy immensely and without any family. The fit and finish is outstanding and the dash is quality components. No cheap plastic knobs or low grade materials. I would encourage you to test drive one today.

Hillary on January 17, 2023

There are so many things I love about this car. The seat extender on driver's side was what tipped me for purchase. Long legs can rest. The interior is beautiful and comfortable. Sound system excellent. Drives like a dream in winter, and very smooth otherwise. Cargo space with the third row down in fabulous. Love the app for remote start. No problems so far. What I wish were better: the transmission is horrible. Jumpy and hyper-responsive when you want smooth, lags and chokes when you want power. The car is too big for the engine, could really use a V-6. Some of the features like auto headlights (brights to dim) are a train wreck. I'm happy with the vehicle, but will likely trade it when feasible.

Depressed Subaru owner on October 26, 2022

I have a 2022 ascent that does not get the mileage on the window sticker. Like others the dealership says nothing wrong. Drive it for 5000 miles so that it becomes familiar with my ‘driving habits’. I opened a case with corporate and like others they said to work with the dealership. I do have an email from the Wallace Subaru in Johnson city TN asked me if I wanted a car like the one I had or a different one…to replace my lemon. Then they ghosted me after corporate’s response. My car has 3300 miles and there is no improvement. While I wait to get to 5000 miles I am getting a lawyer. Do not buy a Subaru and do not purchase from Wallace Imports in northeast TN which is Johnson City and Bristol.

KJ on October 14, 2022

This review is a follow-up to my review several months ago titled “Brake Issues”. My Ascent now has nearly 2000 miles after five months of ownership. My Ascent continues to have brake noises. When gradually stopping/braking the vehicle I often hear a squealing sound. This has occurred almost since day one of ownership.. My local Subaru dealership has investigated this matter several times and claims nothing is wrong. I contacted Subaru Corporate and they tell me to contact the dealership. No one is taking responsibility regarding the brake issue. Subaru Corp. is ignoring my concerns by prematurely closing out my complaint case. In turn I feel Subarus are an inferior product and Subaru Corp. isn’t concerned about my satisfaction. I have filed a complaint with the NHTSA. All of this is unfortunate since I was initially happy with my Ascent and would have recommended purchasing one. However until Subaru figures out if there is an engineering defect with the brakes at this time I highly recommend not buying an Ascent, or any Subaru product.

KJ on August 19, 2022

This review is a follow-up to my review several months ago titled “Recently purchased Ascent Touring model”. My Ascent now has 1300 miles after three months of ownership. Overall the car has met my expectations with one huge disappointment, namely the brakes. From almost day one the brakes started making a vibrating/squealing sound when braking at slight declines. The Subaru dealership has investigated this matter several times and claims nothing is wrong. I contacted Subaru Corporate and they tell me to contact the dealership. Never have I owned a new vehicle that makes such brake sounds. Now I am to speak with a district service manager to see what the next step is. All of this is unfortunate since I was happy with my Ascent and would have recommended purchasing one. However until Subaru figures out if there is an engineering defect with the brakes at this time I recommend not buying an Ascent.

KGH on August 13, 2022

It's a nice SUV, comfortable, quiet, smooth, fuel economy is not good at all, I have less than 1000 miles on it but only averaging around 15MPG in combined driving, although it does show good economy on the highway, just drops way off in stop and go. I do like the vehicle, just wish it was a little more economic with fuel.