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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.4L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 21 / 27 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,950 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 384 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $35,621–$46,807 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2022 Subaru Ascent earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Technology at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.9/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $35,621–$46,807, 23 MPG, seating 8, the Subaru Ascent sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.8/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2022 Subaru Ascent as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in technology are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2022 Subaru Ascent ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $35,621 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2019 Subaru Ascent scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.6 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $39,031 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $39,031 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $37,895 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $36,758 | Read review → |
| 2022 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $35,621 | |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $34,484 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $33,347 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $32,210 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Electrical system / Wiring / Interior/under dash 08/12/2022 · 22V907000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the… |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.