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The 2022 Subaru Ascent has come under heavy fire lately from Consumer Reports, and they just put the family hauler on its ten least reliable cars list for 2022. Forbes now picks the much-criticized 2022 Ascent as one of the top ten 7-seater SUVs for 2022.
Forbes says the Ascent is number seven among the ten best 3-Row SUVs. They say that it offers the best passenger experience in all three rows and solid cargo-hauling ability, with family-friendly attributes like sticker price, fuel economy, active-safety features and road manners factored in as well.
Forbes 10 best 7-Passenger SUVs
Forbes ranks the Kia Telluride number one, followed by the Chevrolet Traverse, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Hyundai Palisade, Volkswagen Atlas, Ford Explorer, Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot, and Kia Sorento.
Why Forbes picked the 2022 Subaru Ascent
About the Ascent, Forbes says it's "Sensible, economical, and well-executed, the Ascent offers a family-fun-sized version of the best aspects of the Subaru brand. While occupant and cargo room are average and interior furnishings are hardly opulent, the Ascent's cabin is thoughtfully-equipped to the rear, with cupholders and connectivity galore. Its generous suite of active driver assists, including an adaptive cruise with lane centering, is standard on all trims, and for 2022 the Ascent earns the IIHS's coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating."
Ascent downside
Forbes says, "While its ride and handling are agreeable, the Ascent's main downside is its powertrain, which feels peppy enough at low speeds but struggles to motivate the heavy crossover on the highway."
Our take
We've driven the Ascent in the high altitude of Colorado and did not experience any problems even at 9000 feet in elevation. The 3-Row family hauler had plenty of power on the highway and handled a high mountain pass with no issues.
Forbes says, "The Ascent further distinguishes itself with its standard all-wheel-drive, an optional upgrade on most rivals, and its budget-friendly starting price of $33,970 with destination, which on this list is beaten only by the much smaller Kia Sorrento."
What is the price of the 2022 Ascent?
The 2022 Subaru Ascent base starts at $33,970, and Premium trims begin at $36,470. The new Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $39,670. The upper Limited starts at $41,270, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $47,120. Pricing includes destination fees ($1,175).
What is Ascent's fuel mileage?
The 2022 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA estimated 21/27 city/highway mpg and 23 combined mpg. Because they are slightly heavier, the Ascent Limited and Touring trim levels get an EPA estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg.
What type of gas does the Ascent SUV require?
The Ascent runs on regular unleaded fuel, so you don't need the higher mid-grade or premium fuel to get the best fuel mileage.
Does the Ascent have reliability problems?
The 2019 Subaru Ascent had more problems than any other model in the automaker's lineup. For the 2022 model year, the automaker has corrected the transmission and reliability issues in 2022 Ascent 3-Row SUVs. There have been no significant problems with the 2022 Subaru Ascent models, and it has zero recalls in 2022.
Should customers wait for the 2023 Ascent?
The 2023 Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV is scheduled to refresh and arrives in the second half of 2022 as a 2023 model. The family hauler will get a new front fascia outside (headlights, bumper, hexagon grille), unique interior upgrades with fabric changes inside, and a new exterior color. Reports not confirmed by Subaru say the Ascent could get a Wilderness trim level but would arrive after the 2023 model year. Stay tuned.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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