New Subaru Ascent Is Now Off The SUVs To Avoid List - Are 2022 Models Reliable?

The 2022 Subaru Ascent models arrive now but is it a reliable midsize SUV? A new report from Consumer Reports (by subscription) lists popular midsize SUVs to avoid, and the Subaru Ascent is not on the list. The Ascent 3-Row family hauler was on the ten least reliable cars list last year. What changed from last year?

Consumer Reports says you should avoid the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer and the 2021 Ford Explorer. Both are singled out for below-average predicted reliability, which hurts their overall score.

The Subaru Ascent received low marks for the first year of production in 2019, and the below-average predicted reliability rating carried over to the 2020 model year. The all-new Ascent initially had transmission issues that Toque News documented in a report you can read here.

The NHTSA and Subaru of America issued a recall for the 2019 Ascent, and dealers reprogramed the transmission control unit. Subaru replaced the hydraulic sensor harness on vehicles with specific stored diagnostic trouble codes. In addition, Ascent vehicle's confirmed to have experienced low drive chain tension, had the transmission assembly replaced. All repairs were performed free of charge to customers.

How is the 2022 Subaru Ascent ranked?

In the midsize 3-Row SUV segment in Consumer Reports testing, the 2021 Subaru Ascent still gets an overall score of 60 due to its transmission issues in 2019 models. The 2021 Ascent ranks number 9 of 15 in its segment, the middle of the pack. CR has not rated the 2022 Ascent models yet.

Should you buy the 2022 Subaru Ascent?

In more recent scoring, the 2021 Ascent improved and was picked as Consumer Reports 10 Best SUVs under $40,000 along with the smaller 2-Row Subaru Outback. Consumer Reports scores the 2021 Ascent higher than the Lexus UX, Lexus NX, Ford Edge, and Audi Q3.

Four advantages the Ascent has over other 3-Row SUVs

1. The Ascent family hauler has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with as much power (260 horsepower) as the 3-Row competitor's V6 powerplants. Fuel mileage comes in at 21/27 city/highway mpg and 23 combined.

2. The 2022 Ascent also has a superior safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS gives the 2021 Ascent a Top Safety Pick Plus award, better than 2020 models because of its improved headlights.

3. An overlooked advantage the Ascent has over other SUVs is its ground clearance (8.7-inches). It's best-in-class among 3-Row SUVs. This is an advantage for active families who use their all-wheel-drive SUV for off-pavement adventures.

4. All trims come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, and all trims feature X-Mode for improved all-weather performance in mud, snow, and more severe conditions.

What is the price of the 2022 Ascent?

The 2022 Subaru Ascent base starts at $33,420, and Premium trims begin at $35,920. The new Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $39,120. The upper Limited starts at $40,720, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $46,570. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees.

Subaru offers a new 2022 Ascent online configurator

The 2022 Subaru Ascent arrives now, and Subaru of America offers an online tool for customers to build their vehicles here. The all-new 2022 Ascent Onyx Edition is included in the new configurator tool.

The 2022 Ascent arrives with few changes other than the Onyx Edition trim level. The newer 2021 Ascent models have had zero recalls, and it appears Subaru has fixed the Ascent's automatic transmission issues.

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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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