The Subaru Ascent Needs A Lift - A New Wilderness Trim Makes Sense Now
Initial reports say the 2022 Outback Wilderness trim is a big hit, so why not an Ascent Wilderness sub-brand model? Our Subaru retailer source says they have 10 Outback Wilderness models already pre-sold before they even hit the retailer’s showroom. Every Wilderness model they have ordered or had come in is already sold.
The Subaru Wilderness is a new sub-brand and a halo trim for the Camden, N.J. automaker. Subaru of America (SOA) will also get a Forester Wilderness coming later this year and a next-generation 2023 Crosstrek Wilderness. But Subaru has no plans for an Ascent Wilderness yet.
photo credit: Colonial Subaru CT
Subaru announced June sales, and the Ascent 3-Row SUV dropped in sales again and has been on a slide for the first six months of 2021. SOA reported 5,192 Ascent sales in June compared with 6,079 models delivered in June 2020. The 2021 Ascent is down 9.6 percent for the year, while all other Subaru SUVs, Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek, are up for 2021.
The 2022 Subaru Ascent has been announced, and it gets no upgrades except for a new Onyx Edition trim level. The new blacked-out model will give the family hauler some help. But a new Wilderness trim for active customers would set the model apart from other 3-Row SUVs.
photo credit: Colonial Subaru CT
The Onyx Edition comes standard with reverse automatic braking, hands-free power rear gate, heated steering wheel, and keyless access with push-button start. A single option package is available for Onyx Edition ($2,200), including a panoramic moonroof, navigation, and retractable cargo cover.
What is the price of the 2022 Subaru 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 Limited trim starts at $40,720, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $46,570. Pricing includes destination fees. The 2022 Ascent should arrive this summer.
photo credit: Colonial Subaru CT
The 2022 Subaru Ascent 3-Row family hauler didn’t get a refresh and no upgrades other than the 2022 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition. The Subaru Ascent needs a lift, and a new Ascent Wilderness trim with 9.5-inches of ground clearance would be the lift it needs.
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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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Photo credit: main image Competition Subaru