When you're shopping for a three-row family hauler, the top-tier trim often demands a hard look at the ledger. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring sits at the absolute peak of Subaru's midsize lineup, commanding an MSRP starting around $45,945. It promises luxury appointments, standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, and the brand's signature focus on safety. But stepping up to this flagship model means crossing into territory crowded with established competitors. Let's look at whether the highest trim level justifies its cost or if you're better off saving a few thousand dollars on a lower grade.
The short answer is that the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring delivers genuine utility and upscale comfort, but its value proposition depends heavily on whether you actually want its exclusive cosmetic upgrades. It packs a punchy 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, standard driver-assist tech, and an impressively roomy cabin, though it shares the same core powertrain as models costing thousands less. If you need a capable all-weather cruiser with premium leather and a panoramic sunroof, it's worth a serious look. If you just need seating for eight, lower trims handle that job just fine.
Powertrain and Performance Reality
Underneath every 2022 Ascent sits a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer 4-cylinder engine pumping out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), this setup moves the 4,603-pound SUV with surprising urgency.
You won't mistake it for a sports car, but the turbo spool gives you usable low-end grunt for highway merging and passing. Fuel economy sits at an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. In real-world driving, expect numbers close to that if you keep a light foot, though heavy city traffic will drag your average down closer to 18 mpg.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds, which easily handles small camping trailers or boat setups.
- Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches, giving you extra peace of mind during heavy winter snow or on rough gravel trailheads.
- All-Weather Grip: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive paired with X-Mode and Hill Descent Control provides reliable traction when slick conditions take over.
Interior Luxury and Cabin Packaging
The Touring trim separates itself from the rest of the lineup through exclusive interior appointments. You get Java Brown or Slate Black perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a smart rear-view mirror that turns into a digital display if cargo blocks your window, and ambient cabin lighting.
Seating is strictly capped at seven passengers in the Touring because it trades the second-row bench for captain's chairs. Passengers in the first two rows enjoy generous head and legroom, while the third row works best for kids or shorter trips for adults. Cargo capacity measures 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded flat.
Where the Touring Trim Falls Short
Even as the flagship model, the Ascent Touring carries a few quirks that might frustrate buyers at this price point.
The infotainment system relies on an 8-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink software. While functional and equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the screen looks small compared to the massive digital dashboards found in newer rivals like the Kia Telluride.
Furthermore, the CVT can drone under heavy acceleration. While Subaru programmed simulated gear shifts to mimic a traditional automatic, you'll still notice that characteristic elastic feel when you mash the throttle to climb steep grades.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
Shoppers often approach a top-tier trim expecting an entirely different driving experience than the base model. Avoid these common missteps:
- Paying for unneeded luxury: If you rarely use ventilated seats, panoramic sunroofs, or premium Harman Kardon audio, buy the Limited or Premium trim and pocket the difference.
- Ignoring the seating constraint: The Touring forces captain's chairs on you. If you desperately need an eight-passenger layout, you have to look at lower trims.
- Overestimating third-row space: While the Ascent is large, adults will complain on long road trips in the rearmost seats. Test-fit your tallest family members before signing paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring have a V6 engine?
No. Subaru uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine across the entire Ascent lineup. It delivers power comparable to a V6 with 260 horsepower, but it relies on a four-cylinder architecture to maximize efficiency.
What is the main difference between the Limited and Touring trims?
The Touring adds exclusive styling cues like chrome exterior accents, satin-finished power-folding mirrors, Java Brown leather options, a front-view camera system, a digital rearview mirror, and ventilated front seats that aren't standard on the Limited.
Is regular or premium fuel required?
Subaru engineered this turbocharged engine to run on regular 87-octane gasoline, which helps save money at the pump compared to luxury competitors that demand premium fuel.
How safe is the 2022 Ascent Touring?
It comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. It consistently earns top safety marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
