Subaru Ascent: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?
Most significant changes: A new, mid-level Onyx Edition trim level combines more aggressive black design details with adventure-friendly, water-repellent seats
Pricing: $33,420 to start, up $75 from 2021; other trim levels are also up $75, except the Onyx Edition, which is new for 2022
On sale: Now
Which should you buy, 2021 or 2022? Look for a deal on a close-out 2021 model for the four virtually unchanged trim levels. But if the new Onyx Edition’s rugged looks and easy-to-clean upholstery have appeal, you’ll want the 2022.
Subaru’s biggest family SUV, the three-row Ascent that debuted as a 2019 model, is nearly unchanged for 2022 beyond a new Onyx Edition trim level. The Onyx brings the total choices to five trims. Prices are up $75 each for the four carryover trims, even though their base prices are the same, thanks to an increase in the required destination fee to $1,125.
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The Onyx Edition slots into the middle of the Ascent lineup in price and overall features; it starts at $39,120 (all prices here include destination). The Onyx builds on the second-level Premium trim, and adds its own black exterior trim and 20-inch wheels. It’s available only in a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs and Subaru’s StarTex water-repellent upholstery. (Other trims have cloth or leather.) The Onyx also gets additional standard features over the Premium, adding a hands-free liftgate, reverse automatic braking, a heated steering wheel and keyless access with push-button start. The single available option package ($2,200) adds a panoramic moonroof and navigation.
2022 Ascent Pricing
The Ascent’s base trim level starts for 2022 at $33,420, and it comes again with only eight seats, including a second-row bench. The Premium and Limited trims (starting at $35,920 and $40,720, respectively) continue to offer eight seats or a seven-seat arrangement with second-row captain’s chairs. And the top-of-the-line Touring trim ($46,570) offers only the captain’s chairs; it’s nearly all-in on features, with no additional option packages. Pricing overall is competitive with rival three-row SUVs with all-wheel drive.
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Shop the 2022 Subaru Ascent near you
All Ascents have standard AWD and just one powertrain: a 260-horsepower, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. As in 2021, Subaru’s standard EyeSight suite of safety and driver assistance tech includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and hands-on lane centering.
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