DecodedCars2022 Subaru Ascent
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Convenience 4dr SUV, Limited / Premier 4dr SUV, Touring 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 196.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,420–4,570 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2022 standard SUV (18.9 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints56 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 169 for similar models.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Subaru Ascent is a standard SUV offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,420 lb (Convenience 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 22% better than the 2022 standard SUV average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 56 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2022
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2021 Ascent — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Ascent →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience 4dr SUV | 196.9 in | 71.7 in | 76 in | 113.8 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,420 lb | 54/46 |
| Limited / Premier 4dr SUV | 196.9 in | 71.7 in | 76 in | 113.8 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,570 lb | 54/46 |
| Touring 4dr SUV | 196.9 in | 71.7 in | 76 in | 113.8 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,522 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascent | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +22% | $2,900 | 384 |
| Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +16% | $3,050 | 401 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru Ascent SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17% |
Similar 2022 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru Ascent (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2022 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | Not rated | 25 |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2022 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2022 Kia Sorento | 37 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
Recalls (2)
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jul 7, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V436000 · 541,237 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
- Risk
- An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash · Dec 8, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V907000 · 271,694 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
- Risk
- A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
Not every 2022 Subaru Ascent is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Subaru Ascent buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Power Train — 14 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 10 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 9 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 38,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Subaru Ascent. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Ascent years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Ascent | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Ascent | 22 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2025 Ascent | 22 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 15 |
| 2024 Ascent | 22 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 51 |
| 2023 Ascent | 22 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 45 |
| 2021 Ascent | 23 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 104 |
| 2020 Ascent | 23 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 324 |
| 2019 Ascent | 23 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 443 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →