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A 3-Row Is A Good SUV For Teens? U.S. News Says Subaru Ascent Is The Best

According to U.S. News, the 2022 Subaru Ascent 3-Row family hauler is the top midsize SUV pick for teen drivers. Check out two new features that make the 3-Row SUV the best choice.

Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV a good car for a teenager? According to a new report from U.S. News, the 2022 Subaru Ascent's great accident-avoidance technology and crash test ratings make it the top pick for your teen driver. The 2022 Best New Cars for Teens report says the Ascent ranks the best midsize SUV for teens in the $35,000 to $40,000 price range.

U.S. News also picked the 2022 Subaru Forester as the best new compact SUV for teens in the $30,000 to $35,000 price range. "The Subaru Forester's great accident-avoidance technology and crash test ratings make it a top option for your teenage driver," says U.S. News.

2022 Subaru Ascent best for teens
photo credit: Heritage Subaru

Features that set the Ascent 3-Row apart

All 2022 Subaru Ascent trim levels come standard with the automaker's new-generation EyeSight, which includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with complete stop, lane departure warning, lead vehicle start alert, rear vehicle detection, blind-spot detection, lane change assist, and a rear cross-traffic alert.

photo credit: Heritage Subaru Owings Mills

U.S. News says, "Safety and reliability are just one more strong point." The Ascent also earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award safety score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

2022 Subaru Ascent best for teens

How can the Ascent protect teen drivers?

It's easy for young drivers to become distracted while driving. EyeSight can detect an object or vehicle in front of the Ascent and bring the compact SUV to a complete stop. Without a driver to step on the brakes, the Ascent stops before hitting the car ahead. A vehicle without the driver assist EyeSight technology would slam into the car and could cause serious injury.

Two additional safety features for parents of teens

Subaru of America says, "All winners also have teen driver controls or smartphone apps that send parents alerts when the car goes over a set speed or is driven outside a set period of time or geographic area. These features allow parents to set limits for teen drivers and have an ongoing conversation with their teens about responsible driving habits."

What is the price of the 2022 Ascent with EyeSight?

The 2022 Subaru Ascent base starts at $33,970, and Premium trims begin at $36,470. The new Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $39,670. The upper Limited starts at $41,270, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $47,120. Pricing includes destination fees ($1,175).

U.S. News says the "2022 Subaru Ascent is a great option if you want to put your teen behind the wheel of a safe midsize SUV. There is plenty of space if they have lots of gear they want to haul around and enough seats to fit your whole family if you decide to take the wheel for a road trip."

You Might Also Like: New Ascent SUV Is The First Subaru To Ace Tougher IIHS Side Impact Testing

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: Subaru USA