The New Subaru Ascent Family Hauler Year End And Is It Reliable?

Is the 2022 Subaru Ascent a good choice for 3-Row SUV shoppers? And more importantly, is the family hauler reliable? Subaru of America reported December and year-end sales results. The Ascent is down in sales, but it's not because of reliability problems; it's because of the microchip shortages and supply chain issues.

"2021 is now in the record books, and we know it could have been so much better had we not had to deal with the microchip shortage and the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Thomas J. Doll, President, and CEO of Subaru of America.

Even with the inventory challenges, Subaru delivered 6,088 2022 Ascent SUVs to customers, down 9.0 percent from December 2020. Subaru of America sold 59,980 Ascent models in 2021 compared with 67,623 in 2020, down 11.3 percent. The best-selling Forester was down 12.6 percent to finish 2021.

Is the Subaru Ascent reliable?

It's been well documented, and we have covered Ascent's bad marks from Consumer Reports for its reliability issues for the 2019 and 2020 model years. CR says the 2021 models' reliability is improving and doesn't show ratings for 2022 models.

The good news is, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) doesn't show any manufacturer recalls for the 2021 and 2022 model year Ascent models. The 2021 models show twenty-six customers complaints but no major engine or transmission problems. There are no investigations listed for the 2021 Ascent. There are communications from the manufacturer, and most are related to electrical system issues.

One issue for the 2019 and 2020 Ascent was the battery draining prematurely. When the tailgate was open for extended periods, the battery would drain and leave the driver stranded. You can read the complete report here.

Have the problems in the 2022 Subaru Ascent been fixed?

The NHTSA shows no recalls, zero complaints, and no manufacture communications for the 2022 model year Ascent. The 2022 Ascent 3-Row SUV arrived in the fall of 2021, and Consumer Reports says predicted owner satisfaction is 3/5, with 64 percent of owners saying they would "buy the vehicle again."

What sets the Ascent apart?

All 2022 Ascent trim levels come standard with the automaker's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, has 8.7-inches of ground clearance, X-Mode for severe weather and deep snow and mud, and gets the top safety scores.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent gets the highest Top Safety Pick+ score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and five stars from the NHTSA. All-new Subaru Ascent trim levels come standard with its EyeSight driver-assist safety technology.

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.

What is the Ascent fuel mileage?

The 2022 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA estimated 21/27 city/highway and 23 combined mpg. Because they are slightly heavier, the Ascent Limited and Touring trim levels get an EPA estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg.

Should customers buy the 2022 Subaru Ascent?

In more recent scoring, the 2021 Ascent improved and was picked as Consumer Reports 10 Best SUVs under $40,000 along with the smaller 2-Row Subaru Outback. Consumer Reports now scores the 2021 Ascent higher than the Lexus UX, Lexus NX, Ford Edge, and Audi Q3.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent had more problems than any other model in the automaker's lineup, but there have been no significant issues reported for the 2022 Subaru Ascent models. It appears like the automaker has corrected the transmission and most other matters in 2021 and 2022 Ascent 3-Row SUVs.

You Might Also Like: Cars With The Best And Worst Road Tests - New Subaru Ascent Stands Out

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.

Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru USA