Subaru Has Good And Bad News For New Ascent Shoppers

Should customers buy the 2022 Ascent or wait for the newly-upgraded 2023 models? The 2023 Subaru Ascent arrives this Fall, and the good news is when most Subaru models are not readily available, customers can still find some new 2022 3-Row family haulers on retailers' lots.

Subaru of America (SOA) reports that 2022 Ascent sales increased in August and are up through the first eight months of 2022, and it's due in part because Subaru has a small supply of the new Ascent family haulers.

SOA says they delivered 5,638 Ascent models to customers in August, an increase of 4.1 percent compared with August 2021 (5,418). And the Ascent is only one of three models in the lineup that are up in sales through the first eight months of the year. Ascent is up 5.7 percent, Crosstrek is up 11.3 percent, and Impreza increased 4.4 percent year-to-date in a challenging year when there are ongoing microchip shortages and supply chain issues.

Subaru of America increased sales by 1.5 percent thanks to the three Subaru models. "Subaru is pleased to have exceeded our August 2021 sales results and recorded our best monthly result thus far in 2022, despite ongoing supply chain challenges," said Jeff Walters, Senior Vice President of Sales.

Why are families choosing the Ascent?

All Ascent trim levels offer Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, 8.7-inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode for improved off-pavement, snow and mud, and dirt road capability. Ascent also gets the highest Top Safety Pick+ crash scores from the IIHS and is fuel efficient.

Does the Subaru Ascent offer seating for eight?

The Touring and Onyx Edition trim levels are limited to 7-seat configurations and come with Captains Chairs. Seating for eight is available in the base model with the 2022 Subaru Ascent. The 2022 Ascent Premium and Limited are available with either 7- or 8-passenger seating.

What is the price of the 2022 Ascent?

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 trim level starts at $41,270, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $47,120. Pricing includes destination fees ($1,175).

Should customers wait for the 2023 Ascent?

Customers in the U.S. who wait will get the newly-upgraded 2023 Ascent 3-Row SUV. The 2023 Ascent receives a refresh with new features and upgrades. Ascent gets contemporary exterior styling, new safety tech, and new technology upgrades inside. The Onyx Edition also gets further improvements. But prices have increased on all trim levels.

The bad news is; that there is a significant price increase for the 2023 Ascent. The Base trim gets a $1,150 price increase, Premium +$2,710, Onyx Edition +$2,850, Limited +$1,550, and Touring +$2,300.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent base starts at $35,120, and Premium trims begin at $39,180. The Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $42,520, the upper Limited starts at $42,820, the new Ascent Onyx Edition Limited is priced at $47,520, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $49,420. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

When will the 2023 Ascent be available?

The new 2023 Subaru Ascent is expected to arrive in Subaru showrooms this Fall. Subaru has not opened up orders for the 2023 models but should shortly. Customers may still find some 2022 Ascent models available before the 2023 Ascent arrives with a price increase.

You Might Also Like: The 2023 Subaru Ascent Gets New Upgrades, a Significant Price Increase, and a New Trim Level

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