2022 Subaru Ascent Adds Blacked-out Onyx Edition and Little Else
It’s been a long while since the Subaru Ascent last made headlines, but for 2022 the Japanese midsize crossover gets a subtle mid-cycle update in the form of a new Onyx Edition that slots between the Touring and Limited models.
The idea is pretty simple and follows one of the latest fashion trends in the auto industry: give the vehicle a dark look for extra character.
- Also: 2019 Subaru Ascent: Rising Slowly
- Also: 2021 Subaru Forester: Practical, But Stuck in the Middle
Basically, Subaru blacked out the 20-inch wheels, mirror caps, front grille and other exterior accents. Oh, and unique badging is included, as well.
Inside, the thing that separates this Ascent from the rest of the lineup is a new StarTex water-repellant material that makes the seats more durable and easier to clean.
Unlike the Outback wagon—and likely the Forester compact SUV, too—there’s no Wilderness model for customers who might consider taking their Ascent further off the beaten path. That’s a shame, especially when Ford is launching an adventure-ready Explorer Timberline at the same time.
As for the powertrain, the Subaru Ascent obviously continues with the same turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It’s not as potent as V6-equipped competitors, and the accompanying CVT doesn’t help with performance despite eight simulated gears.
The good news is that towing capacity is still rated at 5,000 pounds, while fuel consumption is pretty reasonable at a combined 10.4 L/100 km. In case you forgot, Subaru’s excellent symmetrical AWD system comes standard.
The 2022 Subaru Ascent will arrive in dealerships this summer. Canadian pricing has yet to be disclosed, but there should be no changes from the 2021 model (except for the Onyx Edition) based on the announcement made in the U.S.