2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent embraced the trend of blacking out exterior trim with its new Onyx Edition, which sat in the middle of the Ascent lineup. This edition featured blacked-out exterior elements, including badges and 20-inch aluminum wheels, giving the SUV a sporty appearance. The interior of the Onyx Edition was adorned with StarTex synthetic leather in a gray two-tone scheme, complemented by metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, which could be uncomfortable on hot days. Despite this, the Ascent's interior offered a pleasant ambiance, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban showcased a bold and imposing design, sharing its styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. The Suburban's tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels contributed to its supersized appearance. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, 22-inch wheels, and monochromatic black grille. Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin with a range of materials, from comfortable to luxurious, depending on the trim level. The RST trim featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, creating a sporty yet elegant interior. However, the predominantly black interior could feel a bit dark, despite the chrome sill plates and red stitching.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive as standard. The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, although testing showed an average of 20.5 mpg. The flat-four engine design contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance added to its off-roading capabilities. However, the lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance technologies could feel uncertain and unstable.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six. The 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The turbodiesel engine provided 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, while the 6.2-liter V8 offered effortless power and acceleration. The Suburban's towing capacity reached up to 8,300 pounds, making it a capable hauler. However, its size and mass could make maneuvering and parking challenging in tight spaces.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers, although the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and captain's chairs were available. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The panoramic sunroof reduced cargo space slightly.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, offering seating for up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was spacious enough for adults, and access was excellent. The Suburban boasted 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The power-sliding center console and hidden storage drawer added convenience. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and it might not fit in some garages due to its height.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. The Touring trim offered additional features like a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of technology features, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while the LT and above featured a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in. The Suburban offered wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot. The LS had a basic six-speaker audio system, while the LT featured a nine-speaker Bose system. The Premier and High Country trims offered a premium Bose CenterPoint system.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight's performance could be affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and front pedestrian braking. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning were added as standard features. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.