2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of what many considered a station wagon, inching closer to the ruggedness of a Jeep. This model featured 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a 0.8-inch increase over other Outbacks, and all-terrain tires encased in substantial fender trims. The bumpers were redesigned to offer improved approach and departure angles, giving it a rugged, off-road appeal.

A distinctive grille design, black 17-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trims with Anodized Copper accents, and a glare-reducing matte black hood decal all added to the Outback Wilderness's rugged charm. The roof rack with a 700-pound static load capacity and exclusive Geyser Blue paint further set it apart.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness offered a dark gray and black color scheme. The StarTex water-repellant upholstery, while practical, did lack the luxury touch of real leather. Anodized Copper stitching and accents, brushed aluminum pedals, and a standard all-weather floor mat completed the interior aesthetics. Collectively, these features injected character and purpose into the Outback's styling, making it a compelling choice for adventurous spirits.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent, particularly in its Onyx Edition, embraced the blacked-out aesthetic that had become a popular trend. This trim added blacked-out exterior trims and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, and a unique grille design paired with water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats. Though this Onyx Edition retailed at $37,995 plus destination charges, it came with an optional $2,000 package for a panoramic moonroof and a navigation system, among other features.

Inside, the gray two-tone StarTex upholstery was designed for durability but had practical downsides in hot weather. The metallic trims on the dashboard and door panels provided a modern touch but did little to offset the rather utilitarian nature of the interior materials. Overall, the blacked-out exterior and unique design elements lent the Ascent Onyx Edition a sporty and youthful appearance, catering to a different set of consumer preferences.

Under the hood, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness packed a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that churned out 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. With a curb weight of 3,896 pounds, this engine provided ample power, translating to a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. However, the Outback Wilderness disappointed slightly in fuel efficiency, averaging 21.3 mpg in everyday driving, less than the EPA estimate of 24 mpg.

The Outback Wilderness’s 9.5 inches of ground clearance paired well with its Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, which shone off-road. Yet, these tires compromised performance on paved roads, curbing agility and whipping around corners. The continuous variable transmission (CVT), while efficient, lagged in engaging performance, leaving enthusiasts yearning for a dual-clutch automatic transmission. This characteristic was more glaring during maximum acceleration, where the CVT’s droning became apparent.

Off-road, however, was where the Outback Wilderness excelled. It navigated steep ascents and descents with ease, leveraging its dual function X-Mode traction system with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. The vehicle also featured superior approach, breakover, and departure angles, making it the go-to for traversing rugged terrains.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent shared the same turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering identical horsepower and torque figures. It also came standard with a CVT and all-wheel drive, achieving an average of 20.5 mpg in mixed driving conditions. The Ascent's CVT stood out for its refined performance, optimizing engine revs and ensuring a quieter ride, with an impressive towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The Ascent's standard X-Mode off-road traction system offered drivers multiple settings to match the driving conditions, complemented by 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This allowed it to handle off-road situations well, though less aggressively than the Outback Wilderness.

In urban settings, the Ascent felt nimble and responsive, thanks to its quick acceleration, absorbent suspension, and excellent visibility. However, sharp braking needs often led to over-response, a minor but noticeable quirk. On highways and in mountainous terrains, its compliant suspension and nimble maneuverability ensured a smooth ride, although extended enthusiasm in driving led to brake heating and eventual fade. Lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance technologies were beneficial yet sometimes intrusive, requiring the driver to override for a more stable driving experience.

Inside the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, Subaru prioritized functionality with StarTex water-repellant upholstery in dark gray. Such material was practical but less comfortable in hot weather, as sweat tended to pool against the body. The 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 8-way adjustable front passenger seat provided ample comfort, while heated seats mitigated cold-weather discomfort.

Rear seating offered generous space for two adults or three children, complete with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The waterproof rear seatbacks and cargo tray showcased the Wilderness's durable design. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 75.7 cubic feet when folded flat, making it highly versatile for various cargo setups. Additionally, the robust roof rack with a 220-pound dynamic load capacity proved essential for any adventurous outing.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, seating up to eight passengers, did not compromise on practicality either. With its second-row bench seat, the Ascent provided a spacious cabin, although the third row was best reserved for children. The driving position was adjustable and comfortable, ensuring good visibility and control.

The Ascent's cabin was clearly designed for convenience in cold climates, featuring triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easily accessible, thanks to wide rear doors, and the option for captain’s chairs added an extra level of luxury. A panoramic sunroof and rear-side window shades were available on select trims, enhancing the overall comfort for passengers.

Cargo capacity in the Ascent was slightly less spacious than in the Outback. It offered 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and expanded to 47.5 cubic feet with the second row folded, maxing out at 86.5 cubic feet with both rows down. However, versions with the panoramic sunroof slightly reduced this cargo space.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness boasted a dominant 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system. It included physical knobs for essential functions like stereo volume and temperature control but relied heavily on the screen for other controls. The voice recognition technology could have been more intuitive, often requiring specific prompts. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility served to somewhat mitigate this shortfall.

Subaru’s lack of a premium sound system option for the Outback Wilderness was puzzling, as higher trims offered a 12-speaker Harman Kardon setup. Yet, the Outback Wilderness included a handy PIN code entry system, allowing secure vehicle access without a key fob, which was a boon for active lifestyles.

Technology in the 2022 Subaru Ascent varied with trim levels. The base model came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and even an old-school CD player. Upgrading to the Premium trim brought an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting.

The technology was somewhat dated compared to Subaru’s latest systems, but its ease of use benefitted from physical climate control buttons separate from the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology lagged in responsiveness and required specific command phrasing, making it less user-friendly.

Onyx Edition models stuck with the standard stereo, which was functional but unremarkable. Only the Touring trim offered additional tech features like a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front camera, showcasing a mix of basic and advanced options that catered to varying consumer preferences.

Safety was a top priority for the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. It came equipped with the EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), powered by dual cameras, and included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. Steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system enhanced safety further, though the DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology was missing from this trim.

The EyeSight system proved effective, maintaining safe distances and keeping the vehicle well-centered. Crash-test results were not available for the 2022 model, but the 2021 standard Outback had earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, indicating a strong safety pedigree.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent matched the Outback with its impressive safety credentials, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and a 5-star rating in all NHTSA evaluations except rollover resistance. It also featured the EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology.

However, EyeSight in the Ascent did suffer two noticeable flaws. It was intermittently effective in low, direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering lacked refinement, creating an unsettled driving sensation. Yet, its ability to resume speed quickly and provide status reports without a head-up display were notable positives. Additional safety features included steering-responsive LED headlights and automatic high-beam assist, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert required at least the Premium trim.