2022 Subaru Ascent: Premium Vs. Limited Trim Showdown

Hey guys, if you're in the market for a family-hauler like the 2022 Subaru Ascent, you've probably been scratching your head trying to figure out the differences between the trims. Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium vs. Limited to help you make the best choice for your crew and your wallet. Both are fantastic options, offering Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a whole lot of versatility, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets. Let's break it down!

Understanding the Ascent's Core Strengths

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the Premium and Limited trims, it's crucial to understand what makes the Subaru Ascent a compelling choice in the three-row SUV segment. For families needing space, safety, and capability, the Ascent checks all the boxes. Subaru is renowned for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which is a massive plus, especially if you live in an area with unpredictable weather or enjoy venturing off the beaten path occasionally. This system provides excellent traction and stability, giving you peace of mind no matter the road conditions. Under the hood, you'll find a robust 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine that delivers a peppy 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that's tuned for both efficiency and responsiveness. It’s not going to win any drag races, but it provides more than enough power for daily driving, highway cruising, and even towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is pretty darn good for its class. The Ascent also boasts a comfortable and quiet cabin, with ample seating for up to eight passengers (seven with second-row captain's chairs, which are an option on these trims). The cargo space is generous, too, making it easy to haul groceries, sports equipment, or luggage for those family road trips. And of course, being a Subaru, safety is paramount. The Ascent comes loaded with advanced safety features, especially with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. So, whether you're looking at the Premium or Limited, you're already starting with a solid foundation of capability, comfort, and safety that's hard to beat.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium: Value and Practicality

First up, let's talk about the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium. This trim is all about offering a great balance of features and value, making it a top pick for budget-conscious families who still want a well-equipped SUV. When you choose the Premium trim, you're getting a fantastic starting point with plenty of creature comforts and essential tech. You still get that same excellent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, along with the 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine. Inside, the Premium trim comes standard with seating for up to eight passengers, upholstered in a durable cloth material that's perfect for everyday wear and tear. You'll find a user-friendly 8-inch SUBARU STARLINK touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, so you can easily connect your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls. For added convenience, the Premium trim also includes tri-zone automatic climate control, ensuring everyone in the car stays comfortable, no matter their preference. Keyless access with push-button start is standard, which is a nice touch that adds a bit of modern flair. When it comes to safety, the Premium trim doesn't skimp. It includes Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite as standard, which is a huge selling point. This means you get adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure and sway warning, and lead vehicle start alert. You also get steering-responsive fog lights and automatic high beams. Furthermore, the Premium trim comes with a decent amount of cargo space, with plenty of room for groceries, gear, and luggage. The second-row seats can slide and recline, offering flexibility for passengers and cargo. For those who need it, the Premium trim is also available with the optional panoramic moonroof and the second-row captain's chairs, which can make it a seven-seater instead of an eight-seater, offering a bit more comfort and space for those in the second row. It’s a really well-rounded package that delivers a lot of what families need without breaking the bank. You get the core Subaru experience – AWD, safety, and a comfortable ride – with just the right amount of modern amenities to keep everyone happy on those long drives.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited: Premium Features and Refinement

Now, let's move up to the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited. As the name suggests, this trim level dials up the luxury and convenience, offering a more refined experience for those who want a bit more from their family SUV. The Limited trim builds upon the Premium's solid foundation and adds a host of upscale features that enhance comfort, technology, and aesthetics. One of the most noticeable upgrades is the seating. The Limited comes standard with leather-trimmed upholstery, which instantly elevates the interior feel. The front seats are not only heated but also power-adjustable – a driver's seat with 8-way power adjustment and a front-passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment. This means finding that perfect driving position is a breeze, and you can say goodbye to manual seat adjustments. The second-row passengers also get to enjoy heated seats, which is a fantastic feature for colder climates or just for adding a touch of everyday luxury. In addition to the features found on the Premium, the Limited trim adds a larger 8-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Navigation system, which includes voice-activated TomTom navigation. So, if you're prone to losing signal or just prefer a dedicated navigation system, this is a great upgrade. The steering wheel is also wrapped in leather, contributing to that more premium feel. For convenience, the Limited trim also includes a power rear gate, making it easier to load and unload cargo, especially when your hands are full. You’ll also find a second-row remote climate control system, giving those in the back more control over their environment. The exterior also gets some subtle but stylish enhancements, such as black or silver finish roof rails (depending on the specific configuration) and body-color door handles. The Limited trim also comes standard with the panoramic moonroof and the second-row captain's chairs, ensuring you get the seven-seater configuration with that extra bit of space and ease of access to the third row. For added safety and visibility, the Limited trim includes Reverse Automatic Braking and a Smart Rearview Mirror. The overall impression of the Limited is one of enhanced comfort, convenience, and a touch of sophistication. It’s the trim for those who appreciate the finer details and are willing to invest a bit more for a more premium driving experience.

Key Differentiators: What Sets Them Apart?

Alright guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and highlight the key differences between the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium and Limited. While both offer the same powertrain and AWD system, the distinction really lies in the comfort, convenience, and tech features. The most significant upgrades you'll find in the Limited over the Premium are the leather-trimmed upholstery, heated second-row seats, and the power-adjustable front seats. If you value a more luxurious interior and enhanced comfort for all passengers, the Limited clearly has the edge. Another major differentiator is the navigation system. The Limited comes standard with the integrated navigation system, whereas on the Premium, it's an optional upgrade. For many, having built-in navigation is a must-have for longer trips or areas with spotty cell service. The power rear gate on the Limited is another convenience feature that the Premium lacks as standard. This might seem like a small thing, but it can be a lifesaver when you're juggling groceries and trying to open the trunk. Additionally, the panoramic moonroof is standard on the Limited, while it's an option on the Premium. If you love an open, airy cabin, this is something to consider. Lastly, while both have excellent safety suites, the Limited adds Reverse Automatic Braking, which can be a valuable aid in preventing low-speed collisions when backing up. So, to sum it up: Premium is the value champion, offering all the essentials and Subaru's core strengths. Limited adds that extra layer of luxury, convenience, and integrated tech that many people desire in a family SUV.

Pricing and Value Proposition

When it comes to deciding between the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium and Limited, price is inevitably a major factor. The Premium trim is designed to offer a strong value proposition, making it an excellent choice for those who want a feature-rich SUV without the premium price tag. It comes with all the essential Subaru goodness – AWD, EyeSight safety tech, and a comfortable ride – plus a solid infotainment system and tri-zone climate control. For most families, the Premium trim provides everything they truly need for daily life and weekend adventures. The Limited, on the other hand, sits a step above in terms of price, reflecting the addition of those upscale features we discussed: leather seats, heated second-row, power driver's seat, integrated navigation, power liftgate, and the panoramic moonroof. The price difference between the Premium and Limited is where you have to weigh the cost against the added benefits. Is the added luxury and convenience worth the extra investment for your family? If your budget is tight, the Premium might be the smarter financial move, allowing you to enjoy the core Ascent experience with significant savings. However, if you plan on keeping the vehicle for a long time and appreciate those premium touches, the Limited can offer a more satisfying ownership experience and potentially better resale value due to its higher feature content. It's all about finding that sweet spot that aligns with your priorities and your budget. Don't forget to factor in potential options and packages, as those can slightly alter the final price for either trim. Ultimately, both trims represent good value within their respective price points, but the Limited offers a more premium experience for a higher cost.

Which One is Right for You?

So, the million-dollar question: which 2022 Subaru Ascent trim is right for you, the Premium or the Limited? It really boils down to your personal preferences, your budget, and what you prioritize in a family SUV. If you're looking for the best bang for your buck, and you're perfectly happy with comfortable cloth seats, a great standard infotainment system, and all the core Subaru safety and capability features, then the 2022 Subaru Ascent Premium is likely your winner. It’s a smart, practical choice that delivers exceptional value and meets the needs of most families with flying colors. You’re not missing out on the fundamental SUV experience. However, if you crave a more luxurious interior, enjoy the convenience of leather seats, heated second-row seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and appreciate having integrated navigation and a power liftgate as standard, then the 2022 Subaru Ascent Limited will undoubtedly provide a more elevated and satisfying ownership experience. Think of it as treating yourself and your passengers to a bit more comfort and convenience on every journey. Consider how often you'll use those extra features. Do you frequently drive with passengers who would appreciate heated second-row seats? Is navigating with a built-in system a priority over using your phone? The answers to these questions will guide you. Both are fantastic vehicles, and Subaru has done a great job of making each trim compelling in its own right. Test drive both if you can! Feeling the difference in the seats and experiencing the added tech firsthand will make your decision much clearer. Happy car hunting, guys!