2022 Subaru Ascent vs. 2022 Subaru Forester Comparison

The 2022 Subaru Ascent and 2022 Subaru Forester are a pair of SUVs from the brand’s lineup that offer plenty of bells and whistles. Here’s how they compare.

2022 Subaru Ascent

2022 Subaru Ascent Starting Price: $32,295 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: AWD standard; tons of standard features; big cargo hold; good driver-assistance tech

Below Average: Third row is tight; no hybrid or V6 options

Consensus: The 2022 Ascent is an appealing 3-row family SUV from Subaru. It is basically the same as the 2021 model, but there’s a new Onyx Edition that gets unique looks inside and out with blacked-out exterior trim, special wheels, and other features.

2022 Subaru Forester

2022 Subaru Forester Starting Price: $25,195 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Reassuring safety scores; spacious for the class; lots of standard equipment.

Below Average: No hybrid offered; CVT transmission; 1,500-pound tow rating is unremarkable.

Consensus: The 2022 Subaru Forester gets a slightly refreshed look and a new Wilderness off-road-oriented trim. We’ve given our 5-Year Cost to Own award for compact SUVs to the Subaru Forester five years in a row, the most recent being 2021.

Ascent vs Forester: Same Mission, Different Size

Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent is a family-friendly SUV available with up to 8 seats, but it retains the Subaru charm and capability associated with the brand. The Ascent boasts a roomy interior with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, and standard all-wheel drive.

Ascent comes with a strong roster of safety tech that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, steering-responsive LED headlights with automatic high beams, and much more. The Subaru Ascent is one of the more rugged options in 3-row midsize SUVs, thanks to standard all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance, and pretty good off-road capabilities.

On the road, the Ascent can feel like a smaller vehicle and it’s roomy and comfortable in the first two rows. The third row, however, is really only suitable for kids. The cargo space is relatively generous and the acceleration is adequate, but if you’re looking for a lot of excitement from a 3-row SUV, the Ascent doesn’t offer it. We do wish there was a sportier option like Subaru offers on the Outback trim.

There are four trims above the base model, including the new Onyx version, with blacked-out trim, special wheels, and StarTex water-repellent upholstery. The Touring is the top trim, which pushes the Ascent into luxury territory. It comes with navigation, Harman Kardon 14-speaker premium audio, a panoramic moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, a camera mirror, a front-view camera, and a choice of leather on the interior.

Subaru Forester

The 2022 Subaru Forester isn’t just any 2-row/5-passenger compact SUV — it’s an award winner. In a vibrant, popular, and hotly contested class that includes the excellent Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Subaru Forester is a multiple recipient of the Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own title.

A restyled front end with new headlights and a new front bumper differentiates the 2022 Forester from last year’s model. Not that it really matters — the Forester is already a hot-selling Subaru, appealing to a certain section of automotive buyers who are willing to ignore any aesthetic shortcomings and concentrate instead on the vehicle’s many positive and tangible traits.

The new Forester Wilderness variant debuts this year with slightly more ground clearance compared with a regular Forester: 9.2 inches vs. 8.7. It also wears all-terrain tires to better cope with any off-road adventures its owners will embark upon.

Automatic Emergency Steering is a new driver assistance feature this year. Working at speeds up to 50 mph, it helps with evasive steering maneuvers. The system is optional in Premium trim and standard above.

One of our favorite features of the Forester is the large cargo opening. This is an aspect that’s easily overlooked until there’s a big item to stow in the cargo area. Golf bags don’t need tilting to slide in sideways. This aperture, 51.3 inches wide, has a 6-inch advantage over the nearest rival.

Similarities

Standard all-wheel drive; good ground clearance for off-roading; NHTSA 5-Star safety.

Subaru Ascent Advantages

Standard AWD; seating for up to eight passengers.

Subaru Forester Advantages

More ground clearance in the Wilderness edition; smaller turning radius.

Which One Is Right for Me?

If you have a growing family or need room for up to eight passengers (at least three of which are little kids), the 2022 Subaru Ascent could be the right fit for you.

The 2022 Subaru Forester comes in a smaller, nimbler package with off-road agility. The new Wilderness model’s greater ground clearance may justify its lack of a third-row.

Ready to buy a Subaru Ascent or Subaru Forester? Shop for one on sale now near you

Keyword: 2022 Subaru Ascent vs. 2022 Subaru Forester Comparison