If you have a large family, signed up for the company carpool as a driver, or simply have a lot of gear to carry, a three-row SUV is the best choice for your busy lifestyle. The 2022 Subaru Ascent offers everything you need in a large SUV including standard all-wheel drive, a powerful BOXER® engine, and award-winning safety features. We know there are quite a few three-row SUVs to choose from so we've put together this handy head-to-head comparison below against one of the Ascent's competitors, the 2022 Chevy Traverse. Once you're done comparing the two, we invite you to stop by Byers Airport Subaru with any questions you may have or contact us by phone or online.
Both the 2022 Ascent and the 2022 Traverse come standard with 18" aluminum-alloy wheels that give the large SUV a sporty look. You can climb trim levels on both vehicles for standard 20" alloy wheels for a more imposing countenance. This is where the similarities between the two end. The Ascent offers standard LED Steering Responsive Headlights for better vision when cornering and available LED fog lights to help you see during inclement weather. On the Traverse you'll find standard LED headlights while fog lights aren't available at all. Raised roof rails are standard on the Ascent for extra cargo space while side rails are standard on higher trim levels. The available power panoramic glass moonroof is an amenity only found on the Ascent, as is the optional pet ramp to help your furry family members easily enter and exit your vehicle.
The interior volume of the 2022 Ascent and the 2022 Traverse are similar but the Ascent edges out the win when it comes to front and rear legroom, offering over an inch more in the front. The Traverse may boast more cargo space behind the front seat but the Ascent isn't far behind with a vast 75.6 cubic feet of room, plenty of space for sports equipment or camping gear. Both SUVs offer a standard tri-zone climate control, an available 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat and second-row captain's chairs, which decrease the seating capacity from 8 passengers to 7. Heated front seats are standard on all Ascent models but the base but only optional on the Traverse, which means you'll be paying more for that comfort feature. Available heated second-row heated seats and ventilated front seats are available on the higher trim levels of the Ascent but you won't find these features on the Traverse.
The Ascent and the Traverse both offer multimedia systems with standard Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® for seamless audio streaming and hands-free texting and calling. Both SUVs offer an available 8" touchscreen with Navigation so you'll never miss another turn. For a magical musical experience, only the Ascent offers the Harman Kardon® Quantum Surround Sound audio system with 14 speakers.
When you have a three-row SUV, you need a powertrain strong enough to meet the everyday demands placed upon it and the 2022 Ascent meets those requirements. You'll find a 2.4L turbocharged BOXER® engine that generates a potent 260 horsepower and 277 lb/ft of torque. The 2022 Traverse may boast more horsepower from its 3.6L V6 engine but it also has 10 lb/ft less of torque, which means the Ascent can accelerate smoother and quicker. Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 lbs, and while the base model of the Ascent can handle up to 2,000 lbs, trailering equipment isn't even available on the base model of the Traverse. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard on the Ascent and while AWD is an available option on the Traverse, it requires paying more. Only the Ascent offers standard X-MODE®, Hill Descent Control, and Active Torque Vectoring.
Subaru has always been known for next-level safety features and the 2022 Ascent is the perfect example. The NHTSA awarded it an overall 5 star crash safety test rating and the IIHS named it a 2022 Top Safety Pick+, both the highest honor an automotive company can receive. The 2022 Traverse did not receive any accolade from either institution. The Ascent comes standard with the Subaru EyeSight® suite of driver assist technology, including Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, and much more. Both the Ascent and the Traverse offer standard Lane Departure Warning and Lane Centering as well as available Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Reverse Automatic Braking is an available feature that will automatically engage the brakes if the system detects an obstruction while the SUV is in reverse; this feature is found only on the Ascent.
WIth a starting MSRP of just $32,295, the 2022 Subaru Ascent is just under cost of the Traverse, which comes in with a starting MSRP of $33,700. While the difference in price isn't much, you get so much more from the Ascent, including standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, lauded safety features, and better acceleration. When you're ready to find yourself behind the wheel of a reliable and versatile three-row SUV, contact Byers Airport to schedule your test drive or stop by our showroom to speak to any of our friendly and knowledgeable team members.
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2022 Subaru Ascent | 2022 Chevrolet Traverse |
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Starting MSRP* | $32,295 | $33,700 |
Standard Engine | 2.4L Turbocharged BOXER® 4-Cylinder | 3.6L V6 |
Performance Output (HP/Torque) | 260 / 277 | 310 / 266 |
Standard Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
Standard Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21 / 27 | 18 / 27 |
Seating Capacity | Up To 8 Passengers | Up To 8 Passengers |
Cargo Volume (Behind 3nd Row/Behind 3rd Row) Cubic Feet | 47.5 / 86.5 | 57.8 / 98.2 |
Standard Climate Control | Tri-Zone | Tri-Zone |
Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
NHTSA OVerall Safety Score | 5/5 Stars | Not Rated |
*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes options; taxes; title; registration; delivery, processing and handling fee; dealer charges. Dealer sets actual selling price.