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There are plenty of great things to say about the 2022 Subaru Ascent. For example, the Subaru Ascent is loaded with modern tech. However, this could also be a problem because the buttons and functions can get a little confusing. 

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could be more intuitive 

The 2022 Subaru Ascent on the road
2022 Subaru Ascent | Subaru

Tons of vehicles like the 2022 Subaru Ascent offer tech that older SUVs didn’t have. For example, there are head-up displays, ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, hands-free tech, wireless Apple CarPlay, and more. 

But according to Pickup Truck Talk, understanding the tech in the Subaru Ascent is like attempting to decode hieroglyphics. This doesn’t mean that the SUV is bad. It just means that you may want to read the user manual and watch some video tutorials about it. 

Why is the 2022 Ascent confusing? 

The first confusing button in the 2022 Subaru Ascent is the Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) button. It allows you to sit at red lights or stop and go traffic without holding your foot on the brake. When activated, the brake is set once you come to a complete stop. Once the accelerator is pressed, the brake is released. 

Then the rear gate memory height caused confusion. It’s located to the left of the steering wheel and adjusts the height of the rear liftgate. This way, it can fit under lower structures, and shorter people can adjust its height to be within reach. 

But to use it, you have to make sure the memory button is off and then turn your vehicle off. Then open the liftgate with the power button inside the vehicle, and exit the cab to manually adjust it to the height you want. 

Next, return to the memory button inside your Ascent and push it in. Exit your Ascent again and hold the power rear gate button on the inside of the edge of the rear gate until you hear an electronic chirp and hazard lights flash to confirm your settings. 

The Subaru EyeSight features can be a source of concussion too. The buttons are in a cluster on the steering wheel. Remembering which button does what may be difficult, but the adaptive cruise control button is on the top right, and the lane-keeping assistance is on the bottom right. 

You’ll find that the upper and lower buttons on the left can be used to adjust the following distance to your personal preference. 

What do critics like about the 2022 Ascent? 

The 2022 Subaru Ascent with kayaks on the roof
2022 Subaru Ascent | Subaru

The updated tech for safety and convenience in the 2022 Subaru Ascent is excellent. It may be confusing at first, but by looking at the user manual or watching videos online, you can easily learn each function. 

It comes with standard all-wheel drive, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. 

The front rows are spacious and comfortable, but the third row is a bit tight. It includes clever cargo solutions. It provides a smooth and quiet ride, but the engine can get loud. Taking the time to learn all of the buttons is well worth it to maximize your experience.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.