Safest Family SUV 2022

  1. Research Center
  2. /
  3. Car Safety Research Articles
  4. /
  5. Safest Family SUV of 2022
Subaru Ascent 2022
The Subaru Ascent puts safety first!
When it comes to buying a new vehicle for the family, safety and reliability comes first. You want a vehicle that is well-engineered with safety in mind. The majority of American families these days look for a mid-size SUV that includes well-engineered airbags and seat belts/head restraints. You want the SUV of choice to take high marks in crashworthiness tests. Handling, strong braking, performance and stability control allow a car to transport its passengers safely. 

Top Safety Pick+

In order to pick our Safest Family SUV for 2022, we went to the highest sources available, combining the crash test scores from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). We took into account how many safety features are available on the top rated vehicles and ranked them accordingly. In the end, we picked a mid-size SUV that excels in all safety criteria. In fact, the NHTSA gave it a five out of five in crash tests. The IIHS had a similar review and gave this car its Top Safety Pick+ award in 2021, the highest safety award they offer.


When asked what safety features consumers want in a family vehicle, the following technology is high on the list:

Driving the Ascent is a pleasure with exceptional visibility, unusually spry steering for a mid-size SUV and the acceleration is remarkable thanks to the Turbo. It feels more like driving a car than an SUV, and that's good. The Ascent is not a cool car or a sporty car, but it is a reliable and very safe car that is ready for any adventures your family can dream up.

A Member of the Family

Subaru really thought about your family's needs when designing the Ascent. A power rear gate is available for automatic opening when your arms are full, and a single touch of the gate button closes it and locks the vehicle. An impressive 54-inch panoramic moonroof is available on the Onyx Edition and Limited Edition and comes as standard on the Touring variant.
 
The Ascent's Infotainment System is simple and intuitive to navigate and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allowing drivers to access important cell phone functions without picking them up, reducing distractions. There's even a "Birthday Feature" that lets you enter your family's birthdays and then the car wishes you and yours a Happy Birthday on those special days. Talk about a car that wants to be a member of the family! Remote engine start and climate control is available through a smartphone app, adding comfort and convenience to every trip.
Pricing
MSRP starts at $32,295 for the base model with the top of the line Touring model beginning at 45K. Besides being the safest car in its class, it is loaded with convenience features. Subaru boasts that the Ascent has an astounding 19 cup holders. That is a lot of lattes! And like all Subaru vehicles, the Ascent is built to last.
Safety Plus!
The Ascent got the highest safety ratings by the IIHS for crashworthiness including front, side, roof strength, head restraints and seats. It also rated highest in crash avoidance systems, child seat anchors, and such safety features as optional blind spot detection, standard lane departure warning and standard lane departure prevention. The NHTSA gave the Ascent its highest 5-Star Safety Ratings for Overall Rating, Frontal Crash, Side Crash, Rollover and Recommended Safety Technology.

  • Base MSRP: $32,295
  • IIHS Rating: 2021 Top Safety Pick+
  • NHTSA Rating: 5/5 Star
Subaru has a reputation for safety, and the Ascent is no exception. It comes standard with AWD, which costs extra in most mid-size SUVs.