Due to a huge demand for SUVs with third-row of seats, Subaru revealed the 2014 model year Tribeca. The car at hand is both the oldest and least loved vehicle in the lineup. However, we knew that it was only a matter of time when the company would launch its replacement.
Fortunately, we managed to acquire a set of spy photos of that replacement. Dubbed the Subaru Ascent, it is the latest 3-row SUV, and it will be unveiled later this month at the 2017 LA Auto Show. The company confirmed that the new vehicle will be available to buy in 2018, but it will arrive as a 2019 model.
We had a chance to see the Ascent preview at the 2016 LA Auto Show thanks to the Viziv-7 concept. At the 2017 New York International Auto Show it was called the Ascent concept. However, there is a certain tradition at Subaru that interesting concept cars end up far away from production lines. Unfortunately, that happened to the Ascent when it made its way to production. Some people claim that this car looks like a wagon and not like an SUV.
The Ascent looks bigger than the Tribeca as things stand right now. According to Subaru, it measures 198 inches in length which is 9 more than the Outback. That roughly translates to even more space for passengers in all three rows. The Ascent will be underpinned by the Subaru Global modular platform that has undergone a bit of shortening when compared to the debut form found in the 2017 Subaru Impreza.
Besides the Ascent, we also saw a Mazda CX-9, Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander in the photos. These are the Ascent’s rivals. If you want to see more of its competitors, you should take a look at the Chevrolet Traverse, Volkswagen Atlas and Honda Pilot.
Subaru will not release a new car with the introduction of the Ascent, but it will bring a new engine. The unit at hand is a 2.4-liter turbocharged powerplant that has the company’s signature horizontally opposed layout. This one will also have direct injection, and it will power all four wheels. We should also expect a CVT.
The production of the Ascent will take place at Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana plant. This facility was used previously to produce the Outback, Legacy and Impreza.
Do you like the looks of the Ascent? Is it a bit too big? Speak your mind in the comments section below!
