Three-row Subie: 2019 Ascent to Debut at L.A. Auto Show

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

Subaru has talked about re-adding a large-ish machine to its lineup for the better part of a year, starting with a concept at this year’s NYIAS and culminating in a Twitter tweet announcing the model’s debut in L.A. on November 28th.

The name “Ascent” is apropos, accurately describing Subaru’s sales fortunes here in America. Having recorded a half-percent increase in year-over-year sales in October, Subaru can lay claim to 71 consecutive months of yearly month-over-month growth.

The teaser shot doesn’t show us much, save for an upright hatch and brightwork on the rear bumper’s surface — which is surely designed to imply an increased level of ruggedness over its plebeian three-row competitors.

In preparation for the Ascent’s production, the Pleiades brand needed to secure new permits for its Lafayette plant, which was originally constructed to annually produce slightly more than 300,000 vehicles. With the new Ascent factored into the mix, that allowance rises to just over half a million units annually.

Subaru’s expectations for the Ascent are modest, evidenced by statements alluding to the fact it believes the Ascent will likely capture current customers of the brand who choose to migrate into the larger vehicle, rather than leave the brand once they outgrow their Forester.

Debuting November 28 at the LA Auto Show: the all-new 3-row 2019 Subaru Ascent. Love is now bigger than ever. https://t.co/FCgIogTwMP pic.twitter.com/EUQYZXIcgD

— Subaru (@subaru_usa) November 14, 2017

Still, extra metal in a showroom that’s experiencing increased traffic is never a bad thing, especially given America’s infatuation with all-wheel drive crossovers. Subaru touts the Ascent as its “biggest SUV yet,” pointing to dimensions exceeding the departed Tribeca. It is possible we will find a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat four under the hood, but powertrain details remain scanty.

The brand as a whole is up 6.4 percent compared to this time last year. Extra Impreza, Outback, and Crosstrek sales account for pretty much all of that difference, making up for an underperforming Legacy (as consumers continue to run away from sedans faster than Usain Bolt in a 100m race).

Subaru of America recently announced the return of its annual Share the Love event for 2017, where $250 is donated to a charity for every Subaru sold or leased during the program. Given its expected dimensions, the company’s new seven passenger ride will provide the biggest love of all. Production is expected to begin early next year.

[Image: Subaru]

Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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  • FreedMike Yeah, this trend needs to die a painful death.
  • THX1136 This reminds me of a 'fad' back when I was in high school that was equally silly. A few folks would put spacers in the rear springs to lift the back end of the vehicle to ridiculous heights. We would joke that they must think it makes the car go faster since it feels like you're driving downhill all the time. Dangerous for all the reasons Redapple2 mentions.
  • Arthur Dailey Just a couple of questions. Are you adding a stabilizer to your gas tank as the gas sits so long? Aren't tires usable for up to 10 years after manufacture, rather than 7? And should you wait so long between oil changes? Even with the low mileage can the oil degrade? Eagerly awaiting responses from one and all.
  • Redapple2 I m afraid I d hate the crazy color 2 yrs down the line of a 6 year ownership. So, after dark blues, and dark reds I m back to a wonderful deep, pearly, lustrous white. Looks good at night. In the day. Clean; and when dirty, hides it.
  • THX1136 Some folks down the street from me had a beautiful blue/green Jeep. I stay away from grey, brown, silver and black. Ironically I own a white vehicle at the moment due to not being able to afford the blue one I was considering and not wanting the aforementioned colors. A nice emerald green, most shades of blue (Santa Fe Blue is a favorite) and the 'hotter' colors like orange, purple and yellow appeal, but as KOKing mentioned it's got to look 'right' on the car in question.
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