Subaru · 2018–present

Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Subaru. In some markets, it is sold as the Subaru Evoltis. It is the largest automobile Subaru manufactures. The seven or eight-seat passenger SUV, with the design based on the VIZIV-7 concept, made its debut at the LA Auto Show on November 28, 2017, and became available in the third quarter of 2018. It has an American-built predecessor, the Tribeca. The Ascent is not available in Japan.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Subaru Tribeca

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History

The Ascent was originally introduced as a concept car at the 2017 New York International Auto Show in April, where it was also announced that Subaru would be producing the vehicle at its Lafayette, Indiana Subaru of Indiana Assembly Plant. Production began in late 2017 alongside the current Subaru Impreza. It was to be the flagship Subaru vehicle in North America, and replace the Subaru Tribeca (previously the B9 Tribeca), which was discontinued after the 2014 model year. Subaru Japan had their own three-row crossover called the Subaru Exiga that was available from 2008 until its discontinuation in 2018. In terms of exterior design, it was akin to a 3-row Outback as is the Ascent to the Forester. The first spy photographs of Subaru Ascent development mules surfaced in late summer 2016. Although the Ascent was spotted testing in 2017 with an expected mid-2017 on-market date, the sale date was pushed back to early summer 2018. Subaru initially announced the Ascent would be sold in the Philippines as the Evoltis starting from 2020. Its release was delayed numerous times owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and eventually was introduced in the Philippines in May 2021. Only the Touring model is available. The Evoltis name is also used in several South American markets. Although some sources reported the Evoltis name would be used for the first battery electric vehicle sold by Subaru, that vehicle, which was co-developed with Toyota, was announced in September 2021 as the Subaru Solterra instead. The Ascent was discontinued in Canada for the 2026 model year due to counter-tariffs being imposed on U.S.-made products. Stop-sale recall. In August 2018, Subaru recalled (at least) 293 vehicles that were thought to have faulty spot welds. Due to the complexity of fixing such a problem,

Design

The Ascent is built on the Subaru Global Architecture (SGA) platform. The Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder (H4) gasoline engine, which produces 260 horsepower (194 kW; 264 PS) and 277 pound-feet (376 N⋅m; 38 kg⋅m) of torque. All Ascent models feature all-wheel-drive as standard equipment. With both rows of rear seats folded down, the Ascent has a total cargo capacity of 86.5 cubic feet (2,450 L) and 153.5 cubic feet (4.35 m3) of total passenger volume. Ground clearance is 8.7 inches (220 mm). Features. The Ascent introduced new technologies that were not available in other Subaru models at its launch, such as optional mobile Wi-Fi capabilities and standard EyeSight driver assistance technologies (the system was available as an option on other Subaru models). A suite of new Starlink infotainment systems, first introduced on the 2017 Subaru Impreza, is available on the Ascent. The base system features a seven-inch color touch screen display, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Available features include integrated GPS navigation provided by TomTom, and an eight-inch color touch screen display.

Models (United States)

=== Base (2019–2024) === The Base was the original base trim level. Standard features included all-wheel drive, driver assistance technologies, eight-passenger seating, raised roof rails, cloth seats, and a three-zone climate control system. The Base trim level was dropped for the 2025 model year. Premium (2019–present). The Premium was the mid-level trim of the Ascent until the 2025 model year, when it became the base trim. It adds a choice of either seven or eight-passenger seating by deleting the second-row bench seat in favor of individual captain's chairs, a 5,000-pound (2,300 kg) maximum towing capacity, blind spot detection (BLIS) with rear cross-path detection, and the All-Weather Package with heated front seats. Optional on the Premium is the Convenience Package. This package includes a power rear lift gate, keyless access with push button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, as well as reverse emergency braking. Onyx Edition (2022–2025). The Onyx Edition trim level features unique black wheels, badging, and exterior trim. The Onyx edition also receives Subaru's StarTex water-repellent upholstery. The Onyx Edition slots between the Premium and Limited trim levels and receives more standard features over the Premium, such as reverse automatic braking, a power rear tailgate, a heated steering wheel, and push button start. A single option package is available for the Onyx edition, which includes a panoramic moon roof, navigation, and a cargo cover. Limited (2019–present). The Limited is the "luxury" trim level of the Ascent. It adds leather-trimmed upholstery, 20-inch (51 cm) aluminum-alloy wheels, keyless access with push-button start, adaptive front headlamps, reverse automatic braking, and a power rear tailgate. Optional on the Limited is a “Technology Packa

Engine and Powertrain

The Ascent features a newly developed FA24 engine. The turbocharged direct injection flat-four engine has a 94 mm × 86 mm (3.7 in × 3.4 in) bore × stroke for a total displacement of 2,387 cc (145.7 cu in) with a 10.6:1 compression ratio. The cylinder block and heads are made of aluminum alloy, and the heads each have twin overhead camshafts driven by a timing chain. Peak power is 260 hp (194 kW; 264 PS) at 5,600 rpm, and peak torque of 277 lb⋅ft (376 N⋅m; 38 kg⋅m) is achieved between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. Regular unleaded (87 octane) gasoline is recommended. Power is sent from the engine to a CVT with eight simulated gears. Then engine torque is sent directly to front wheels and variably to the rear wheels by a center multi-plate transfer clutch. The clutch is usually operated with minimal slip so that a torque distribution of 60% on the front axle and 40% on the rear axle is available. The transfer clutch control module can vary the power distribution based on driving conditions, up to a maximum rearward distribution of 50/50 front-to-rear.

Reception

After performing preliminary testing on a development prototype, Motor Trend wrote that mid-range power seemed a bit limited when passing at cruising speed, likely because Subaru aimed for best-in-class fuel economy for the upcoming Ascent. They also observed the ride was well-damped and the interior was quiet. The follow-up Motor Trend article stated that the "2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four proves surprisingly satisfying” and that “the Ascent provides enough motivation for merging onto the highway or passing other vehicles.” Consumer Reports deemed it "the right vehicle for many suburban families”.

Awards and recognition

2019 Autotrader Best New Cars for 2019 list Parents 10 Best Family Cars of 2019 2021 Kelley Blue Book Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own: Mid-Size – 3-row

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Subaru Ascent

Manufacturer

Subaru

aka

Subaru Evoltis (Philippines, South America, Israel)

Production

2018–present

Model years

2019–present (US), 2019–2025 (Canada)

Assembly

United States: Lafayette, Indiana (SIA)

Class

Mid-size crossover SUV

Body style

5-door SUV

Layout

Front-engine, all-wheel-drive

Platform

Subaru Global Platform

Related

Subaru Legacy (BW), Subaru Outback (BT)

Engine

2.4 L FA24F turbo H4 (gasoline)

Transmission

TR690 Lineartronic CVT

Wheelbase

113.8 in

Length

196.8 in

Width

76.0 in

Height

71.6 in

Kerb weight

4430 –

Predecessor

Subaru Tribeca

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48799438CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_AscentCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1373271637 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2024_Subaru_Evoltis_2.4_Touring_Eyesight_in_Crystal_White_Pearl,_front_right.jpgCC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Ethan Llamas · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Manufacturer website (link only) — https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/ascent/index.htmlLink only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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