Subaru introduced it’s 2018 Subaru Ascent at the LA Auto Show, an 8-passenger SUV powered by a turbo 2.4L and ready to take the SUV market by storm.
It’s a big day for automakers as the LA Auto Show just kicked off. One of the biggest reveals came from Subaru when they finally launched their long awaited 8-passenger Subaru Ascent SUV. According to Subaru on their press release, they posted shortly after (Nov. 28, 2017) this is the largest Subaru they’ve ever made. With seating for even the largest American family, this Subaru Ascent is ready to take a very large slice of that SUV pie. Check out a couple of press photos below!
As mentioned, underneath the hood is one of Subaru’s legendary boxer engines. Thanks to a turbocharger and high compression, this four-cylinder puts out a generous 260 HP and 277 lb-ft with most of that torque available from 2,000-4,800 RPM. Although no optional engine was announced, that should be enough to satisfy most Ascent buyers. Paired to that engine is a high-torque Lineartronic CVT with simulated 8-speed manual mode and X-Mode with hill descent control. If you want to tow a small trailer or a mini U-Haul, you can, as the Ascent is rated at 5,000 pounds for towing, in line with many unibody SUV’s.
Standard on the Ascent is seating for eight. If you step up to a premium trim, you can get two captain chairs in the middle but presumably, that means axing one seat.
Speaking of standard items, EyeSight Driver Assist technology is included with all Ascent trim levels. That means Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and new EyeSight Assist Monitor (EAM) which provides a heads-up display of the EyeSight system warnings as well as system status information on the windshield of the vehicle.
There are four trim levels: base, Premium, Limited, and Touring.
Pricing has not been announced but expect to see the Ascent in dealerships as early as summer 2018.
This Ascent will be built alongside the rest of its family, the Outback, Legacy, and Impreza at Subaru’s Indiana plant.
