Subaru has been on a roll with a series of debuts in recent months. After introducing the BRZ tS and the WRX TR, the automaker is gearing up to reveal a more thoroughly revamped, next-generation product at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16. Although we know when it will be revealed, we don’t yet know what it is, since Subaru has only provided a single photo of the “all-new fully redesigned vehicle” that is making its global debut. However, it is calling the new vehicle an SUV, which narrows it down somewhat.
Subaru’s SUV lineup is made up of the
Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Ascent, and Solterra. We can be reasonably
certain that it isn’t the Crosstrek or the Outback, as those vehicles were
renewed in 2022 and 2020, respectively. Same goes for the Solterra, which has
only been in production since last year. That leaves the Forester and the
Ascent, both of which have been in their current generation since the 2019
model year. Although neither is exactly old, they are getting closer to the age
when an automaker might start thinking about a generational changeover.
While the Ascent is the more U.S.-focused
product — making LA a great place for its global debut — the cladding on the
side of the SUV in the teaser photo looks more like Forester’s current plastic
protection. Unfortunately, we just don’t know a lot about what Subaru is
planning for the vehicle. However, we do know that it has expressed an interest
in electrification, which may mean that the updated vehicle gets a hybrid powertrain
(the Forester is already offered with hybrid power in some parts of the world).
Currently, both models are offered with
Subaru’s favorite engine, the flat four. In North America, the Forester’s
displaces 2.5 liters, while the Ascent’s displaces just 2.4, but is
turbocharged. That helps it make 260 hp, compared to the
Forester’s 182 hp. Check back in with us on November 16, 9:40
a.m. PT (12:40 p.m. ET) to find out more about what Subaru has up its sleeve.
