The new Subaru Ascent has landed in Los Angeles,
ready to pick a fight with the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet
Traverse, among others.
However, until it proves itself worthy of
challenging other three-row SUV across North America, it's trying to get the
attention of potential buyers in this highly-competitive segment with a very
civilized (others would say boring) exterior design, and a versatile cabin that
can carry up to eight passengers.
You can bash Subaru all you want for its timid
design efforts, but you can't deny that they know what their core audience
wants, as proved by their sales momentum with 71 straight months of increased
deliveries in the States.
The devil, as they say, is in the details, as where
the ill-fated Tribeca failed (space), the new Ascent more than makes up for it.
At 499.9 cm long, 193 cm wide, and with a wheelbase of 289.1 cm, this is the largest Subaru ever. It builds upon the Ascent Concept
shown this year in New York, which, in turn, is derived from the 2016's Viziv-7
study, and beneath its new sheet metal lies a modified version of the company's
modular vehicle platform.
By the time it arrives at dealers next summer,
American customers will get to choose between one of four trim levels. Each one
is well equipped, even the base model, which comes with features such as
infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, three-zone automatic climate
control, and automatic emergency braking.
However, regardless of their selection, they will
have to settle for the 260 hp and 376 Nm of torque 2.4-liter Boxer
engine, with twin-scroll turbo and a CVT.
