2027 Subaru Ascent.
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The large 3-row Subaru Ascent came out in 2018. After years of Subaru dealers asking for something larger than the Outback.
Unlike other 3-row SUVs, sales of the Ascent have been going down. From a high of 82,000 units in 2019, it came down to around 56,000 last year. That compares to 90,000 for the Toyota Highlander. Over 141,000 for the Honda Pilot. 115,500 for the Kia Telluride. Even the Nissan Pathfinder beat the big Subaru with over 71,000 units.
Of course, the usual answer will be that it’s not large enough. But it is. It’s just fine. Not the largest or the smallest 3-row SUV. And still, the next one will probably be larger, to “better compete” in the US.
However, what Subaru will probably not fix is the rather ghastly design. A horrible trend that plagues all current Subaru models. The sheer amount of black plastic cladding crap all over the car is just gross. While buyers of the Crosstrek, Forester, and even the Outback don’t seem to mind, it might not be a look that people want in a larger, more expensive, more obviously family-oriented vehicle.
Sure, something larger. But especially, something better looking might work. Subaru has been producing ugly designs for so long that they might not even know what that’s like anymore. Which is really too bad, since their cars are really comfortable and usually quiet. And feels quite refined and solid to drive. There must be someone at Subaru that can understand that if they were better looking they could be even more popular.
There is more bad news coming up with the super angular and again, quite ghastly, redesigned Outback for 2026.
Let’s hope that by the time a new Ascent is due, the brand found it in its heart to at least try and come up with something more pleasant looking.
The illustration above shows what could happen to the next Ascent if Subaru doesn’t really get it. And come up with yet another tortured shape covered with black plastic trim everywhere. At least it seems a bit more interesting than the current version…
Subaru needs to replace the CVT with a conventional 8speed gearbox.
Somehow plastic pieces became synonymous for outdoorsy.
just when Subaru finally got its hybrid game together (thanks, Toyota!), they’re making the ugliest cars on the market.
That rendering looks too good for Subaru. The new Forester proves they don’t know how to design cars.
Subaru should do something about the Ascent. Its old and tragic.
The biggest issue with Subaru is their infotainment systems. Their entire lineup included them. It takes forever to start and Carplay only works wireless NOT wired. Yes, only wireless. Sometimes you drive for almost 3 minutes before it connects, and sometimes it never does. Every time you want to close the vent (outdoor fumes) you have to take your eyes off the road, look down and wait 2-3 seconds for the F****ng thing to react, then go to two more screens to get to it.
Same thing to do other things. AND the worst part is that sometimes it’ll never connect (3 hours drive). You have to delete your phone and wait again to connect. Restart the vehicle and walk away for about 5-10 minutes.
The wireless charger only works for 2 minutes and it disconnects. Even w/o moving the vehicle, its pure garbage. The Nissan system is flawless.
I WAS A LOYAL costumer for years and many Subaru vehicles.
The finally straw that did it for me was their costumer service. It used to be great, now it seems like they work from home and are busy shopping online. It takes at about 48 hours for they to call you back and then, THEY ARE SO RUDE.
I just traded a 2025 Forester with only 2,500 miles. It was on the shop for over 6 weeks. They replaced the radio they claimed. Same issue.
I just got my first Nissan Rogue (Yes a 3 cilynder) not perfect but much better system.
Subarus entire line up is plague with the same info system issue. Subaru forums is plague by owners complaining about it. Their new Subaru Forester Hybrid (Toyota powertrain) will get, at best 32-34 miles on the Hwy. I’m getting 36 MPG on a Nissan Rogue. 460 miles trip in Florida last week with 3 passengers and luggage.
They info system and shitt* customer service did it for me, never again. I drove the Ascent for a week and I loved the turbo engine, MPG were low but the worst issue, the stupid info system. It was acting the same was as the Forester, the Outback (had it for three weeks) and Crosstrek (My best friend owns a 2024). WHY, WHY? nobody does at Subaru does any testing?
I owned a 2021 Subaru Accent and I loved it, all except that it was not great on gas. I traded in due to a reason that had nothing to do with the vehicle. The car design was elegant and now the 2024- 2025 models have changed alot and I no longer like the look. Also, mine had cloth interior and I’ve noticed the accents with the leather interior is poor quality. I plan to purchase another Accent in the future but will not be buying a new one.
I owned 2019 Ascent Touring has 65k on it without any, any problem, exept in a few weeks must have 3th set of tires, and fixed my self front breaks. I love this car but planned to change this year for Outback 2026, because I do not need any more 3th row.
I’ve had my 2023 Ascent Touring, now with 7K miles, just over a year. Haven’t driven it much – it was a dealer demo so I am the first private owner. I like driving it but the 19.5 mpg is poor and i don’t like that the second row seats don’t fold flat. I have no use for the third row seats but needed the extra cargo space compared to my wife’s 2024 Outback Touring. Our local dealership (Georgetown, TX) does seem service oriented, similar to the Chevrolet and Infinity service departments nearby and better than the Mercedes dealership next door.
2nd row seats fold flat by lifting tab on side of seat near the front.
I Love my Ascent