2028 Subaru Ascent Hybrid Preview.

The Subaru Ascent is one of the least popular Subaru models sold in the US. Numbers have come down for years to 44,400 in 2025. And is on its way to be even lower in 2026. Let’s take a look at what a next-generation might look like.

Just like all other Subaru models sold over here, it probably won’t be pretty. If the new Outback is a sign of things to come for future Subarus, the next Ascent could even be quite ghastly.

The Ascent’s best year was 2029, its first full year on sale with 88, 958 units sold. Numbers have been down every year ever since. The Ascent should be doing better, much better. I am not talking about super high numbers competing against the Honda Pilot or Toyota Grand Highlander, but at least as good as the Nissan Pathfinder. Which actually seems to increase sales every year. Up to 94,000 units last year. And on its way to doing even better this year.

The Subaru Ascent is being crushed. By everyone.

It’s also about 8 years old. While Subaru doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to fix things, a new generation will probably be on its way sometime next year. The brand has already said a Hybrid would be available. Some of its competition has retained a smooth V6. Or gone for a Hybrid. Like Hyundai and Kia (the new Palisade actually offers both a V6 and a 4-cylinder hybrid).

Since Subaru doesn’t have a V6 anymore, the only way to improve things is the upcoming Hybrid. Which will probably help. A more interesting design would do. Something just 20% less bland could do miracles. However, as mentioned above, anything looking like the Outback would be a disaster. Even if Subaru buyers don’t seem to care about car design at all. The new Outback sales numbers are so far about 11% lower than the previous generation. Which is pretty terrible since a new generation usually sells much better, especially in its first year. In the Outback’s case, Subaru deserves it.

The competition is moving fast. The next Honda Pilot will get a new V6 hybrid powertrain, which seems like the best of both worlds. The new Palisade and Telluride cousins have, as usual, been getting great reviews and are more popular than ever.

Let’s hope Subaru can come up with a more compelling package for the next Ascent.