We all remember the infamous Subaru Tribeca SUV for its weird looks. The vehicle presented a step away from the company’s usual design because it mainly resembled as some say a ‘urinal on wheels.’
And then, years and years later, the Japanese company decided that it was time for a change. In the year 2017, engineers of Subaru started redesigning and creating a new SUV. A completely different and new car from the Tribeca. This vehicle found its basis in the Ascent Concept (revealed in New York). Let’s take a look at an illustration based on various studies and prototype models.
2018 Subaru Ascent Design
Surfaced photos show that the production version will remain faithful to the Concept one. Trapezoidal, bold grille, chiseled hood, and hawk-eye LED headlamps are dominating the front end of the car. Prominent fender flares have been downsized when it comes to side surfaces, but in general, the profile resembles the concept. Some of the features look like ones from Honda CRV around the upper haunches, but you can still see that it’s a distinctive Subaru design.
Body
This vehicle is based on Subaru’s new global platform, and we believe that it will benefit in the means of safety, spacious interior and good fuel economy. The car looks like Ford Explorer in size which is kind of a plus because a lot of fans out there thought that Tribeca resembled a mini-van. But, expect a toned down interior styling applied for the production model.
Subaru Ascent Engine
A lot of attention was dedicated to Subaru’s new 2.4-liter, direct-injected and turbocharged H4 engine at the New York Auto Show. Mazda improved their four pot CX-9, but the 2018 Ascent will probably go with the traditional six-cylinder motor (usual for SUVs) because of efficiency.
It is speculated that the engine will produce at least 290 to 300hp, but some say that the company will tune it for better torque curve while sacrificing performance. By doing so, Subaru is aiming at equal power delivery to all four wheels with the addition of X mode made for hostile terrains. We still don’t know what transmission this car will use.
Competition
If we started mentioning all of the potential rivals, we would stay up all night, so we will mainly focus on ‘the fiercest.’ Among those competitors, we have Toyota Highlander, Mazda XC-9, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango, Volkswagen Atlas, GMC Acadia and Hyundai’s new Santa Fe.
One bad thing about this vehicle is that fans outside of North America probably won’t be able to buy it. This car is mainly produced for the USA. But, Subaru promised to think over that decision and release an official statement later in the year.
