LA 2017: Subaru Debuts 8-Seater Ascent – Only For North America Though

Developed exclusively for the North American market, the Subaru Ascent is Subaru’s largest ever vehicle. Available either as a 7- or 8-seater, the Ascent will also debuts Subaru’s all-new 2.4-litre ‘boxer’ horizontally-opposed four-cylinder direct injection turbocharged engine.

The highlight of the Ascent is Subaru’s latest 2.4-litre turbocharged ‘boxer-four’ FA24 engine. Producing 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 375 Nm of torque between 2,000 – 4,000 rpm, Subaru says its latest downsized engine delivers the same level of drivability and fuel economy of a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6.

Drive is transferred to all four wheels via CVT-type Lineartronic automatic transmission.

As with all Subaru, the Ascent comes with the company’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard. The X-Mode function integrates finer adjustments on the vehicle’s engine, transmission and brakes for optimal performance in slippery or rough surfaces.

It rides 220 mm off the ground, on the company's latest Subaru Global Platform

Inside, the Ascent comes with optional two Captain seats for the second-row (seven-seater configuration). A regular bench seat is also available for eight-seater configuration models.

Prices have yet to be announced, as today’s announcement at the opening of the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show only serves a preview. The all-new Ascent will only go on sale in USA and Canada in mid-2018. The vehicle will be built exclusively at Subaru’s plant in Indiana, USA.