Subaru had a conundrum in the late 2010s. Outback and Forester families loved their vehicles, but they were outgrowing them. Subaru needed a larger three-row option to keep those customers in Subarus. The answer was the Ascent, a bigger three-row Forester in both appearance and spirit.
The Ascent debuted for the 2019 model year, and received a mid-cycle refresh for 2023. That means a new second-generation model should be right around the corner. Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 Subaru Ascent.
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When will the new Subaru Ascent arrive?
Subaru
Subaru has not announced when the second-generation Ascent will arrive. Torque Newsthinks it will be the 2025 model year. Updating the Ascent for then would track with the Subaru Forester, which launched for the same model year.
A debut early in 2024 and a production launch in late 2024 for calendar year 2025 would be the earliest timeline. A less ambitious schedule would have Subaru launching the new model sometime in 2025 as a 2026 vehicle.
Will the Subaru Ascent use a new platform?
Subaru
Probably not. The Crosstrek and Forester both stuck with the Subaru Global Platform for a second go-around. The Ascent should as well. It would be tough to see Subaru embarking on a new combustion platform at the same time it is making a huge push toward EVs.
Will the Subaru Ascent offer a hybrid powerplant?
Subaru
Subaru has not confirmed that the next Ascent is getting a hybrid, but all signs point to that happening. Subaru signed an agreement to use Toyota’s next-generation hybrid tech beginning in the mid-2020s, and we know the 2025 Forester is getting one sometime in 2025.
Either the more efficient THS hybrid or the more powerful Hybrid Max hybrid from the Toyota Grand Highlander could be solid (and likely) options for a hybrid Ascent.
Subaru has not announced pricing for the next Ascent yet. We don't expect a dramatic price increase from the current $34,395 MSRP. But offering a hybrid model could see the price increase at the top end.
Will Subaru give the next Ascent a Wilderness trim?
Subaru
The Wilderness trim has been very successful on the Outback and Forester. Subaru just added one for the new Crosstrek. We'd be surprised if Subaru did not have a similar off-road package planned for the Ascent to counter rivals like the Honda Pilot Trailsport.
