Subaru Puts The Ascent 3-Row SUV On A Watch List

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Is the Subaru Ascent on its way out? Its sales continue to drop, and it could be on the chopping block. Here's what the future of the Ascent looks like now.

Ascent isn't meeting exceptions. 

I'm sure Subaru of America had higher expectations for the Subaru Ascent 3-Row family hauler when they first launched it in 2019. In the sixth year of its life cycle, Ascent sales drop consistently monthly

I'll discuss what could be coming for the Ascent and what Subaru thinks now, but first, here is the Ascent's sales performance for August. 

August's sales performance of the Subaru Ascent midsize 3-Row SUV fell again. The family hauler has declined for fourteen consecutive months. That's significant. 

Subaru of America reports that Ascent's August sales decreased by 4.7 percent compared with the same month in 2023. SOA delivered 4,630 models to customers in August, compared with 4,860 in August 2023. In the first eight months of 2024, 36,805 Ascent models were delivered to customers, down 12.9 percent for the year.

Where Is The Ascent Going?

The Ascent is now in its sixth year of life and is due for a complete remodel. However, Subaru kept the 2025 Ascent the same and added two new trim levels for customers: a Bronze Edition and a new Onyx Edition Touring trim level. Get more details in my report here

Subaru of America has put the Ascent on a watch list. 

Subaru is watching the Ascent closely and waiting to see what happens before spending resources on a complete redesign.

Here are the Ascent rumblings.

In my earlier story, I reported that Subaru is now considering two scenarios for the Ascent 3-Row SUV, each potentially shaping the 3-Row SUV's future. 

There could be an all-new Ascent EV.

Subaru may bid farewell to the current Ascent family hauler, but the future holds promise. A new electric 3-Row SUV is on the horizon for North American customers, expected to debut in late 2025. With its eco-friendly design, this new model is set to redefine Subaru's 3-Row SUV segment. 

Automotive News (by subscription) says, "Subaru's 3-Row SUV would have been due for a redesign in the second half of 2024, but work on the makeover has been delayed to determine what emissions standards in the U.S. will be over the next four years. The gasoline-powered three-row may be replaced in the lineup by the three-row EV built in Kentucky by Toyota, or it may follow the Forester and Outback and remain for another generation, with an optional hybrid powertrain."

Subaru has two options.

They can drop the Ascent with the 2.4-liter turbocharged gas-powered Boxer engine, and its nameplate will become an all-new electric vehicle. If the current model is redesigned, it will get a new fuel-efficient hybrid trim level, following in the footsteps of the all-new Forester and Outback hybrids

This new hybrid powertrain is expected to be more fuel-efficient, significantly reducing Ascent's carbon footprint. It's a promising step towards a more sustainable future for the Ascent 3-Row SUV.

Ascent sales keep dropping, but Subaru says it's not a problem. I ask the following question: What are Subaru executives saying behind closed doors? 

In a recent interview with WardsAuto, Jeff Walters, Subaru of America's President and COO, was asked if the Ascent was underperforming. 

David Kiley asks Walters, "Last year, the Ascent, which replaced the Tribeca, you did about 60,000 in sales. It was about the same as the year before. Is that a number that Subaru likes for that model, or is it maybe underperforming? Is it meeting expectations?" 

David Kiley: "I thought that the Ascent was meant to give you greater incremental sales because it's a new segment for the showroom. Higher than 60,000 in sales, but you are telling us that you think that's the right number in terms of the marketplace to keep pricing, profit, and resale value, right?" 

"That's right. The Ascent keeps people in the brand when they need a larger vehicle. Customers who have younger children now have nowhere to go. Ascent was really meant to keep them in the Subaru brand. And then once their children are grown, they return to an Outback," says Walters. 

Reality says the Subaru Ascent is on a short leash. 

This year, the Ascent is on pace to hit about 55,000 in total sales volume. It's not bad, but it's not great. Subaru is not typically satisfied with good. Will they decide to revamp the Ascent, bring it as a Hybrid, or replace it with an electric vehicle under the same nameplate? Those are all options Subaru has on the table now. Stay tuned. 

What do you think?

Should Subaru drop the Ascent 3-Row SUV with a gas engine and bring a Hybrid-only option? Or develop an all-new electric Ascent? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Tucson Subaru

Submitted by Dan (not verified) on September 9, 2024 - 12:56PM

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I think the brand would be better served with the Hybrid version. EV products are still getting better on range, but not everyone has access to chargers. Also, going across country gets pretty dicey when looking for the stations.

Submitted by Marcia Maher (not verified) on September 9, 2024 - 2:48PM

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We have been leasing Subarus for the past 35 years - Legacy, Outback, Forester, Outback Wagon. We currently drive an Ascent. I love it, but really hate the mpg's. I wish/hope that Subaru will offer a Hybrid 3 Row SUV by the time my lease is up. And all electric? No thank you Not ready to make that commitment.

Submitted by Jim Foster (not verified) on September 9, 2024 - 4:00PM

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I have an Ascent and love the car. The only bad part is the gas mileage. I should get 22 city and 28 highway. I get 16 city 22 highway. I would buy a hybrid if they come out with one

Submitted by Sam Tomaine (not verified) on September 9, 2024 - 5:25PM

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I’ve had two ascents up to about 18 months ago. Loved them both but the gas mileage was insane. Spending about 300.00 a month for in town driving. They will be much better off replacing it with all electric or a hybrid. I now have a SOLTERRA which is all electric. Use for in town and savings is wonderful!!

Submitted by Alex (not verified) on September 9, 2024 - 6:28PM

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We have an Ascent and it’s the perfect family car. Third row seating for the win. Only problem is the average mpg.

Submitted by Peter Pogorzelski (not verified) on September 9, 2024 - 7:40PM

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My wife and I absolutely love the Ascent. We bought a 2021 and now upgraded to onyx edition 2024 and my wife is in love with this car. Plenty of room for our 3 kids and room for our vacation excursions. Is it perfect? No, but my wife is happy and finally actually washes and keeps it clean lol. I know that she would love to upgrade to a newer model in 3 years or so but if it goes EV, we are out.
I never even driven a Subaru till I test drove the 2021 Ascent and bought it on the spot. The Ascent made my wife and I Subaru lovers, but not if it goes EV...

Same here! I bought an Ascent premium 2021 and loved it. When i saw the Onyx 2024 in red and tried it I felt in love. The way it moves on the roads is absolutely incredible.
We also have a 2016 Impreza and also in love. The power this small car has is amazing!

Submitted by Bill Davis (not verified) on September 9, 2024 - 7:49PM

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Subaru doesn’t push it at all,,,they should advertise it more,,I bet most people don’t know that it exists,,,,most dealers don’t even have any or just one or two

Submitted by Rachel N (not verified) on September 9, 2024 - 8:01PM

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I love my Ascent. Great get up and go and fantastic space. I would buy a Hybrid version before I would by a full EV. Most EVs just don't have decent range. If it was just a grocery getter, then ok for the EV, but have have gone back to cross country family trips with the Ascent because it is such a sweet ride.

Submitted by Rachel (not verified) on September 9, 2024 - 8:13PM

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As a Subaru Outback XT owner considering something larger for my next car, competition is very stiff against the Ascent. I prefer an SUV that looks more aggressive, like the Onyx Edition, but has leather seats as an option, not just vinyl, and more power to climb hills would be amazing. A hybrid would definitely be appealing- if power is sufficient! Kia has some awesome safety technology that would be great to see on the Ascent, as well.

Submitted by Roger ransom (not verified) on September 9, 2024 - 11:42PM

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I have a 2019 and absolutely love it. I don’t want to see it go but realize the future needs electric. But also we aren’t ready for full electric, so my vote would be to go hybrid. (But keep a 5000+ lb tow rating). I’d buy another ascent tomorrow if it wasn’t looking toward twilight for the model.

Submitted by Joyce Sapon (not verified) on September 9, 2024 - 11:58PM

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Would love a hybrid Ascent in 2025 only if the gas mileage is a lot better than the all gas version.
Unless an all electric can go at least 400 miles for traveling I couldn’t commit yet.

Submitted by Outback (not verified) on September 10, 2024 - 12:15AM

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Only reason I bought a honda pilot its because the ascent had so many recall especially the engine fire. They should switch to H6 or hybrid. Only cvt eith awd I trust

Submitted by james robertson (not verified) on September 10, 2024 - 2:26AM

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I love my 2020 red touring beauty! Best vehicle I've ever had and it easy handles all my hobbies: kayak rack, bike rack, hitch cargo rack, LARGE r/c planes, road trips, hauling anything & everything. If there isn't a gas Ascent in 6 years, I'll be FORCED to switch brands!

Submitted by Mom of 5 (not verified) on September 10, 2024 - 5:28AM

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I have a 2021 Bc we had a new baby and needed more room. Traded my beloved Outback and chose Ascent just to stay within the brand. Huge mistake, the gas mileage is absolutely awful. I can’t wait to trade this back, and I’ll probably leave the brand bc I can’t wait until 2026 when they could potentially release a hybrid or electric (which they absolutely should go full electric). You’re paying the same monthly as an EV, if not more bc of the atrocious city gas mileage— 16 sometimes 15 MPG.

Submitted by Tim Goggin (not verified) on September 10, 2024 - 7:00AM

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I have a 21 Ascent with the towing package. I have been a brand customer for many years.
We moved from an Outback to this model due to its beefier construction and size.
I was about to upgrade to a newer model, but have put the brakes on when I started to hear about this.
Then I heard they might make a hybrid and I was intrigued.
Brand customers like me will be very disappointed if they drop this model from their lineup without replacing it.
Perhaps they should consider the model they only sell in Japan as a replacement.

Submitted by Lizette De Jesus (not verified) on September 10, 2024 - 7:07AM

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We saw test drove the Ascent in 2019 and bought a 2020 model a year later. It was the best choice for the price, size and options. We are new Subies and love it.

Submitted by Jeffrey Goff (not verified) on September 10, 2024 - 8:57AM

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Redesign it & add a plug in hybrid. Give it a 4' wide hatch opening like the Forester & give it sliding rear doors. Subaru released a concept picture years ago showing an attractive SUV with sliding rear doors & a rear bumper that would extend for a bike rack. That would be my car. Currently drive my 2nd Outback.

Submitted by Barbara Greer (not verified) on September 10, 2024 - 9:03AM

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I love my Forrester, just paid it off! Hubby and I downsized from a van, only to realize we need a bigger SUV for when we are with family/grandkids. I like the Accent however I am 5"11 and I can't sit in the 3rd row, it is too small of a space for tall people, and my family is tall. Hence the reason we did not upgrade to one. I will only buy a gas powered vehicle, so if they go to EV I'm a hard NO! The ECONOMY and interest rates are so bad, I wouldn't buy any car. I'm waiting for Trump to get back in office and the rates go down as well as the price of gas. Then I may reconsider buying a new car. But it probably won't be Subaru Accent.

Submitted by Stephanie (not verified) on September 10, 2024 - 9:53AM

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Love my Ascent but there are things I would change. While it is a larger vehicle, there isn't enough leg room to haul adults in the back seat. I would make the middle bucket seats removable to allow for more cargo space. And the dash design change in the new models doesn't have as many places to put things, if you need to set something down.

Submitted by Leigh Coolidge (not verified) on September 10, 2024 - 9:56AM

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I love everything about my 2020 Ascent except the CVT. If they don’t fix that issue I won’t be back.

Submitted by Carol Hodges (not verified) on September 10, 2024 - 10:21AM

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I own a 2024 Ascent Touring. It is an excellent vehicle. The power boost of a turbo engine, the safety features and space are great features of the Ascent. I read many comments of people driving other brands of vehicles and test driving a Subaru Ascent and its comfort, safety features and performance have them purchasing an Ascent. When fuel mileage is mentioned, I believe the turbo and the extra power is worth it. I’m a very happy Subaru Ascent owner!

Submitted by Melanie Kevin (not verified) on September 10, 2024 - 11:00AM

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I have a 2019 Ascent. It is my 5th Subaru. I see them all over town. I don't drive as often anymore working from home, so I haven't needed to replace it. I would hate to see it go away. I might be interested in a hybrid version, but not full electric. I'm not on that bandwagon yet. Our son is 5, so I would like to stay with the Ascent again.

Submitted by Mark (not verified) on September 10, 2024 - 11:08AM

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I loved my 2015 Forrester. But when it came time for a 3rd row the Ascent just didn't add up. It was bulky but not spacious. Not great on mpgs or power. Didn't pass the stroller test ( fitting a double stroller in the trunk). If a slightly larger, sleeker, trim makeover happens id be back in the market in a hurry.