Subaru Teases New Model Ahead of L.A. Show, Is It the Forester or Ascent?
Subaru has announced it will unveil a fully redesigned vehicle on November 16 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. So far, the only clue we have is the picture you see above.
All signs point to an SUV. Since the Crosstrek is all-new for 2024, that leaves the Forester and Ascent, which are currently the oldest models in the Subaru lineup, each one dating back to 2019.
- Also: 2022 Subaru Forester Premier: Into the Woods We Go
- Also: 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Your Tough, Winter-Ready SUV
The Forester received a mid-cycle update for 2022 and a complete redesign is due for 2025. Of course, in typical Subaru fashion, styling will evolve conservatively. The platform underpinning the vehicle is also expected to carry over, although it’s possible engineers will find ways to make it even stronger.
For increased off-road capability, the Wilderness model is sure to come back, and you can bet the 2.5-litre flat-four engine (182 horsepower, 176 lb-ft. of torque) will stay under the hood, too. However, the Forester sure could use a second powertrain option, whether it’s the more potent turbo engine found in the Outback, Legacy, Ascent and WRX or a hybrid system.
For the past two years, we’ve seen reports suggesting the next-generation Forester will offer a plug-in hybrid variant derived from the Toyota RAV4 Prime. That wouldn’t be a surprise given the ongoing partnership between the two Japanese companies. If true, look for 302 horsepower and nearly 70 km of zero-emission range, making Subaru’s compact SUV significantly more attractive and competitive.
On the other hand, if it’s a new Ascent making its debut in Los Angeles (like the original did six years ago), that would come not long after the MY2023 refresh. In order for this three-row midsize SUV to keep ascending, it inevitably needs its own Wilderness model and eventually some form of electrification.
The good news is that we’re less than two weeks away from finding out. As usual, The Car Guide will bring you full coverage of the L.A. Show, so watch this space.