#NYIAS: STUD or DUD? Is The All-New Subaru Ascent A Seven-Seat King Or Is It Merely A Plebeian?

Being on the younger side of the spectrum and also not having a family, I have never been particularly interested in seven-seat vehicles. Simply put, I have no interest.

But I will admit when I see something that's appealing, I have no bias. Case in point: The all-new Subaru Ascent that debuted at the 2017 New York Auto Show (NYIAS).

New York Auto Show

**Read the OFFICIAL press release detailing the Subaru Ascent HERE!

While Subaru is not unfamiliar with the seven-seat category — remember, the Tribeca — that wasn't a particularly engaging vehicle to look at. When it first was revealed it had a rather unique front end — I am being nice — and when it was fixed it was a total snoozefest.

The Ascent Concept is, on the other hand, the polar opposite of that.

Before I editorialize too much, I am curious: What do YOU think of the all-new Ascent's design, Spies?


The 2017 New York Auto Show photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.

New York Auto Show

MDarringer - 4/13/2017 11:14:41 AM

-1 Boost

This is Subaru and we all know that Subaru dumbs down the styling of their concepts to complete boredom. Given how derivative the styling of the concept is, the real thing must get to a new level of forgettable looks.

TheSteve - 4/13/2017 11:24:34 AM

+4 Boost

- “Trying too hard” styling
- Styling looks like a blend of Audi (huge trapezoidal grill, overly stylized lights, overly creased body panels, trapezoids in abundance) and previous-gen Hyundai (too much fluidity in the sheet metal)
- Front end looks like a pickup truck
- Dash looks like “economy car crying ‘I’m luxury’ too loudly”

I am not favorably impressed.

dumpsty - 4/13/2017 4:29:20 PM

+2 Boost

I kinda think the front/back fascia is "boss" on this concept. Subaru/Toyota needs to keep that design for the production model. And the driver & center instrument panels are pretty nice as well. Panel displays go a LONG way over the standard gauges - this can easily be a $3000 option. Subaru needs to stay relevant & using the Highlander platform is a smart move.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 4/13/2017 8:39:38 PM

+1 Boost

For their sake I hope the price of gas does not skyrocket killing the SUV market by the time this model has its debut.

skytop - 4/14/2017 12:37:37 AM

+1 Boost

I never expected Subaru to produce such a well fitted vehicle. It is clearly a well considered and properly designed vehicle for the SUV/crossover mania afflicting the U.S. now. The feel the exterior photos make the vehicle appear larger than it really is.

Toyota, Honda and Nissan are going to be watching this handsome Subaru very carefully. At long at the price point of the Ascent is reasonable (as Subaru generally is)and undercuts the competitors, this SUV will be IMO, a winner for Subaru.