Subaru Debuts Ascent 3-Row Crossover

Subaru Corp. has unveiled its upcoming midsize crossover vehicle, the Ascent, in concept form at the New York auto show.

The three-row, seven-passenger SUV will succeed Subaru’s slow-selling Tribeca model, which was discontinued in 2014. The company predicts annual sales of the North America-only model could reach 60,000 units when it goes on sale in 2018.

The Ascent, approximately the size of the Ford Explorer, measures about 199 inches long, 78 inches wide and 72 inches tall. The vehicle will be produced at Subaru’s factory in Lafayette, Ind., and will ride on company’s global platform that debuted last year.

The concept sports heavily sculpted sides, a prominent grille, prominent front skid plate and narrow headlamps. The two-tone interior is fitted with a flowing dashboard, huge glass skylight and freestanding captain’s chairs in the first two rows. The car will be equipped with an all-new turbocharged “boxer” engine and all-wheel drive, according to the company.

Subaru is expected to present the production version of the Ascent in TKmonth at the Los Angeles auto show.