Joined
·
18 Posts
Hello, I'm AWDfreak, and I am no stranger to Subaru's vehicles. I've joined the forums primarily for informational purposes, and maybe to give feedback and clarification regarding misunderstood topics.
I currently have a 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek, with a build thread on this network of forums, with the link here.
I became intrigued by the Subaru Ascent as it is the successor of the Subaru Tribeca in being a midsize/full-size (depending upon who determines the size category) 3-row crossover vehicle.
It should be clarified that the Subaru Ascent is not an SUV (which are based on a truck-framed platform), but a crossover vehicle (which are based on a unibody platform). So it is in essence, a car with SUV characteristics.
My love for crossovers isn't like the typical consumer. I am not drawn in by preconceived notions of increased space (compared to a regular car-version of the Ascent, if it existed). I am not drawn in primarily for the improved winter-weather capabilities, but rather the blend of off-road capability and competent pavement-handling.
Since the Subaru Ascent is the third of four vehicles released by Subaru so far based on the Subaru Global Platform (the 1st being the 5th generation Subaru Impreza, 2nd being the 3rd generation Subaru XV, 4th being the 5th generation Subaru Forester), I am very confident it is a stiff and safe platform that at least features excellent emergency maneuver capabilities. As I have in fact driven a vehicle based on the Subaru Global Platform spiritedly in twisty, winding conditions, I am aware of the relatively-unknown high-potential handling capabilities of the SGP (Subaru Global Platform). This new platform makes these newer "regular" Subaru vehicles driving dynamics that bear a striking resemblance to the currently-aging 4th generation Subaru WRX sports sedan.
In addition, I am aware, much like Subaru's other crossover vehicle offerings, that the Subaru Ascent features the 2nd-best off-road capabilities in its class. Just as the other Subaru crossovers are 2nd best-in-class for off-road capabilities, it is only Jeep that offers the best off-road capabilities versus Subaru's crossovers.
However, Jeep's offerings have lackluster safety in comparison and somewhat-questionable reliability. The Jeep crossovers have lower-than-average rollover resistance. Some Jeep crossovers, such as the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee, feature sub-par safety cages for sufficient protection against a small overlap frontal collision (they fail the IIHS driver side small-overlap crash tests). The Jeep Renegade has an abysmally-bad rollover rating in 4WD form (actually AWD, but marketed as 4WD because Jeep things), and the Jeep Compass doesn't seem to be that great in that either.
As someone who drives spiritedly and values high safety ratings, the higher rollover chance and weaker safety cages that Jeep's crossover offerings eliminate them from my list of potential vehicles to purchase. It's a shame, because I do very much appreciate and envy their off-road capabilities and even their factory skid plates and factory-option rock rails. I most especially envy the fuel tank skid plates standard on their Trailhawk-badged crossover models, which there is no Subaru-equivalent of in the aftermarket (as far as I know).
Now as to what truly attracts me to such an overkill vehicle like the Subaru Ascent, despite having no family to haul around, is the appeal of an overkill vehicle. These attributes for a dream overkill vehicle draw me in:
So my joining is not necessarily like most who simply want more maintenance information or accessory information, but rather technical information helpful to my dream of building a potential total-overkill Subaru crossover with severe-duty on-road survivability, off-road capability, as well as respectable towing-capacity that can tow another Subaru vehicle.
If I do manage to find some way to pay for getting a Subaru Ascent, I am almost certain I will bring about some of the most ridiculous and outlandish modifications anybody could attempt. My Subaru XV Crosstrek build thread features yet a small glimpse of my ridiculous ideas and uses. If I could afford to make those dreams happen, then I would gladly do so despite much potential backlash.
I currently have a 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek, with a build thread on this network of forums, with the link here.
I became intrigued by the Subaru Ascent as it is the successor of the Subaru Tribeca in being a midsize/full-size (depending upon who determines the size category) 3-row crossover vehicle.
It should be clarified that the Subaru Ascent is not an SUV (which are based on a truck-framed platform), but a crossover vehicle (which are based on a unibody platform). So it is in essence, a car with SUV characteristics.
My love for crossovers isn't like the typical consumer. I am not drawn in by preconceived notions of increased space (compared to a regular car-version of the Ascent, if it existed). I am not drawn in primarily for the improved winter-weather capabilities, but rather the blend of off-road capability and competent pavement-handling.
Since the Subaru Ascent is the third of four vehicles released by Subaru so far based on the Subaru Global Platform (the 1st being the 5th generation Subaru Impreza, 2nd being the 3rd generation Subaru XV, 4th being the 5th generation Subaru Forester), I am very confident it is a stiff and safe platform that at least features excellent emergency maneuver capabilities. As I have in fact driven a vehicle based on the Subaru Global Platform spiritedly in twisty, winding conditions, I am aware of the relatively-unknown high-potential handling capabilities of the SGP (Subaru Global Platform). This new platform makes these newer "regular" Subaru vehicles driving dynamics that bear a striking resemblance to the currently-aging 4th generation Subaru WRX sports sedan.
In addition, I am aware, much like Subaru's other crossover vehicle offerings, that the Subaru Ascent features the 2nd-best off-road capabilities in its class. Just as the other Subaru crossovers are 2nd best-in-class for off-road capabilities, it is only Jeep that offers the best off-road capabilities versus Subaru's crossovers.
However, Jeep's offerings have lackluster safety in comparison and somewhat-questionable reliability. The Jeep crossovers have lower-than-average rollover resistance. Some Jeep crossovers, such as the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee, feature sub-par safety cages for sufficient protection against a small overlap frontal collision (they fail the IIHS driver side small-overlap crash tests). The Jeep Renegade has an abysmally-bad rollover rating in 4WD form (actually AWD, but marketed as 4WD because Jeep things), and the Jeep Compass doesn't seem to be that great in that either.
As someone who drives spiritedly and values high safety ratings, the higher rollover chance and weaker safety cages that Jeep's crossover offerings eliminate them from my list of potential vehicles to purchase. It's a shame, because I do very much appreciate and envy their off-road capabilities and even their factory skid plates and factory-option rock rails. I most especially envy the fuel tank skid plates standard on their Trailhawk-badged crossover models, which there is no Subaru-equivalent of in the aftermarket (as far as I know).
Now as to what truly attracts me to such an overkill vehicle like the Subaru Ascent, despite having no family to haul around, is the appeal of an overkill vehicle. These attributes for a dream overkill vehicle draw me in:
- Full-size space (features signiifcantly-more cargo space than my Subaru XV CrosstreK) to fit additional cargo for vacations/trips/camping, improving survivability with such ample space
- Larger, stronger components can handle spirited driving and severe use much better than a smaller crossover
- Larger, stronger chassis is more likely to survive severe use
- High payload and towing-capacity capable of towing another Subaru vehicle is highly-valued for a dream trip that could haul a secondary Subaru for more-fun and a backup vehicle
- Standard Subaru EyeSight driver-assistance system and other safety features provide a more-confident and safer driving experience for extended, high-risk activities such as road trips to improve the well-being of both the driver and passengers
- Full-size crossover comparable to competition such as the 5th generation Ford Explorer inspires my dream of a Ford Police Interceptor Utility-like dream build of a full-blown overkill crossover that can handle both extreme spirited pavement driving (capable of surviving harsh track driving) and the light to moderate off-roading that tests the maximum capabilities of a crossover. In short, I wish to make a comparably "pursuit-rated" Subaru crossover vehicle as inspired by various American police vehicles, especially the Ford Police Interceptor Utility based on the 5th generation Ford Explorer crossover.
So my joining is not necessarily like most who simply want more maintenance information or accessory information, but rather technical information helpful to my dream of building a potential total-overkill Subaru crossover with severe-duty on-road survivability, off-road capability, as well as respectable towing-capacity that can tow another Subaru vehicle.
If I do manage to find some way to pay for getting a Subaru Ascent, I am almost certain I will bring about some of the most ridiculous and outlandish modifications anybody could attempt. My Subaru XV Crosstrek build thread features yet a small glimpse of my ridiculous ideas and uses. If I could afford to make those dreams happen, then I would gladly do so despite much potential backlash.
