[ScoobaRoo]

The Subaru Ascent seems like it'll be a great competitor for :

Ford Explorer
Toyota Highlander
Honda Pilot
Chevy Traverse

Now utilizing the Global Platform, Subaru is finally able to join the game with a 3-row vehicle.

It'll be interesting to see how they stack up as I think the Traverse is undergoing an update as well ?

 

[Ascension]

The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse? That one is certainly getting a face lift for the new model year and it could be a one of the Ascent's main rivals. In the looks department they're all tough competitors, except for the Pilot which looks outdated to me.

 

[ScoobaRoo]

Chevy is definitely stepping the game up these days and their new design approach is looking like a winner. That being said, a lot of manufacturers now are stepping their game up and hopefully Subaru will take notice and develop the Ascent to be at par if not one level up. The concept is all great, but far from anything they produce at the moment.

 

[familyrally]

Don't forget the Mazda CX-9. It's just about the toughest competitor to arrive. Although Toyota and some other brands had better sales momentum over the years, this time around Mazda has been making solid products. Just look how well the CX-3 and Mazda 3 sells.

 

[ScoobaRoo]

Thankfully Mazda seen the errors in what they were doing before, especially when it comes to build quality, because the Mazda 3's were absolutely horrendous up until 09 I believe, maybe a bit further. Having worked closely with a couple of shops, I remember they used to have a ridiculous amount of Mazda 3s coming in with holes in the floors, literally rusted out so far that you could send your finger up to the carpet with no issues at all.

 

[Ascension]

That's going to be a deterrent when it comes to new Mazda models even if they say that build quality has been improved. Once burned and twice shy as they say. I'm the kind to buy a car for the long haul and rust up north is one of my biggest concerns with cars, wouldn't go with a brand that has a history of it.

 

[ScoobaRoo]

See, and that's why I'm hesitant towards it as well. Haven't really heard much about issues with Subaru so I don't really have a reason not to trust them. Especially with them already producing cars that go through a good amount of abuse and still hold a strong name and loyal following, clearly they're doing something right.

 

[scottiem]

I own a 2015 Limited Outback and I'm extremely happy with it except that now that I have 2 grand daughters we are looking to get a 3rd row SUV. Plan on keeping the Outback as my wife will get the new SUV and I'll inherit the Outback, yeah me So far from what I've looked at and I've looked at them all I have it narrowed down to the VW Atlas or the Ascent when it comes out. Here's my opinion for what it's worth on the other models out there.

Ford Explorer - Really Like it except for the drivers compartment. Being 6'4" it seems to confined for me especially around the left lower kick panel as for some reason it sits in more pushing my left foot closer to the brake pedal.

Toyota Highlander - Never really test drove it as one of the first things I check is 3rd row access and comfort. Let me say that the 3rd is horrible. Except for a small child there is no room back there and comfort is bad.

Honda Pilot - This was an extremely close 2nd to the Atlas. The only thing that brings it in second is that the front drivers compartment feels a little smaller then the Atlas and I'm not a big fan of the 9 speed transmission they have as that is the only trannie available on the Elite

VW Atlas - Overall I really like this SUV. Access and comfort of the 3rd row is the best for this size SUV. I could actually sit comfortably back there and take a road trip. Granted I wouldn't want to sit back there for 10 - 12 Hours. I have plenty of room up front in the drivers seat and everything seems to be placed in the right spot. Drives and handles nicely. Plus VW has a 6 year / 72,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. I've never owned a VW before but I'm definitely interested.

I'll be waiting for the Ascent to hit the market so I can test drive it and see it in person. I would much rather buy a Subaru as I have become a big fan of theirs ever since I've owned my Outback. Anyway sorry so long winded just wanted to add my .02

 

[Ascension]

Welcome to the community! I've seen the Atlas in person as well and the sliding seats are very nice, but I just can't get over the hideous bumper, so the Ascent would be the better option if it's equally as well equipped with the looks to boot.

 

[pcampbell]

What about the Durango? I test drove one and it is actually really nice. Their AWD system is good, it's got decent power, handles well, decent interior. It will haul a ton. I just don't have a lot of faith in the long term reliability or value of these cars.

The CX9 seems small compared to some of these other vehicles.

VW has really lost me with dieselgate honestly and I don't see VWs as long term vehicles.

Priced correctly, I am pretty much sold,so, definitely a bit biased.

 

[scottiem]

What about the Durango? I test drove one and it is actually really nice. Their AWD system is good, it's got decent power, handles well, decent interior. It will haul a ton. I just don't have a lot of faith in the long term reliability or value of these cars.

Priced correctly, I am pretty much sold,so, definitely a bit biased.

Two quick questions for you.
1. I never test drove or have been in a Durango. How is the 3rd row. Is it big enough for adults to sit in comfortably and overall interior room
2. Are you saying if the Ascent is priced correctly you are sold.

 

[familyrally]

Durango is based off the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee so anyone really interested in going that route should also look at feedback of the GC, since for one that will give you another perspective of what the platform can do and might even be another option for some of you here..

 

[pcampbell]

Two quick questions for you.
1. I never test drove or have been in a Durango. How is the 3rd row. Is it big enough for adults to sit in comfortably and overall interior room
2. Are you saying if the Ascent is priced correctly you are sold.

The Durango 3rd row is not for adults I wouldn't say. Durango has optional captains chairs to allow kids to get to the back easier though.

Yea I am a Subaru fan... so if the Ascent is affordable I will very likely buy one. It meets my needs on paper... I am confident in the Subaru brand, but price is the question.

 

[familyrally]

The Durango 3rd row is not for adults I wouldn't say. Durango has optional captains chairs to allow kids to get to the back easier though.

Yea I am a Subaru fan... so if the Ascent is affordable I will very likely buy one. It meets my needs on paper... I am confident in the Subaru brand, but price is the question.

Since price is also a bit important to me, what would you say is a good price range?
Even some of the Subaru guys I asked can't figure out how it will be positioned among Subaru's line up.

 

[R P]

I am expecting 8K above the Outback for comparable trims. But they probably won't have a lower end cheaper trim.

I think the biggest issue for me will be timing and availability of preferred trim and color. And I would bet many of the initial batches will be pre-ordered. I don't like to pre-order as that takes away your negotiation leverage.

 

[pcampbell]

Since price is also a bit important to me, what would you say is a good price range?
Even some of the Subaru guys I asked can't figure out how it will be positioned among Subaru's line up.

MSRP right around 33-35k to be competitive with everyone else in the 3 row market.

 

[familyrally]

MSRP right around 33-35k to be competitive with everyone else in the 3 row market.

Sound about right. I recall the new Nissan Pathfinder being somewhere around that along with its Buick Rival (Enclave?). If the whole pricing trend keeps up then odds are Subaru will be asking for a bit more and be the highest out of the bunch, but surely worth it. Its a premium i'm always willing to pay here.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

What about the Durango? I test drove one and it is actually really nice. Their AWD system is good, it's got decent power, handles well, decent interior. It will haul a ton. I just don't have a lot of faith in the long term reliability or value of these cars.

Durango and Grand Cherokee are essentially the same vehicle off the same assembly line with the former having 5" more wheel base to accomodate the third row, not quite as nice an interior as JGC and less drivetrain capability than JGC. It's a good vehicle for third row and also has greater towing capability than many other "three row" mid-size SUVs. ML350 from Merc is the same platform...

 

[Trey T]

In terms of interior, yeah, Highlander/pilot/explorer are great competitors. However, in drive-train performance their competitors are 4Runner/Grand Cherokee/Durango

W/ Subaru, Forester or Ascent, I believe you'll get the best of both world, family and trail/off-road car.

 

[columnshift]

new member
own a 2015 outback limited my wife LOVES IT using as a trainer for my daughter---safe safe she will drive this when she gets her license still on learner's permit.

next vehicle is my wife's choice. right now i drive a jeep wrangler manual, and a 2011 odyssey which i love (volume and great driving upright position)
we use the odyssey for volume excursions fits 8 rear leg room in 3rd row is 42in hard to beat and still has a ton of room behind the last row but now awd.

can't find dimensions such as leg room headroom etc for 2nd or 3rd row seat.

anyone have those dimensions????

thanks