Subaru has been on a roll with a series of debuts in recent months. After introducing the BRZ tS and the WRX TR, the automaker is gearing up to reveal a more thoroughly revamped, next-generation product at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16.
Although we know when it will be revealed, we don’t yet know what it is, since Subaru has only provided a single photo of the “all-new fully redesigned vehicle” that is making its global debut. However, it is calling the new vehicle an SUV, which narrows it down somewhat.
Subaru’s SUV lineup is made up of the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Ascent, and Solterra. We can be reasonably certain that it isn’t the Crosstrek or the Outback, as those vehicles were renewed in 2022 and 2020, respectively. Same goes for the Solterra, which has only been in production since last year.
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That leaves the Forester and the Ascent, both of which have been in their current generation since the 2019 model year. Although neither is exactly old, they are getting closer to the age when an automaker might start thinking about a generational changeover.
While the Ascent is the more U.S.-focused product — making LA a great place for its global debut — the cladding on the side of the SUV in the teaser photo looks more like Forester’s current plastic protection.
Unfortunately, we just don’t know a lot about what Subaru is planning for the vehicle. However, we do know that it has expressed an interest in electrification, which may mean that the updated vehicle gets a hybrid powertrain (the Forester is already offered with hybrid power in some parts of the world).
Currently, both models are offered with Subaru’s favorite engine, the flat four. In North America, the Forester’s displaces 2.5 liters, while the Ascent’s displaces just 2.4, but is turbocharged. That helps it make 260 hp (194 kW/264 PS), compared to the Forester’s 182 hp (136 kW/185 PS).
Check back in with us on November 16, 9:40 a.m. PT (12:40 p.m. ET) to find out more about what Subaru has up its sleeve.
