4 Minutes
Fresh CGI concept offers a possible Ascent successor
Subaru fans and industry watchers have been asking what comes after the Ascent. While there is no production replacement confirmed, a fresh CGI concept from the Evren Ozgun Spy Sketch channel imagines a sporty, compact coupe-SUV that could sit neatly between the Forester and Outback — and potentially fill the void left by the discontinued Ascent.
Where Subaru stands today
Subaru of America continues to score highly in customer satisfaction. The 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) puts Subaru just behind Buick, with 823 points out of 1,000 — a sign of strong dealer experiences and owner loyalty. At the same time, the brand is rolling out new technology: the all-new 2026 Outback now features a next-generation infotainment system with Subaru’s own multimedia stack and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
But the market picture is mixed. October sales fell 6.5%, and year-to-date volumes are down about 2.6% after ten months. Part of that dip stems from the transition to the new Outback and the decision to discontinue the three-row Ascent. Even though the Forester is newly updated and the Crosstrek recently refreshed, Subaru lacks a direct three-row mid-size crossover in the U.S. line-up today.
Design and character of the CGI coupe-SUV
The CGI concept is rendered in Subaru’s signature blue, modernized with slightly richer tones. It diverges from the brand’s rally heritage: no gold wheels here. Instead it sits on concave black alloy wheels and wears a clean, almost EV-like front fascia similar to the refreshed Solterra. But the rear reveals the artist’s intent — quad exhausts poking through a gloss-black diffuser signal a performance-oriented powertrain.
Highlights of the concept:
- Sporty, sloping roofline that leans into coupe-SUV styling
- Dual-tone rear treatment and quad exhaust outlets
- Concave black wheels replacing traditional gold WRX-style rims
- A face that reads electric at first glance, but with combustion cues at the rear
Powertrain speculation and positioning
Under the virtual hood the concept hints at a boxer engine, possibly paired with a hybrid system. Evren Ozgun’s rendering suggests output would exceed the combined power of Subaru’s Crosstrek Hybrid and Forester Hybrid (about 194 hp), positioning this coupe-SUV as a more spirited option without stepping on the Forester or Outback’s utility-focused toes.
If realized, the model could be marketed as a sportier, urban-oriented crossover that still carries Subaru’s AWD and boxer-engine DNA — a compact three-row is unlikely, but a two-row coupe-SUV packed with hybrid assistance is plausible.
Market fit and outlook
This unofficial CGI proposal makes sense from a product-planning perspective: Subaru needs variety in its crossover portfolio to cover different buyer lifestyles — from wilderness-ready Outbacks to city-friendly sporty crossovers. A coupe-style Subaru crossover could attract younger buyers and those seeking style without abandoning practicality.
In short, while the Ascent’s absence remains a real-world gap, imaginative CGI projects show one path Subaru could take: keep core Subaru characteristics like AWD and boxer engines, but lean into coupe-SUV styling and hybrid tech to broaden appeal.
"The concept is not a blueprint, but it shows how Subaru can evolve — blending tech from the 2026 Outback with sportier, urban-focused design."
Source: autoevolution
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