Biggest Subie Ever

New flagship is a solid entry in the three-row crossover segment.

- Alisa Priddle

Subaru executives don’t like to say the “T” word. The 2006 B9 Tribeca was the first time a three-row family vehicle wore the Pleiades badge, but it was too small for the segment and missed the mark. After eight years and a face-lift, the automaker quietly pulled the plug in 2014. It was one of the few missteps for a brand whose recent years have been marked by seemingly unstoppable sales growth.

Lesson learned, Subaru has spent the past five years concocting a true three-row family hauler worthy of the North American market and the Subaru brand. Getting this version right is key: Subaru owners love their cars, but when they need to trade in their Forester or Outback for a larger vehicle, they have had to leave the brand.

Into the fray comes the all-new 2019 Subaru Ascent, the largest, heaviest, most expensive Subaru to date. This new flagship, available as a seven- or eight-passenger vehicle, makes its debut in the heart of the three-row crossover segment, which includes the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe, and the smaller GMC Acadia. Stiff competition, no doubt.