Subaru Tribeca reborn: latest on big 7-seat 2027 Subaru Ascent hybrid for Australia to give the Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-80, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento a massive fright

Subaru is seeking to re-enter the three-row SUV segment in Australia in the near future, after more than a dozen years away from the scene.

While there is no actual confirmation of what that would be, we have just had the strongest-yet hint that it may again be an internally-designed model, rather than something brought in from outside the brand.

This points to a likely second-generation Ascent that would be based upon – but even larger and certainly not identical to – the impressive seventh-series Outback that’s just been released here.

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According to Subaru Australia General Manager, Scott Lawrence, discussions are on-going about what could fill the void left in this market after the demise of the successful-in-Australia-only B9 Tribeca seven-seater SUV more than a dozen years ago.

“There are a few options that are a discussion point,” he told CarsGuide at the launch of the latest Subaru Outback in Bathurst earlier this month. (A possible future Ascent) is not the only one (and) it's too early to probably give any further detail than that.

“But there are options, and there is a really live conversation with the Subaru Corporation as to how that can come to life. I think a seven-seater will be great for Australian market, for Subaru.”

Lawrence was also happy to play down rumours that Subaru may just automatically jump into bed with Toyota and import a lightly-restyled version of the North-American-made next Kluger/Highlander for the Australian market.

2026 Subaru Outback

“I can't quite comment on that,” he said. “I think there are some really exciting options in that space of seven-seat (SUVs). (But) the detail of badge sharing. That's not one of the priorities to get the seven-seat (across the line).

“So, yeah, I'll leave it there, but there are some really exciting Subaru plans in that space.”

Some industry analysts believe that the latest Outback’s dramatic growth spurt was in part to facilitate an extended-bodied (and possibly wheelbase) three-row Ascent version, given that all of brand’s models, from the Impreza small car and Crosstrek crossover up, sit on the modular Subaru Global Platform architecture.

2026 Subaru Ascent

As the second-generation Ascent, it would feature much of the same platform but different sheetmetal for unique styling, as well as enough space for the seven-seat and eight-seat capabilities necessary in the massive North American market.

“The prospects of a seven-seater is high on our agenda and we’re working with Subaru on how that can come to the Australian market,” Lawrence reiterated.

“Obviously, they have the Ascent overseas, that's left-hand drive only. Outback is not designed for seven seats here or anywhere in the globe. But rest assured, we are working with Subaru corporation on what that might look like for the Australian market.”

2026 Subaru Ascent

Besides not being available in right-hand drive (RHD), one of the biggest criticisms of the existing Ascent, launched way back as a 2018 model, has been its tight second- and third-row packaging.

This is something that the next model is set to address if the speculation proves correct, with a 50mm-plus longer wheelbase and a circa-20 per cent cargo capacity boost.

Additionally, being also SGP-based, Subaru’s new 2.5-litre four-cylinder series-hybrid petrol-electric boxer powertrain, released in Australia in the latest Forester mid-sized SUV, is expected to also become available in both the Outback and the anticipated future Ascent, fixing another of the latter’s current issues, heavy fuel consumption and leisurely performance.

2010-2014 Subaru Tribeca

These improvements, as well as a higher-quality and more-contemporary interior, should make the next Ascent a solid contender in the three-row SUV segment against Kluger, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Palisade, Mazda CX-80 and CX-90 and Kia Sorento.

As long as Subaru builds it in RHD this time around.

Watch this space.