The VIZIV-7 SUV Concept was an early glimpse at Subaru’s full-size Ascent

Editor’s note: the full-size Subaru Ascent is here.

Finally, Subaru sheds light on their highly anticipated full-size SUV with the world debut of the Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV Concept at the 2016 LA Auto Show. With three-row capability, Subaru plans to make their first full-size sport utility available early 2018 — and will be the Japanese automaker’s largest vehicle to date. 

Aside form the popular Outback sport utility wagon, the closest Subaru has come to a large SUV was the not-so-attractive midsize Tribeca which ended production almost ten years ago.

But a quick look at the VIZIV-7 SUV Concept, all is forgiven: the company is on the up especially in the last five years, stepping up their game with updated styling, more connectivity, and of course, their standard all-wheel drive. And entering the thriving three-row SUV segment now only makes sense.

This VIZIV-7 SUV is only a concept, but provides a clear direction of where the company is going and what their first, proper sport utility will look like when it hits dealerships in 2018.

And unlike most concepts, the VIZIV-7 doesn’t look outlandish or unrealistic; the styling is bold yet streamlined, with body dimensions at 5,200 × 2,030 × 1,830 mm (length × width × height), and 2,990 mm wheelbase, all sitting on 21-inch wheels wrapped in 265/55 rubber. 

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