The Ascent and Crosstrek are imported from the US.
We suspect this is, in part, a result of tariffs.
While valiant, the Ascent should effortlessly be replaced by the new Outback.
According to a source, all three models, the Ascent, Crosstrek Wilderness, and Forester Wilderness will not return to Canada for the 2026 model year. We reached out to Subaru Canada for any supporting information, but understandably, their response was simply that they do not comment on future products.
Subaru Canada to Cut U.S. Vehicle Imports to 10% Due to Tariff Disputes
We’ve spent some time attempting to determine why these three relatively important models will not return to Canada next year. While the following breakdown may be speculative, we think we might be close to the truth if the source is accurate.
The first element we think comes into play is the Trump Administration’s tariffs. Subaru is planning to reduce its vehicle imports from the U.S. As the Ascent and Crosstrek are assembled at the Lafayette, IN, plant, their removal from the docket makes sense. However, only the Crosstrek Wilderness is impacted based on the information we’ve obtained.
The Subaru Crosstrek is Subaru’s best-selling vehicle, accounting for at least a third of all sales in a given month. Killing the Crosstrek would be suicide. Thus, it remains. The Wilderness trim, the most expensive in the lineup, likely won’t be missed as it accounts for a tiny portion of total sales. Finally, it’s important to note that the Crosstrek is also assembled at Subaru’s Ōta, Gunma, Japan plant.
The Subaru Forester is also put together in Ōta, meaning that it’s not impacted by tariffs in Canada, but is in the U.S.. Although only recently revealed, the Wilderness trim will be left out. We suspect that Subaru will want to focus on the equally new e-BOXER Hybrid variant and take the Forester in a more “urban” direction. The new Outback, which is more SUV than ever, will easily satisfy “rugged-urban-vehicle” appetites.
Finally, the Ascent. Launched for the 2019 model year and built in Indiana, it is the only model that, based on the source, will be discontinued entirely in Canada. Facelifted for 2023, the Ascent will enter its eighth model year in 2026, meaning a complete overhaul would normally be in the works. Might the Ascent not return at all, U.S. included, for 2026?
Its end would leave room for more Outbacks to be built in Lafayette and extra showroom space for the new all-electric Trailseeker.
The Subaru Ascent faces extremely stiff competition in the midsize three-row SUV segment. Opponents like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Volkswagen Atlas, Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, and a few others may have discouraged Subaru Canada from finding a way around tariffs and investing in the model that holds a minimal market share in the segment.
2026 Subaru Trailseeker: A Second All-Electric Model Joins the Lineup
