Where are Subaru Ascents made in the USA?
Subaru Ascents for the U.S. market are assembled at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana, the primary U.S. site for Ascent production.
Manufacturing site
The Ascent is produced at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, LLC (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana, where vehicles are built for the North American market. The plant serves as the dedicated U.S. assembly facility for this model, ensuring supply to Subaru’s American dealers.
Key facts about the site and production run:
- Location: Lafayette, Indiana
- Purpose: U.S. assembly facility for the Subaru Ascent and other models for North America
- Ownership/operation: Part of Subaru of America’s manufacturing network
These points confirm the Ascent's American manufacturing footprint and the role of SIA within Subaru's global production network.
North American production alignment
The decision to produce the Ascent in the United States aligns with Subaru's strategy to serve the North American market with locally assembled vehicles, aiding in supply chain efficiency and meeting demand in the region.
For buyers and the economy
Locally built vehicles can translate to shorter delivery times and potential cost advantages, while supporting regional jobs and suppliers around the Lafayette area.
Summary
Subaru Ascents are produced in the United States at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana, dedicated to serving the North American market from a domestic assembly facility. This arrangement reflects Subaru's strategy of local production to meet regional demand.
Where are Subaru Ascents manufactured?
The Subaru Ascent is made at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana. This facility is Subaru's only manufacturing plant in the United States and is also where other models like the Outback, Legacy, and Impreza are produced.
- The Subaru Ascent, introduced in 2018, is the largest SUV produced by the company and is built exclusively at the Indiana plant.
- This domestic production allows for quicker delivery times for American consumers and supports local employment.
- The Lafayette plant also produces the Outback, Legacy, and Impreza.
What are the weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent?
Common Subaru Ascent cons include poor fuel economy, a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that can feel disconnected and noisy, and brake issues like premature wear and juddering. Other drawbacks cited by owners are limited interior cabin width, inconsistent technology and infotainment, and engine noise, particularly under acceleration. Some owners also report issues with electrical systems, and despite a decent engine, some feel it is underpowered for the vehicle's size, particularly with its CVT.
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems and weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent: 52sNexologyYouTube · Sep 11, 2025
Performance and powertrain
- Poor fuel economy: Some owners report fuel economy that is worse than advertised.
- Underpowered engine: The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is often considered underpowered for the Ascent's heavy weight.
- Noisy CVT: The CVT can cause a "droning" noise and a disconnected feeling, while competitors use more traditional automatic transmissions.
- Inconsistent throttle: Some drivers find the throttle too touchy at low speeds or sluggish at higher speeds.
Brakes
- Premature wear: Owners report premature wearing of brake pads and rotors.
- Vibration and noise: Complaints include pulsating or vibrating brakes and squeaking noises.
Interior and technology
- Limited interior width: Despite being a large SUV, the cabin is narrower than many competitors, reducing usable space for passengers.
- Frustrating technology: Some owners find the technology and infotainment systems frustrating to use.
- Driver assist system issues: In some conditions, such as heavy rain, the EyeSight driver assist system can shut down.
Other issues
- Engine and transmission problems: In addition to the CVT, other engine and transmission-related issues have been reported by owners.
- Electrical system issues: Reports include problems with interior lights and other electrical components.
- Repairs: Some owners report that repairs for certain issues, like replacing a windshield, can be expensive and trigger other cascading problems.
This video discusses several issues with the Subaru Ascent, including the CVT, brake problems, and electrical system: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 4, 2025
Is the Subaru Ascent as big as the Toyota Highlander?
The Subaru Ascent is slightly longer and taller than the Toyota Highlander, but the Highlander has more maximum cargo space when both rear rows are folded. The Ascent offers more third-row legroom, while the Highlander provides more cargo space behind the second row.
You can watch this video for a comparison of the 2025 Subaru Ascent and Toyota Grand Highlander: 56sEveryman DriverYouTube · Jun 20, 2025
| Feature | Subaru Ascent | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 196.8 inches | 194.9 inches |
| Overall Height | 71.6 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Third-Row Legroom | 31.7 inches | 27.7 inches |
| Max Cargo (Seats Down) | 75.6 cubic feet | 84.3 cubic feet |
| Cargo Behind 2nd Row | 43.5 cubic feet | 48.4 cubic feet |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 17.8 cubic feet | 16.0 cubic feet |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_tNwlafL-M4jei-gP8Mzg2Qs_121';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
Which Subaru models are made in the USA?
The Subaru models made in the USA are the Ascent, Crosstrek, Legacy, and Outback, which are assembled at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant. The Subaru Impreza is also made in the USA, according to some sources.
- Ascent: The largest SUV, with three rows of seating, is built in Indiana.
- Crosstrek: This popular crossover is also manufactured in Indiana.
- Legacy: The Legacy sedan is produced at the Indiana plant.
- Outback: This versatile crossover is assembled at the Indiana facility.
- Impreza: Some sources indicate the Impreza is also made in the USA, though it may also be produced in Japan.
