The First Lifted Subaru Ascent Off-road Adventure Build
+5 The First Lifted Subaru Ascent Off-road Adventure Build
The offloading crowd is pretty used to seeing lifted Subarus in the great outdoors. Outbacks, Foresters, and Crosstreks are fairly common in the overland exploration scene, and when the new player entered the game, one man set the goal of becoming the first off-road enthusiast to lift and modify the Subaru Ascent. And he reached it turning his 2019 model into a rugged adventure wagon.
The First Lifted Subaru Ascent Off-road Adventure Build
The Subaru Ascent is the successor of the Tribeca model and the largest vehicle produced by this manufacturer. The three-row SUV can accommodate 7 or 8 people (depending on the seating options), so it’s only reasonable to choose this model as your off-road project if you want to have more space for your gear and supplies for long off-the-grid trips.
The First Lifted Subaru Ascent Off-road Adventure Build
We contacted Ean Strickman from Lake Arrowhead, CA, who agreed to tell us more about his newest brainchild. As a technician at Subaru, Ean has years of experience in Subaru modifications, and most importantly, he knows the right people to turn to in order to create outstanding custom parts not yet available on the market.
The First Lifted Subaru Ascent Off-road Adventure Build
The First Lifted Subaru Ascent Off-road Adventure Build
Why did you choose this particular model for your project? – I actually started modifying Subarus in 2016 when I purchased my Crosstrek, that vehicle was similarly built. I switched over to the Ascent for more space for gear, people as well as the additional power the 2.4L turbo provided. Because the previous build was completed I wanted a new challenge of being the first person to modify the Ascent as soon as it was released.
The First Lifted Subaru Ascent Off-road Adventure Build
What inspired you to choose this modification style? – Building Subarus more capable is something that has been growing in the past couple of years. The Offroad Subaru group Mtnroo has always been an inspiration for builds for tons of people. For me creating an Offroad/overland build on the Subaru platform is a fun challenge because most of the time it’s figuring things out that very little or none have tried. So most Subaru builds are unique, making it more an accomplishment when you’re finished.
The First Lifted Subaru Ascent Off-road Adventure Build
What challenges did you face while putting it together? – Lifting the car was the first challenge, we started off with a 1.5” kit then realized it wasn’t big enough! The process took around 5 days to finish the 4” kit, but the 1.5” kit we completed in a day or two. Currently, I am in the process of getting rear upper control arms built to adjust for rear camber due to weight.
The First Lifted Subaru Ascent Off-road Adventure Build
What do you love about your vehicle? – I love the Spaciousness, the comfort of it on the road, and off-road. Just everything overall. Is it your daily or a weekend ride? – I jump between this and my other Subaru depends on the day. Do you take it off-road? If so, where and how often? – On local trails and traveling to others, about every other week.
The offroading crowd is pretty used to seeing lifted Subarus in the great outdoors. Outbacks, Foresters, and Crosstreks are fairly common in the overland exploration scene, and when the new player entered the game, one man set the goal of becoming the first off-road enthusiast to lift and modify the Subaru Ascent. And he reached it turning his 2019 model into a rugged adventure wagon.
The Subaru Ascent is the successor of the Tribeca model and the largest vehicle produced by this manufacturer. The three-row SUV can accommodate 7 or 8 people (depending on the seating options), so it’s only reasonable to choose this model as your off-road project if you want to have more space for your gear and supplies for long off-the-grid trips.
We contacted Ean Strickman from Lake Arrowhead, CA, who agreed to tell us more about his newest brainchild. As a technician at Subaru, Ean has years of experience in Subaru modifications, and most importantly, he knows the right people to turn to in order to create outstanding custom parts not yet available on the market.
How did you become interested in off-roading?
– I’ve been offroading and comping for about 7 years. Living in Lake Arrowhead most of my life, the outdoors are my backyard so easy for just day trips as well as camping.
Why did you choose this particular model for your project?
– I actually started modifying Subarus in 2016 when I purchased my Crosstrek, that vehicle was similarly built.
I switched over to the Ascent for more space for gear, people as well as the additional power the 2.4L turbo provided.
Because the previous build was completed I wanted a new challenge of being the first person to modify the Ascent as soon as it was released.
“I wanted a new challenge of being the first person to modify the Ascent as soon as it was released”
What inspired you to choose this modification style?
– Building Subarus more capable is something that has been growing in the past couple of years. The Offroad Subaru group Mtnroo has always been an inspiration for builds for tons of people.
For me creating an Offroad/overland build on the Subaru platform is a fun challenge because most of the time it’s figuring things out that very little or none have tried. So most Subaru builds are unique, making it more an accomplishment when you’re finished.
“Most Subaru builds are unique, making it more an accomplishment when you’re finished”
What challenges did you face while putting it together?
– Lifting the car was the first challenge, we started off with a 1.5” kit then realized it wasn’t big enough!
The process took around 5 days to finish the 4” kit, but the 1.5” kit we completed in a day or two.
Currently, I am in the process of getting rear upper control arms built to adjust for rear camber due to weight.
What do you love about your vehicle?
– I love the Spaciousness, the comfort of it on the road, and off-road. Just everything overall.
Is it your daily or a weekend ride?
– I jump between this and my other Subaru depends on the day.
Do you take it off-road? If so, where and how often?
– On local trails and traveling to others, about every other week.
Specs
- 2019 Subaru Ascent 2.4L Turbo
Lift height and suspension modifications
- 4” Anderson Design Fabrication Lift kit.
- 4” Strut spacers with 3” body spacers.
Wheels
- Klutch KT02 Offroad wheels matte black with +10 Offset
- 265/75R17 Goodyear Wranglers
Exterior
- Front, Rear bumpers, and front skid plate custom made by Stellarbuilt in Sacramento, CA.
- Lights: Front bumper; KC Gravity pro 6 (4 row)
- 2, 3” C-Series C3 led Amber pods
- Rear Bumper; 2, 3” C-series C3 led clear pods
(Still have another Kc gravity pro 6 6 pod for the basket, as well as 4 Kc 10” C-series area Flood lights not yet mounted) - Roof Rack for Subaru Ascent – Prinsu Design
- Foxwing 2.0 Awning – Rhino Rack
- 2 gallon gas canister- Rotopax
- 2 gallon water canister- Rotopax
- Exterior Wrap-Artic Camo – Premium Autostyling Riverside, CA
What are your future plans for this vehicle?
– Finishing the lights, a trailer for home base hopefully wrapped to match. Overload springs and rear upper control arms.
Watch the progress and find out more about this lifted Subaru Ascent off-road project by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @ascent.and.explore!
Related Parts & Mods
– Inspired by this Subaru Ascent build and looking to prepare your own crossover for off-road adventures? Some parts used on this vehicle were sourced from custom shops or custom made, but our team has put together a list of products and accessories available online that may help you to achieve similar results:
Roof Rack
- Adjustable Aero Crossbars – 2019-2023 Subaru Ascent
- ROLA V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket – Assembled Dimensions – 48 x 37.5 x 5 inches
Awning
- Rhino-Rack Sunseeker 6.6ft 2.0m Awning – Various Sizes are Availabe
Recovery
- X-BULL New Recovery Traction Boards – Sand/Mud/Snow
- RotopaX GEN2 2 Gallon Gasoline Container – Red
- RotopaX Water Pack – 2 Gallon Capacity – White
Lights
- KC HiLiTES LED Light Bar (Pro6 Gravity 3) – 4 Lights
- KC HiLiTES C-Series Amber 3″ C3 LED Pack System – Pair
*Before ordering any part or accessory, it is recommended that you verify its fitment with a qualified professional and/or seller. We are not responsible for fitment or other issues that may arise from using the products featured on our website.
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