Subaru Ascent spotted testing

The official unveiling of the 2019 Subaru Ascent is just days away but spy photographers have spotted the three-row crossover out testing.

While covered in bulky and thick camouflage, visible design elements of the Ascent such as the grille, headlights, lower body cladding and roof rails appear similar to those of the latest Outback, Crosstrek and Forester.

Subaru says the crossover will be powered by a new turbocharged, direct injection boxer engine. The vehicle will be formally introduced this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

On Tuesday, Subaru unveiled a second teaser photo of the Ascent. Three rows of brown seats are visible, as are a hint of the wraparound taillights and a glimpse at a headlight.

While the lower portion of the Ascent is mostly covered by darkness, the portion with a light shined on it signals a side profile that is similar to Subaru's heavy-hitters: Forester and Outback.

The Ascent will give Subaru a spot at the table for family-size crossovers again and comes as the automaker looks to extend a streak of 71 consecutive monthly sales increases.

The Ascent concept, shown in April at the New York auto show, features dimensions similar to those of the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-9.

Last week, Subaru posted a teaser photo of the Ascent's rear gate on Twitter, giving a small glimpse at a taillight, bumper protector and the Ascent badging.

Ascent production is to begin in the second quarter of 2018 at Subaru's Lafayette, Ind., plant with the first vehicles arriving in dealerships by spring.