Subaru isn’t kidding any more. The Japanese car manufacturer is taking big steps at crossover SUV market not only with the arrival of the all-new three-row Ascent but also with introducing refreshed and redesigned models. The trigger for that seems to be a new architecture, so-called Subaru Global Platform, which can underpin almost everything. After they used the platform for the Ascent, Crosstrek, and Impreza, the next that will ride on it is the completely redesigned 2019 Subaru Forester.

Aside it’s changing the underpinnings the small SUV won’t stay small as it is now. No, judging by the spy shots, the 2019 Forester looks significantly larger which will make some additional space inside. Styling-wise, the popular high-riding vehicle seems to share most of the design cues with the bigger Ascent. That’s not too surprising at all because the new seven-seat SUV looks quite interesting and might be a good recipe for all future Subaru crossovers.

The new platform will definitely reduce vibrations and noise in Forester’s new cabin. We know that because it did that with the new Impreza. Plus, this way, the crossover might get a hybrid or even a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

As for the non-hybrid model, it will likely rely on a flat-four engine mated to a CVT and four-wheel drive. The car manufacturer will reportedly introduce the 2019 Subaru Forester tS in the U.S., which will use the same 250 hp strong 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4, yet boosted with special chassis upgrades.

Since it’s the first time we see the testing model, we don’t expect to see the redesigned 2019 Forester before mid-2018. If this turns out to be true, the new generation small SUV will hit the showrooms worldwide in early 2019.