What car replaced the Subaru Tribeca?
The Subaru Tribeca, Subaru's midsize SUV model, was discontinued in 2014 and replaced by the Subaru Outback as the brand's flagship SUV offering. The Outback, a crossover wagon with SUV-like capabilities, has become Subaru's best-selling and most popular model in recent years.
The Rise and Fall of the Subaru Tribeca
The Subaru Tribeca was introduced in 2005 as Subaru's first foray into the midsize SUV market. It was designed to compete with models like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. The Tribeca featured Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive system and offered seating for up to seven passengers.
However, the Tribeca struggled to gain traction with consumers. Its polarizing exterior design, cramped third-row seating, and high price tag compared to competitors contributed to lackluster sales. Subaru discontinued the Tribeca in 2014 after just nine years on the market.
The Subaru Outback Takes the Lead
With the Tribeca gone, Subaru needed a new flagship SUV model. The company turned to the Outback, which had been in production since 1994 as a raised, all-wheel-drive version of the Legacy wagon.
The Outback has since been redesigned and expanded, growing in size and capability to fill the void left by the Tribeca. Key features that have made the Outback a hit include:
- Standard all-wheel-drive system
- Increased ground clearance for light off-road use
- Spacious, versatile cargo area
- Available turbocharged engine options
- Reputation for safety and reliability
The Outback's combination of SUV-like utility, car-like driving dynamics, and Subaru's reputation for quality have made it the brand's best-selling model in recent years. In 2022, Subaru sold over 150,000 Outbacks in the United States alone.
Conclusion
While the Subaru Tribeca may have been a short-lived experiment, the Outback has proven to be a long-term success story for the brand. As consumer preferences have shifted towards crossover and SUV models, the Outback has emerged as Subaru's flagship vehicle, offering the perfect blend of capability, practicality, and Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive performance.
