Why did Subaru stop making Tribeca?
The Subaru Tribeca, a midsize SUV introduced in 2005, was designed to compete in the growing crossover market. Despite its initial promise, Subaru decided to discontinue the Tribeca in 2014. This decision left many fans and car enthusiasts wondering why the model was retired. In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons behind Subaru’s decision to stop producing the Tribeca.
1. Lackluster Sales Performance
One of the primary reasons Subaru discontinued the Tribeca was its poor sales performance. Despite being marketed as a family-friendly SUV with all-wheel drive and a spacious interior, the Tribeca struggled to gain traction in a competitive market. Over its nearly decade-long production run, Subaru sold fewer than 80,000 units in the United States, a figure that fell short of expectations for a midsize SUV.
2. Polarizing Design
The Tribeca’s design, particularly its early models, received mixed reviews. The original version featured a controversial front grille and styling that many consumers found unappealing. Although Subaru attempted to address this issue with a redesign in 2008, the damage to the model’s reputation had already been done, and it struggled to recover in the eyes of potential buyers.
3. Limited Interior Space
While the Tribeca was marketed as a midsize SUV, its interior space was often criticized for being cramped, especially in the third row. Competing models offered more room and comfort, making them more attractive options for families. This lack of competitive interior space further hindered the Tribeca’s appeal in its target market.
4. Shift in Subaru’s Strategy
Subaru’s decision to discontinue the Tribeca was also influenced by a shift in the company’s overall strategy. The automaker chose to focus on its more successful models, such as the Outback and Forester, which were better aligned with consumer preferences. Additionally, Subaru later introduced the Ascent, a larger and more refined SUV that effectively replaced the Tribeca and addressed many of its shortcomings.
5. Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
The discontinuation of the Tribeca allowed Subaru to learn valuable lessons about consumer preferences and market demands. By focusing on practicality, design, and competitive features, Subaru was able to develop the Ascent, which has been well-received since its launch. The Ascent’s success demonstrates Subaru’s ability to adapt and improve based on past experiences.
Conclusion
The Subaru Tribeca’s discontinuation was the result of several factors, including poor sales, polarizing design, limited interior space, and a strategic shift by Subaru. While the Tribeca may not have been a commercial success, it paved the way for Subaru to refine its approach to the SUV market. Today, models like the Ascent showcase Subaru’s commitment to meeting the needs of modern drivers while learning from past challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Subaru Ascent replace the Tribeca?
Production began in late 2017 alongside the current Subaru Impreza. It was to be the flagship Subaru vehicle in North America, and replace the Subaru Tribeca (previously the B9 Tribeca), which was discontinued after the 2014 model year.
Is the Subaru Tribeca a reliable car?
The Subaru Tribeca Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 18th out of 26 for midsize SUVs.
Is Tribeca bigger than Outback?
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Tribeca has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room and rear shoulder room. The Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
What replaced the Subaru Tribeca?
At the 2017 LA Auto Show, Subaru revealed the Subaru Ascent, a new mid-size, crossover SUV, set to be the replacement for the Tribeca in North America in Summer 2018.
Why did they stop making Subaru Tribeca?
Subaru discontinued the B9 Tribeca primarily due to poor sales performance and a shifting market demand. Introduced in 2005, the Tribeca faced several challenges:
Is Tribeca bigger than Forester?
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru Tribeca has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear shoulder room.
What are the cons of the Subaru Tribeca?
A list of some of the most common issues Tribeca owners have to deal with.
- Subaru Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags. A large number of Subaru vehicles have been recalled because they contain dangerous airbag inflators made by Takata.
- Rust and Corrosion Problems.
How long do Subaru cars last?
The longevity of Subaru vehicles can vary based on factors such as maintenance, driving conditions, and overall care. In McKinney and surrounding areas, many Subaru owners report their cars lasting between 200,000 to 300,000 miles, or about 10 to 15 years, without major issues, particularly with regular servicing.
What is the most high end Subaru?
Top 10 Most Expensive Subaru Cars In The World
- 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 – $64,880.
- 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA – $48,995.
- Subaru Ascent Touring – $46,495.
- Subaru WRX STI Launch Edition – $41,895.
- Subaru WRX STI Limited – $41,695.
- Subaru WRX Limited – $38,495.
- Subaru Outback Touring XT – $38,445.
- Subaru BRZ tS – $34,455. BRZ tS.
Why did the Tribeca fail?
Here are the five areas where Tribeca failed. Subaru had big problems with the Tribeca SUV and they fixed it. They axed the vehicle and started over. Tribeca had cramped third-row seating, limited cargo capacity, it had an aging design, poor fuel mileage, and it could only tow up to 2000 lbs.
