Why did the Subaru Tribeca fail?
The Subaru Tribeca, introduced in 2005, was Subaru's attempt to break into the competitive midsize SUV market. Despite the brand's reputation for reliability and innovation, the Tribeca struggled to gain traction and was ultimately discontinued in 2014. In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons behind the Tribeca's failure and what lessons automakers can learn from its story.
1. Polarizing Design
One of the most significant factors contributing to the Tribeca's failure was its controversial design. The original Tribeca featured a unique front grille and headlight arrangement, often referred to as the "flying vagina" design by critics and consumers alike. While Subaru aimed for a bold and distinctive look, the design alienated many potential buyers who found it unattractive. Although Subaru updated the design in 2008 to a more conventional appearance, the damage to its reputation had already been done.
2. Limited Interior Space
Despite being marketed as a midsize SUV, the Tribeca's interior space was underwhelming. The third-row seating, a key feature for families, was cramped and uncomfortable, making it less practical compared to competitors like the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. Additionally, the cargo space was limited, further reducing its appeal to families who needed a versatile vehicle.
3. Underpowered Engine
The Tribeca was initially equipped with a 3.0-liter flat-six engine that produced 250 horsepower. While this might sound adequate on paper, the engine struggled to provide the power and performance expected in the midsize SUV segment, especially when the vehicle was fully loaded. Subaru later upgraded the engine to a 3.6-liter flat-six in 2008, but by then, the Tribeca had already gained a reputation for being underpowered.
4. Poor Market Positioning
Subaru's marketing strategy for the Tribeca was another misstep. The brand, known for its rugged and outdoorsy vehicles like the Outback and Forester, tried to position the Tribeca as a premium SUV. However, this conflicted with Subaru's core identity and alienated its loyal customer base. At the same time, it failed to attract luxury SUV buyers who preferred brands like Lexus or Acura.
5. Strong Competition
The midsize SUV market was (and still is) highly competitive, with established players like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer dominating the segment. These vehicles offered better design, more interior space, and superior performance, making it difficult for the Tribeca to stand out. Subaru's lack of experience in the midsize SUV market further compounded the issue.
6. High Price Point
Another factor that hurt the Tribeca was its relatively high price. Positioned as a premium offering, the Tribeca's price tag was higher than many of its competitors. For a vehicle that lacked standout features and had several shortcomings, this made it a tough sell for budget-conscious buyers.
Lessons Learned
The failure of the Subaru Tribeca offers several valuable lessons for automakers:
- Design Matters: A polarizing design can alienate potential buyers, especially in a competitive market.
- Know Your Audience: Straying too far from your brand's identity can confuse and alienate loyal customers.
- Competitive Features Are Key: Offering less space, power, or practicality than competitors is a recipe for failure.
- Pricing Must Align with Value: A high price point needs to be justified with standout features and performance.
While the Subaru Tribeca may not have been a success, it paved the way for Subaru's later ventures into the SUV market, such as the Subaru Ascent, which has been much better received. By learning from past mistakes, Subaru has been able to refine its approach and better meet the needs of its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Subaru stop making 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: Sales Figures: The Tribeca struggled to gain traction in the competitive midsize SUV market.
Is the 2009 Subaru Tribeca reliable?
2009 Subaru Tribeca Review
First-time Subaru buyers will find the Tribeca's good fuel economy, strong resale and proven reliability very inviting.
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.
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.
What was unique about the Subaru Tribeca?
Subaru chose to use an aluminum alloy horizontally-opposed "boxer" engine to minimize powertrain weight and lower the center of gravity so as to reduce body roll. The weight of the engine and automatic transmission are laterally balanced instead of being offset from left to right.
What mileage do subarus start having problems?
Engine Lifespan: Subaru engines are known for their durability and longevity, with many drivers reporting engines that last well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The key to extending the lifespan of your Subaru engine is regular maintenance, including oil changes, fluid checks, and tune-ups.
How many miles can you get out of a Subaru Tribeca?
While results will vary and the big variable is always how well the car has been maintained, what I can tell you is a Subaru is capable of going 300,000 miles. And if you are a regular maintenance type of owner you should expect to get that type of mileage out of it.
What is the most upscale 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.
Does the Subaru Tribeca have a Boxer engine?
The Subaru 3.6-liter Boxer engine is engineered to produce powerful low-end torque, and its use of regular-grade fuel helps reduce operating costs compared to competitors that specify premium grade fuel.
Are Subaru Tribeca reliable?
The Subaru Tribeca Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 18th out of 26 for midsize SUVs.
