Why was the Subaru Tribeca discontinued?
The Subaru Tribeca, once a flagship SUV for Subaru, was discontinued in 2014 after nearly a decade of production. Despite its innovative features and Subaru's reputation for reliability, the Tribeca struggled to find its footing in a competitive SUV market. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind its discontinuation and what lessons automakers can learn from its journey.
1. Lackluster Sales Performance
One of the primary reasons for the discontinuation of the Subaru Tribeca was its consistently low sales numbers. Introduced in 2005, the Tribeca never managed to capture a significant share of the SUV market. While Subaru is known for its loyal customer base, the Tribeca failed to resonate with both existing Subaru enthusiasts and new buyers. By the time production ceased in 2014, Subaru had sold fewer than 80,000 units in the United States over its entire lifespan, a stark contrast to the success of competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.
2. Polarizing Design
The Tribeca’s design, particularly its front grille and overall styling, was a point of contention among consumers. The original model featured a unique "airplane-inspired" grille that many found unattractive. Although Subaru attempted to address this issue with a redesign in 2008, the damage to its reputation had already been done. In a market where aesthetics play a significant role in purchasing decisions, the Tribeca’s polarizing design hindered its appeal.
3. Limited Interior Space
Despite being marketed as a midsize SUV, the Tribeca offered less interior space compared to its competitors. The third-row seating, in particular, was cramped and impractical for families—a key target demographic for SUVs. This lack of functionality made it difficult for the Tribeca to compete with roomier alternatives in the same price range.
4. Competition in a Crowded Market
The midsize SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive industry, with numerous well-established models dominating the market. The Tribeca struggled to differentiate itself from rivals that offered better performance, more space, and superior features. Subaru’s decision to focus on its more successful models, such as the Outback and Forester, further sealed the Tribeca’s fate.
5. Strategic Shift by Subaru
Subaru’s decision to discontinue the Tribeca was also part of a broader strategic shift. The company chose to allocate resources to developing vehicles that aligned more closely with consumer demand. This strategy paid off with the introduction of the Subaru Ascent in 2018, a three-row SUV that addressed many of the shortcomings of the Tribeca and quickly became a success.
Conclusion
The Subaru Tribeca serves as a reminder of the challenges automakers face in a competitive market. While it had its strengths, including Subaru’s hallmark all-wheel-drive system and a reputation for safety, its design, limited space, and inability to stand out ultimately led to its discontinuation. Subaru’s pivot to the Ascent demonstrates the importance of learning from past missteps and adapting to consumer needs. For car enthusiasts and industry watchers, the Tribeca’s story is a fascinating case study in automotive evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Is the Tribeca bigger than the 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 is the biggest problem with Subaru engines?
One of the most notorious issues plaguing Subaru vehicles is head gasket leaks, particularly in older models with the EJ series engines. These leaks can lead to coolant loss, overheating, and potential engine damage if left untreated.
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.
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.
Why did they stop making Subaru Tribeca?
The biggest reason for the Subaru Tribeca being discontinued was the low sales rate. They simply weren't selling, so Subaru decided to scrap the name and car in favour of a better vehicle, the Subaru Ascent. In 2014, the last year the Tribeca was sold, only 732 models were sold.
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.
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 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.
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.
