Subaru Tribeca SUV

Subaru Tribeca SUV
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Full 2014 Subaru Tribeca Review

What's New for 2014

For 2014, the Subaru Tribeca is essentially unchanged apart from a minor shuffling of standard and optional features.

Introduction

Usually, an average ballplayer on an average team gets playing time. But put that guy on a team stocked with talent and he's going to ride the bench. Take the case of the 2014 Subaru Tribeca. It's a pleasant enough midsize crossover SUV taken on its own. But compare it to any of its three-row crossover rivals, and it's merely a.250 hitter lost in a class of winners who all hit .400.

Subaru`s largest crossover does offer fairly attractive styling, and it benefits from the automaker's capable all-wheel-drive technology. It comes in a single, loaded trim level with standard seven-passenger seating, which does simplify the buying process. But let's be honest -- those are hardly deal makers. Plus, the Tribeca hits a rather unenviable trifecta: passenger/cargo space are subpar, fuel economy is disappointing and, although it's nicely equipped, there's no appealing value proposition here given its dated design and lack of newer features such as blind-spot monitoring or Bluetooth audio/USB.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2014 Subaru Tribeca is a seven-passenger midsize crossover SUV that comes in a single Limited trim level.

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, a power sunroof, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control with separate rear air-conditioning control, leather upholstery (vinyl for the third row), heated power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), driver seat memory functions, reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seats, 50/50-split third-row seats, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with a six-CD changer, auxiliary audio input jack and satellite radio.

The options list is short and includes a Navigation and Rear-Seat DVD Entertainment package that includes a navigation system, a rearview camera and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. There is also the Popular Package, which features luggage rack crossbars, splash guards, a rear bumper scuff guard, a rear cargo tray and a retractable cargo area cover.