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2013 Subaru Tribeca Preview

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Marie-Laurence Paquin
Highlights*
Like every other model in the lineup, the 2013 Subaru Tribeca benefits from the automaker's widely acclaimed all-wheel drive system to stand out from the competition. It also offers good driving dynamics, and a quiet interior that can seat up to seven people.

Lowlights*
A rather bland exterior, low fuel economy, cramped third-row seating, and non-telescopic steering column are the main drawbacks here. Some also complain about the lack of value.

Pricing
The 2013 Subaru Tribeca starts at $38,995. Standard equipment on the Tribeca includes: 18” alloy wheels, power adjustable and heated front seats, a power sunroof, and a 50/50 split-folding third-row seat.

Photo: Subaru

The Limited Package ($43,195) adds HID headlights, leather seats, body-coloured rocker panels and wheel arches, as well as a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. If you're looking for a navigation system, you'll have to buy the Optimum Package, which boosts the price to $45,495.

Fuel consumption
The 2013 Subaru Tribeca has ratings of 13.1L/100km in the city and 9.4L/100km on the highway.

Styling
A powerful stance and clean, understated lines define this large crossover -- much like its platform sibling (Outback), actually. From the muscular wheel arches to the elegant roof rails, the Tribeca aims for the ideal combination of form and function.

Powertrain
The 2013 Subaru Tribeca is motivated by a 3.6L 6-cylinder BOXER engine that delivers 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque through a 5-speed automatic transmission with Normal and Sport modes. Power goes directly to all four wheels via Subaru’s symmetrical full-time AWD system.

Cargo capacity
There are 235 litres of room available behind the third-row seat, and 1,063 litres behind the second-row seat. When both are folded down, you get 2,106 litres of cargo space.

Photo: Subaru

Safety
The 2013 Subaru Tribeca keeps everyone safe by using Vehicle Dynamics Control (with lateral-g and yaw-rate sensors), traction control, collapsible pedals and steering column, along with six airbags. It's no surprise the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the vehicle a “Top Safety Pick.”

Competitors
Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Edge/Flex, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe XL, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander.


*Based on expert reviews.
Desjardins Guy, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions de l’homme, 2012, p.558
Crépault Michel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.552
www.subaru.ca

Marie-Laurence Paquin
Marie-Laurence Paquin
Automotive expert
None