New/Notable:
- Power moonroof is now standard
- Only three-row model made by Subaru
- Standard all-wheel drive, 256-hp six-cylinder boxer engine
Subaru’s three-row midsize crossover, the 2014 Tribeca, hangs on for one more year.
Rumors of the Tribeca’s demise were circling, but the seven-seat crossover makes it through another year. Last year, the Tribeca added a brake override system that cuts the throttle if both brake and accelerator pedals are pressed at the same time. For 2014, a power moonroof is now standard, joining a formidable list of standard kit.
Exterior styling on the Tribeca is conventional and in keeping with the current look of midsize crossovers – it’s just sleek enough to not be confused with a minivan. Standard exterior features include roof rack, fog lights and heated power side view mirrors with integrated turn signals. The Tribeca lacks a power lift gate feature found on some competitors.
Power is drawn from a 256-horsepower, 3.6-liter flat-six cylinder engine producing 247 pounds feet of torque that is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Tribeca returns EPA-estimated fuel economy of 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway – comparable to the Ford Explorer V-6 AWD model.
Inside, the swooping dashboard still carries the modern flair from when it debuted. Dual-zone automatic climate control and an auxiliary air conditioner with second- and third-row vents are standard along with heated front seats and leather upholstery. Second-row seats feature sliders, which make getting into the third row easier. Subaru offers navigation and a rearview backup camera as options. While a tilt steering wheel is standard, it lacks the telescoping feature.
Subaru prides itself on making safe vehicles and the Tribeca is no exception, earning a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. Standard safety features include stability and traction control systems, Vehicle Dynamic Control, and antilock brakes with emergency braking assist.
