buyers may still be interested to know what critics and owners have to say. The three-row SUV is Subaru’s largest and most expensive vehicle. A suitable choice for

families

that have outgrown their sedans or wagons.

Of course, brand loyalists will rejoice in the reliability of their beloved Subaru. But critics have stated their reservations about the seven-passenger Tribeca, as it fails to stand out in its mid-size SUV class.

Notable features of the Subaru Tribeca

Shopping is simplified when the Subaru Tribeca has just a single Limited trim available with minimal add-on options. The final 2014 model comes standard with a 3.5-inch rear-camera display and a moonroof that helps open up the cabin. Seats are adorned with leather-trimmed upholstery and the second row seat backs fold down in a 40/20/40 configuration to make room down the middle.

Other attributes include Bluetooth phone connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors and power front seats. Cruise control, fog lights, rear privacy glass, and driver seat memory functions are all standard features. This model rides on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

The Subaru Tribeca’s horizontally opposed six-cylinder, 3.6-liter engine delivers 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Its performance is enhanced with an improved five-speed automatic transmission, especially in Sport mode for better acceleration. Towing capacity maxes out at 3,500 lbs.

Kelley Blue Book

claims that the soft suspension tuning and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system is ideal for stability in unfavorable road conditions. In addition to the responsive and firm steering, power is split to favor the rear wheels. But if a tire loses grip, the Subaru Tribeca will immediately transfer power to the wheels with the best traction. With 8.4 inches of ground clearance, its low center of gravity provides better handling in snowy conditions and corners than other SUVs.

The 2014 Tribeca stands out on the safety front as it earned the top rating of “good” for crash tests that examined side-impact, roof-strength and moderate-overlap frontal-offset. The vehicle’s seat/head restraint design also tested well for whiplash protection in rear impacts. And it performed better than competitors in braking distance. Standard safety features include front-seat side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, traction and stability control.

How does the Subaru Tribeca compare to the competition?

MORE: How to Tell if Your Car Is Front or Rear-Wheel Drive

Edmunds

had several points of contention during its review of the SUV. The Subaru Tribeca’s interior is certainly stylish but the design of the dash and layout of the controls are not particularly user-friendly. Driver positioning may be hindered by the lack of a telescopic steering wheel.

Small children are really the only comfortable passengers due to the lack of legroom and cramped third-row seat. Cargo capacity is quite limited at 8.3 cu ft. behind the third-row seating. Capacity grows with both seat rows folded down, which might not always be possible. This model does not have a power tailgate either, unlike many of its competitors.

Critics remain unimpressed with the Subaru Tribeca’s average performance and poor fuel economy. City driving offers a mere 16 mpg and tops out at 21 mpg on the highway. While it does provide drivers with excellent visibility, its dated exterior design is not enticing. Perhaps Subaru discontinued the Tribeca for all the aforementioned reasons.

Compared to its three-row SUV rivals, like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder and Chevrolet Traverse, the Subaru Tribeca trails behind when it comes down to technology, feature availability and fuel economy. While it does offer buyers standard all-wheel-drive with a six-cylinder engine, it is priced significantly higher than the competition.

Where the hefty price tag meets low insurance rates

MORE:

Will There Finally Be a Respite from Extreme Used Car Prices?

A brand new Subaru Tribeca started at $35,000 back in 2014, but does provide owners with good resale value as a trusted name in carmaking. According to

Consumer Reports

, the current average retail price is $15,675.

While you might break the bank when it comes to buying this used vehicle, your insurance doesn’t have to.

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