Subaru’s American sales arm has been going from sales record to sales record for months now, even without an entry in the one of the hottest segments: the three-row crossover.
The company’s attempt at a three-row crossover, the Tribeca, ended last year after seven years of sluggish sales. And work has been underway to get a successor in production that might actually resonate with U.S. buyers.
But as Automotive News reports, there’s some internal debate on the look and focus of the new big Subaru, due by 2018.
Subaru is deciding whether to make the new crossover a “big brother” with Outback’s rugged and off-road-worthy styling, company executives said. Or the new vehicle could get distinctive styling similar to the strategy with the Forester, a compact crossover smaller than the Outback.
Given the success of the Outback in the U.S. (it’s crushing competition from Toyota and Honda), it stands to reason what Americans would really like is an Outback with two more seats and more space. The best part about the Outback is its high level of function over much in the way of form. The last time Subaru tried to put form ahead of function, we got the Tribeca. And as you can see below in the photos, it didn’t go well.
Come on, Subaru. This should be an easy decision. And one that should basically print money for you.
Photo gallery
