New Subaru Tribeca SUV throws down gauntlet

But the new Tribeca — Soob's first all-new model since the late '90s — belongs in a bigger, wider ball park. Indeed, it's the company's biggest ever passenger vehicle.

If the name and the super-sized aspect weren't sufficient proof that it had been developed primarily for the American market, the 10 cup-holders should clinch the argument.

Although top-end Libertys slay European sports saloons for value, the Tribeca is intended to go up against the Nissan Murano, BMW X3, Volvo XC70, Ford Territory Ghia and Volkswagen Touareg.

Apart from powertrains, it shares with the Forester, Liberty and Outback a five-star crashworthiness rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

The six-cylinder, three-litre Tribeca begins at $53,990 in five-seat configuration, with the range-topping Tribeca 3.0R Premium seven-seater $60,990. Both those prices are guaranteed to shake up the segment.

The Tribeca is claimed to be the first Subaru to offer a 2000kg braked towing capacity.

Both Tribeca variants use the same horizontally opposed boxer engine, a peaky but powerful number that produces 180kW at 6600rpm and 297Nm at 4200rpm.

The transmission is a five-speed auto with manual mode. Predictably, there's no manual variant; that third pedal is what they have these days instead of a handbrake.

Of course, the Tribeca is mainly about amenity. It comes with a standard rear-view camera, Vehicle Dynamics Control, satnav, an electric sunroof and leather trim, with heated front seats on Premium variants.

The second row of seats can be slid back 20cm. It also features a 60/40 split bench and a 40/20/40 split rear- seat backrest with fold-flat capability.

There's a centre armrest with two cup-holders, plus a tray table on the reverse side that can be used when the centre section is folded flat.

The third row in seven-seat models includes a 50/50 split backrest.

A shoulder-level lever allows the seat to be folded down to create flat luggage space. When using only the second row, four suitcases or four golf bags can be carried.

Cargo boxes are also located below the floor — two in five-seat models and one in seven-seaters.