Buy a 2012 or 2013 Subaru Tribeca Instead of the 2014 Model
While the Tribeca was not necessarily greeted with open arms by loyal Subaru drivers, it did have a small following and the Tribeca ended up being a solid, reliable choice for many owners from 2005 to 2014.
If you are looking for a used Subaru Tribeca, which model year should you consider? Here is everything you need to know about the final few years of the SUV.
2014 Subaru Tribeca: specs, price, and features
The 2014 Subaru Tribeca is a midsize SUV that acted as the final model year for the vehicle. According to U.S. News, It comes standard with a 256-horsepower six-cylinder engine which sends power to all four wheels.
A five-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission available. The Tribeca is decently comfortable but has a wide turning radius, making it tough to maneuver in tight city streets, although this maneuvering is a little bit easier than usual thanks to its standard rearview camera.
The Tribeca does succeed in one key area; passenger capacity. The Subaru Tribeca can seat seven passengers in its smaller midsize SUV cabin, which is no small feat. Those seven passengers are also bound to be comfortable thanks to the Tribeca’s dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth audio, and 10-speaker sound system.
The Subaru Tribeca also succeeded in safety as well, receiving all “good” ratings from the IHS, and nearly perfect crash test scores from the NHTSA. According to U.S. News, the typical 2014 Tribeca can be purchased for around $17,500 on the used market.
Buy a 2012 or 2013 Subaru Tribeca instead
While the 2014 Subaru Tribeca is a good midsize SUV, not much changed between the 2014 and the 2012 or 2013 models other than some features that were once only optional equipment for the 2012 or 2013 model year that became standard equipment by 2014.
If you can find a 2012 or 2013 Subaru Tribeca that has all of the features you want, it might be a better deal to settle for the older Tribeca than splurging for a newer 2014 model that is essentially the same vehicle for a higher price.
With U.S. News reporting an average price increase of around $5,000 when comparing a 2014 Tribeca to a 2012 model, the answer is clear, the 2012 and 2013 Subaru Tribeca gives you just as much capability at a much better price.
What if you want a newer Subaru SUV?
If you are looking for a new SUV from Subaru that is capable of seating seven passengers, the Ascent may be the perfect vehicle for you. It is carrying on the Tribeca’s seven-seat legacy with much better reviews and more features to keep you comfortable behind the wheel.
