Subaru Considering Paths For Upcoming Seven-Passenger Crossover
Could there be a Subaru Grand Outback in the future? That’s what the automaker is considering for its seven-passenger crossover due in showrooms in 2017.
Automotive News reports the automaker is deciding on either a “big brother” crossover to the Outback, or be its own crossover with styling distinct from said model. Either way, the execs don’t want to take it down the same styling road that helped lead to the Tribeca’s demise last year.
Fuji Heavy Industries senior vice president of global marketing Nobuhiko Murakami says the seven-seater being developed mainly for the U.S. domestic market “will be roomier than the Tribeca and have three rows of seats,” though arrangement “is still under discussion.” He adds that the crossover will need to differentiate itself from its competitors, including the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot.
Alas, for those hoping the Levorg wagon would come over, Murakami says the new crossover will keep the wagon away, citing Subaru’s priority toward the Legacy sedan designed for the U.S. No sales forecasts for the upcoming model were mentioned at this time, which leave the automaker’s facility in Indiana in 2017.
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What's the bet on how many people realize that Subaru is independent and owned by Fuji Industries vs. how many people think it's a part of Honda or Toyota. I bet it's 30% Fuji / 70% T/H.
If you build it, they will come. If Subaru builds it, the buyers will come. Subies have always appealed to a small slice of the buying population and the most attractive aspect of Subies has always been the AWD. People didn't buy Subies for looks, comfort or quiet passenger cabins. They bought them for the ruggedness aspect that is equally at home on the paved road or off the beaten path. The people that bought the older Subies have also aged now and may be ready to step up to something larger, yet still familiar, like the Subies they owned over the years. Provide them a larger Subie. Smart! The current outback is not as tall as its competition, nor as large, and certainly not a rock-crawler like a Jeep Grand Cherokee TrailReady, but even old people will be amazed at how much easier the Outback is to get into and out of than a Highlander, Grand Cherokee or Pilot. I think this concept will find its niche, if built.
How about a refreshed Subaru Domingo!?!? That was a looker-
I'm still on the "Subaru is the new Volvo"-trip. If they make a cheaper version of the upcoming, überfantastic XC90, people will wait in line to get one.