| td284 |
| Just got an invite for the Subaru "Tribeca Experience" at the NY Auto Show this week. This Subie will be the closest competitor to the MDX yet. Should be interesting to see in person (is that front end really so ugly?!). I had signed up on their site for more info, so they probably used that list. Anyone else going? |
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| eurohazard |
You think the Subie is the closest competitor? I think some buyers will cross shop the Tribeca, but I see the Volvo XC90 as the closest....aside from Honda Pilot of course. Keep in mind, I would never buy the XC90, because it is uglier than sin. I just think in design, dimensions, and capabilities, it is the #1 competitor for the MDX. The Subaru is a little short on torque (212 @ 4200 RPM), as well as 1000lbs less towing capacity. And Subaru isn't exactly a "luxury" nameplate....and I think that matters to many buyers, as does the lesser warranty.
I really like how it how Subaru designed the Tribeca with some style....love it or hate it. No one will call it bland. It reminds of a Nissan Murano, and that's not a bad thing. I would love to drive one for a day...to check out the real world performance of the flat 6. |
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| td284 |
No doubt, I agree the XC90 is the closest current competitor. But the Volvo has some key differences--V8 engine, less spacious, more expensive, more "European". The Subie has stats almost identical to the MDX, down to the features and (unconfirmed) pricing. Plus the gizmos even outdo the MDX in a few areas (Volvo way behind in electronics). The styling is controversial, but closer to the Acura look than the Volvo look. Of course, many will cross-shop all of them and others too.
It will be interesting to see how the market reacts to an expensive Subaru. Remember when people thought an expensive Honda (Acura) or Toyota (Lexus) was silly?! |
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| eurohazard |
I figured you may have been hinting at the fact that the Subie and the Acura were Japanese brands. I thought about that after I posted. In that regard, then the Tribeca certainly is the main competitor.
I am also curious to see how well received the Tribeca is due to its price. I know the old SVX, a cool and quirky little car was an expensive Subaru. It didn't sell well, but those who bought them, loved them. Hell, the fully loaded Outback wagon costs quite a chunk of change. And it most definitely is successful. In fact the success of the "Outback" image has certainly popularized Subaru in America, probably more so than rally racing.
And now they side step away from the Outback over-styling (thank God), and create an interesting SUV. Kudos. |
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| vip9 |
There is a thread on Tribeca already in the Other Cars folder.
Also, check out www.cars101.com, and, of course Edmunds. The guy on cars101 is a Subie dealer in Washington, had posted many pictures and detailed dimensions - appears to be smaller (MUCH?) then MDX. Also, the expected price for stripped-down version seems to be higher than loaded Pilot - and Honda is 8-seater!!! FTW!?!?!
I got my invite as well for NY show, but going on vacation next week. |
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| td284 |
I was able to get up close and personal with the Subie at the "VIP" event at NYIAS. It is an impressive vehicle, and looks better in person than the photos, although I still think the front end needs surgery. Subaru must think so too, because they had marketing surveys going on with specific questions about that.
The interior is excellent and has some innovative features. It appears a bit smaller than the X, especially in the back end/third row. Although stylish, it comes across as more minivan like than the X.
Also at the show was the new Jeep Commander, a blown-up Grand Cherokee with a third row. Although butt-ugly and out of proportion, it will appeal to the budget-Hummer crowd. There seemed to be lots of positive response from people there. The third row is relatively spacious. |
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| TriumphDriver |
| When I was touring Western USA on my motorcycle last May, I saw a lot of Suburus in places like Colorado and Montana. I noticed them because Suburus are still somewhat rare in Central and South Texas. I would certainly consider a Suburu but I don't think Suburu competes with Acura. Frankly, I think most people looking at an MDX are also considering a Lexus RX330 or GX470, a Toyota 4Runner, a Honda Pilot, or a Ford, Chevrolet or GMC product (but not a Suburu, at least not yet.):26: |
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