Balance and then some

MANILA, Philippines - Medium- and large-sized SUVs are so in demand in America – the biggest and most profitable automotive market in the world for the longest time (at least until China’s automotive industry boomed phenomenally in the last few years) – that manufacturers that would otherwise not care to make these big, gas-guzzling behemoths are compelled to make them.

Even luxury and sports car makers have had to play the SUV game. That’s why we ended up with the BMW X5, the Mercedes ML-class, and the Porsche Cayenne. They sell way more of these models in America than in their native Germany. The same applies to Japanese all-wheel-drive specialist Subaru, which already has perhaps the most comprehensive fleet of all-wheel-drive vehicles including the Outback crossover and the Forester compact SUV.

But the Outback and the Forester are both five-seaters; and America wants a seven-seater. Ergo the Subaru Tribeca. It’s a Subaru, alright; but it’s made in the good ole US of A – in Chicago to be exact. That’s how big that SUV segment is in the States.

Thankfully the Tribeca, which gets its name from an upscale Lower Manhattan neighborhood in New York (of Tribeca Film Festival fame), retains much of the renowned Subaru driving dynamics despite its size. Compared to its American competition, the Tribeca is much more buttoned down, especially in spirited on-road driving. It feels just as composed and planted as the Mercedes ML-class and feels almost as confidence-inspiring as a BMW X5 in apex-strafing mode.

In terms of build quality, the Tribeca is one slick piece. You’ll hear it in the smooth throb of the 256-hp 3.6-liter flat-6 engine, the solid thump of the doors when you shut them, and in the muted hum of the tires on the highway. Precious little extraneous noise filters into the cabin. You’ll also feel it in the textures of the supple leather upholstery as well as in the soft-feel plastics of the dashboard and console.

At P2.748 million, the Tribeca is one pricey car, but it never fails to impress to you that it’s money well spent.

Style-wise, the Tribeca looks the part of an upscale midsize SUV – even if its styling may not be as distinctive as its high-end pricing would suggest. The front is probably its weakest design aspect. It looks almost like a generic minivan when viewed head-on. (It actually resembles the front of the Chrysler Town & Country.) The side panels are much better sculpted, with a crisp character line that runs the length of the side. The rear end is equally accomplished with its handsome tail lamps and nice detailing on the tailgate.

Inside, you’ll find a sumptuous (but not opulent) leather-lined cabin with a gracefully flowing dashboard and console. There is generous head-, shoulder, and legroom for front and second-row passengers.

The same can’t be said for the rearmost 3rd-row passengers. They’d have to be really small children to enjoy the ride. That’s because there is almost nonexistent legroom for them. (Headroom is decent, though.)

What else is missing? An engine stop-start button, a smart keyless entry system, and while I’m at it, perhaps a power-open/close tailgate and a navigation system.

All things considered, though, the Subaru Tribeca’s many major highs far outweigh the relatively minor lows.

The Good

• Impressively high build quality, inside and out

• Smooth and powerful flat-6 engine

• Confidence-inspiring driving dynamics

• Ideal balance between supple ride and crisp handling

• Effective state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive system and stability control

• Lots of safety features

• Terrific sounding audio system with iPod connectivity

The Bad

• No engine start/stop push button

• No CRDi engine option; flat-6 engine loves gas

• No smart keyless entry system

• 3rd-row seat has almost zero legroom

• Pricey

The Verdict

• Needs a few more toys, but makes up for it with its outstanding performance and refinement. The BMW X5 (or even the Porsche Cayenne – flat-6 engine, natch!) of its price class.