Subaru is trying again in the seven-seat crossover segment by developing a larger, roomier and more rugged-looking vehicle aimed primarily at the U.S. The Viziv concept, unveiled during Los Angeles Auto Show press days, sports Subaru’s new Dynamic X Solid styling. Subaru’s as-yet-unnamed full-size crossover will be built at its Indiana factory and go on sale in early 2018.
The seven-seater has sharp lines and an aggressive front end, suggesting it is more of a do-it-all vehicle than the smaller Outback, with its more slanting nose. It will go up against segment giants including the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander and Chevrolet Traverse that have a similarly robust exterior.
Subaru isn’t likely to go for the high volumes of its competitors. Its last attempt at a larger crossover was the ill-fated Tribeca, with quirky styling and a cramped interior. The Tribeca went out of production in January 2014. Subaru dealers have been clamoring for a larger crossover ever since, saying they have lost sales because customers wanted a bigger vehicle.
The Japanese brand says that with the concept, it is “demonstrating its thinking about how big a future Subaru can be.”
The new crossover is considerably longer, wider and higher than the Tribeca, with a length of 204.7 inches vs. 192 inches for its predecessor. It is 79.9 inches wide, an increase of nearly 6 inches. With a height of 72 inches, it is 4 inches taller than the Tribeca.
“The concept expresses our core brand values: safety, dependability, capability for outdoor activities and a forward-looking attitude,” said Takeshi Tachimori, executive vice president of parent company Fuji Heavy Industries. “We know customers in this segment want a full-sized vehicle, and the next three-row from Subaru will be the biggest Subaru vehicle ever.”
