2010 Subaru Tribeca vs 2010 Toyota Highlander

2010 Subaru Tribeca

The 2010 Subaru Tribeca is a seven passenger vehicle, in fact, it is Subaru's only three roe vehicle. The five-passenger versions are no longer offered.  The 2010 Tribeca carries-on essentially unchanged. Subarus' largest model continues to offer drivers a safe comfortable ride in any kind of road condition or weather.

Tribeca Design

A new Touring model has a moonroof, navigation system and backup camera among its standard features. All models now have body-colored side cladding. The new Touring model has silver (instead of black) roof rails, a silver lower front bumper and standard xenon headlights. Its overall dimensions put it in the same class as the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano. It's nearly as big as a Ford Explorer, in other words.

Powering the Tribeca

Like all Subaru models, the 2010 Tribeca uses Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive. Its engine is a 256-horsepower, aluminum, 3.6-liter flat-six that drives all four wheels full time through a five-speed automatic transmission featuring manual sequential shift control. The 3.6-liter H6 engine delivers competitive performance when compared with other SUVs. Careful suspension tuning and a relatively low center of gravity results in responsive handling that makes driving the Tribeca enjoyable. The engine and ride quality are smooth and comfortable. Subaru's all-wheel drive technology is thoroughly proven. The current styling is more attractive than that of the 2006-07 models.

2010 Tribeca Features

Options for the Tribeca include leather upholstery, moonroof, and navigation package. Safety features include dual-stage frontal airbags, seat-mounted side impact airbags, curtain airbags, active head restraints, and a tire pressure monitor. The Tribeca is loaded with technology, giving drivers the latest in all-weather safety and performance. The Tribeca earned the highest possible rating in NHTSA federal crash tests, with five stars in the frontal and side-impact tests for both the driver and front-seat passenger; and a four-star rating in the tests for rollover resistance. The Tribeca has also been named a Top Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Subaru Tribeca has the feel of control and dexterity, plus impressive hauling capacity for people and things.

2010 Toyota Highlander

The 2010 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size sport utility vehicle, engineered with Toyota's legendary quality and designed to stand out. The Highlander not only drives with ease, but it also boasts progressive safety technologies and a spacious, flexible interior with seating for up to 7 passengers.

Powering the Highlander

Engine choices include a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V-6. The Highlander received a new four-cylinder base version last year. A 3.5-liter V-6 powers most trims. A gas/electric Highlander Hybrid is also offered. The Highlander is offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The front-wheel drive Base trim is powered by a 187-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission; all other trims get a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic with sequential manual shift mode.

2010 Highlander Design

The Highlander retains the upright D-pillar of the prior model, and the liftgate can have a glass section that opens independently. Trim levels include the Base, Sport and Limited. Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic vehicle stability and traction control systems, active anti-whiplash front head restraints, front side-impact airbags and overhead curtain airbags for all rows. A versatile cabin adds to the attractiveness of the Highlander as a family vehicle. The second row can slide forward and back, and the third-row seat is hospitable for children and capable of carrying adults. Getting in and out of the first two rows is easy, and Toyota provides both a walk-through and a fold-and-slide-forward second-row seat to ease access to the third row.

Toyota Highlander Features

Standard in the Highlander are two rows of seats with capacity for five are standard; most trims have a third row, which increases capacity to seven. The sliding and reclining second-row captain's chairs can be configured to handle three people with Toyota's Center Stow seat, which can be removed and stored when not needed. The two-person third row folds into the floor. The 5-passenger FWD Base trim is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control and a CD player with MP3 capability, while the Base V6 and all other trims add a flat-fold third row seat, increasing capacity to seven. Limited and SE trims also add leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a six-disc CD changer and a rearview camera monitor, along with a flip-up rear liftgate window for quick access to the cargo area.

Conclusions

The 2010 Subaru Tribeca represents Subaru's largest vehicle, and the only one with three rows of seats, at the same time it carries on the Subaru name with stylish looks and full time all wheel drive. The Toyota Highlander is similar in size to the Tribeca, and can also carry seven passengers. The Toyota Highlander carries over with minimal changes for 2010. A new SE trim joins the model lineup, replacing the previous model year Sport trim.  They both include features like power heated front seats and mirrors. Properly equipped, the Tribeca can tow up to 3,500 pounds. In fact, the Tribeca is fully competitive in this class, especially given its lengthy list of standard features. Price wise the Tribeca has an MSRP of $30,495 - $35,795; while the Highlander comes in a bit lower at 25,855 - $34,670. For fuel economy the Highlander has an MPG of 27 mpg Hwy, 20 mpg City. The Tribeca  EPA Fuel Economy is City: 16 mpg and Highway: 21 mpg. The bottom line is the Toyota Highlander offers generous room for people and cargo, a choice of powertrains, ample performance and good fuel economy. The Tribeca is for those who need plenty of passenger space along with the added security Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive standard on all models, and as everyone knows this is something Subaru has down.