Japan’s Seven-seater

Subaru recently announced plans for a new seven-passenger vehicle in the United States. There have been rumors of a “Grand Outback”, that would essentially be an upsized version of the super popular Outback. While the specifics about the design and layout haven't been released, Subaru has confirmed that there will be a new seven-passenger Subaru and it will be larger than the discontinued Tribeca. 

The company recently unveiled a new seven-passenger vehicle that will be sold exclusively in Japan - the Exiga Crossover 7.  While it’s unlikely that we will see the Exiga here in the states, it could give us some insight as to what we can expect from Subaru's new U.S. seven-seater.

The Exiga Crossover 7 Looks pretty slick. It looks more like a traditional wagon than the Tribeca, which looked more like an SUV. While a vehicle's appearance is important to consumers, looks aren’t everything.

Japan’s seven-seater will, of course, come equipped with a Subaru standard boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A 171-horsepower engine might seem a little light for some, but the Exiga makes up for that with good gas mileage for a vehicle of its size. There aren't many seven-passenger vehicles that can get 30+ miles per gallon on the highway.

There isn't a lack of space with the new Exiga Crossover 7. The vehicle features three rows of modular seating. The second and third rows fold down to create more cargo space, and can even be set up as a bed, much to the delight of car campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Again, this vehicle will only be released in Japan, and it’s smaller than the Tribeca, so it's highly unlikely that the Exiga Crossover 7 will make it to the United States. However, it could give us a glimpse at what we can expect with a U.S. seven-seater. It goes without saying that it will come with a boxer engine and AWD, and modular seating would sure be handy. It will be interesting to see what’s in store for the new seven-passenger Subaru.