Subaru introduces Japan-bound 2015 Crossover 7

Apr 16, 2015, 2:07am ET

The seven-seater Crossover 7 is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine.

Subaru has lifted the veil off of a seven-seater crossover appropriately called Crossover 7. Designed primarily for the Japanese market, the soft-roader sits at the very top of the automaker's lineup.

The Crossover 7 is essentially an update of the eponymous concept that was presented at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The concept's styling has been carried over to the production model with only minor modifications, meaning that the Crossover 7 ditches the defunct Tribeca's tall silhouette in favor of a sleeker, more Outback-like look while adopting a crisp and understated front end.

Subaru's biggest crossover offers a spacious, well-lit cabin designed to be as user-friendly as possible. The second and third rows can fold flat when more cargo space is needed, and the crossover can be transformed into a camper by removing the front headrests and reclining the seatbacks to a nearly flat position.

Like the concept, the production version of the Crossover 7 is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine that sends power to all four wheels via a CVT and Subaru's time-tested Symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Fuel economy and performance figures will be published closer to the car's on-sale date.

The 2015 Subaru Crossover 7 is scheduled to go on sale in Japan halfway through next month. Subaru believes that it can sell about 600 units a month.

What's next?Subaru is busily developing a U.S.-bound seven-seater crossover that will fill the void left by the underwhelming Tribeca. The Crossover 7 could lend a handful of components and/or a few styling cues to the yet-unnamed model, but the soft-roader will not be sold on our shores as-is.