Subaru's Tribeca successor spied

Subaru’s second crack at a large three-row crossover will get its official debut next month as a concept at the New York International Auto Show. But new spy photos give the clearest look yet to the vehicle that will replace the discontinued and unloved Tribeca.

In terms of appearance, the new crossover -- likely to be named Ascent -- looks very conventional, which is understandable after the Tribeca disaster. You might remember that the original B9 Tribeca debuted with a strange looking and polarizing aperture in the center of its grille that likely hobbled sales.

The shape of the grille and flush mounted headlights are in keeping with the design language shown on the next-generation XV subcompact crossover shown recently in Geneva and that will be sold here as the Crosstrek.

Subaru's U.S. sales have advanced nine straight years and the new crossover is expected to play a key role in maintaining the brand's momentum.

At the Geneva show, Subaru CEO Yasuyuki Yoshinaga said he does not expect the new crossover to siphon a large percentage of sales from established vehicles, such as the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse. Yoshinaga said Subaru’s existing customers that are looking for a larger crossover, but who want to stay with the brand, will be the natural customer for the new vehicle.

No word yet on powertrains, but it is very likely that some version of Subaru’s largest engine, a 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder, will be offered.