Next Subaru Tribeca Could Be Underpinned by Toyota Highlander

It seems that Toyota and Subaru are becoming closer than ever. According to Motor Trend, the two companies are currently exploring the possibility of integrating larger platforms, that could yield the next generation Tribeca. Toyota engineers are testing to see if the next generation Highlander mid-size crossover platform could fit the Subaru model.

The main hurdle is not the chassis itself, but finding a way to fit Subaru’s 3.6-liter flat-six, that is currently under the bonnet of the Tribeca, into the Toyota frame. The problem is that, while the Subaru uses a longitudinally mounted mill, Highlanders use more conventional transverse-mounted engines. As is the case with most future crossover models, a hybrid version should also be taken into account.

The two companies had the same issue with the FT-86 rear-wheel drive sports coupe, but they dealt with it by only using the 2.5-liter turbo four-pot from the STI. This is clearly not an option for the Tribeca/Highlander, that will also have to accommodate a battery pack for the hybrid. This might mean that Subaru can jump into the hybrid game as well in the future.

Both current generations of crossovers have new replacements coming in 2014, so they should share more than just a few nuts and bolts. Subaru is currently leading development of the FT-86 coupe, so Toyota should take the rains of this crossover project. Motor Trend believes the only way the two vehicles can share a platform is by making it the same from the A-pillar back, but different from the firewall forward.