STRETCH the proven Liberty/Outback wagon platform significantly in all directions, fit an all-new double-wishbone rear suspension underneath, drop in a flexible seven-seat interior and drape the boldest Subaru body ever seen over the top of it all and, hey presto, the result is Subaru's is biggest, baddest, heaviest and most accommodating model ever.

Of course, the US-inspired Tribeca is much more than that.

In fact, with an unprecedented level of standard equipment, including a raft of safety features to help make it yet another five-star crash safety performer from Subaru, the new Tribeca is tantalising enough to match its $54,000-plus pricetag.

But can the Outback’s 3.0-litre boxer six cope with Tribeca’s extra 400kg?