Overview & Reviews

The Tribeca, Subaru's first midsize sport-utility, is a relatively recent addition to the crossover SUV segment. Bigger and taller than the company's other utility vehicles, it's meant to be a viable alternative to established Japanese crossover competitors as well as other more upscale sport-utilities.

The Subaru Tribeca (originally known as the B9 Tribeca) succeeds in that regard. However, there's not much to push the Tribeca beyond that "alternative" status. Though premium in look and feel, the vehicle's interior is a little cramped when compared to some competitors. Earlier models also suffered from mediocre acceleration.

Overall, the Tribeca's faults are significant enough that we think most shoppers will be happier with other top crossover SUVs. Only if you're a dedicated Subaru fan looking for something out of the mainstream will it be worth adding to your consideration list.

Current Subaru Tribeca
The Subaru Tribeca is a midsize SUV based on a widened and stretched version of the platform Subaru uses for its previous-generation Legacy and Outback. There are three trim levels -- Premium, Limited and Touring -- and all seat up to seven passengers.

Convenience and safety features are pretty comprehensive on the Premium model, as 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control and power front seats are standard. Stepping up to the Limited gets you leather seating, heated front seats, front-seat memory presets, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker audio system with CD changer and satellite radio. The Touring's additional highlights include xenon headlights, a sunroof and a back-up camera. Big-ticket options like rear-seat entertainment and a navigation system with rear parking camera are optional.

The Subaru Tribeca is powered by a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine producing 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. All models also come with Subaru's signature traction-boosting all-wheel drive that splits the power 45 front/55 rear under normal circumstances, and redistributes power on the fly as needed. A five-speed automatic transmission with a Sport and manual-shift mode is standard.

The Tribeca's cabin has a distinctly sleek and upscale look, but the dash is slathered in hard plastic, and some controls are awkwardly arranged. On the other hand, we like the central screen that displays climate control and audio information -- and this feature comes along for the ride whether you order the navigation system or not.

Legroom is sparse for third-row passengers, and even those in the second row might feel a little cramped -- a rear-facing infant seat barely fits. Fortunately, cargo room with the seats folded is a bit more generous, with up to 74 cubic feet available, though it lags behind some rivals.

Once under way, the current Subaru Tribeca feels reasonably quick and certainly better than earlier models. The engine can sound a little noisy and rough when it's working hard, however. On the other hand, the Tribeca's highway ride is smooth and the cabin remains quiet.

Used Subaru Tribeca Models
The Subaru Tribeca midsize SUV debuted for the 2006 model year, though it was originally known as the B9 Tribeca. The "B9" was dropped for 2008. Named for New York City's fashionable and affluent TriBeCa neighborhood, it became Subaru's first U.S. vehicle to feature a controversial (and short-lived) new design expression consisting of a stylized triangular grille and rounded bodywork.

This look was poorly received by the public, hence the current model's generic front-end treatment, which bowed for the '08 model year. The following year saw a Special Edition model joined the original base and Limited trims, though for 2010 it was gone when the Touring trim debuted and the formerly optional third-row seat became standard across the board.

Used-vehicle shoppers should note that prior to 2008, the Tribeca's six-cylinder engine was a little underpowered. Displacing 3.0 liters, it made 245 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. Subaru Tribecas with this engine can feel considerably more sluggish when accelerating than 2008 and later models.

User Reviews:

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  good car not good time - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By subsub - January 31 - 12:46 pm

  Car is good in upstate NY snow. the steering is corrective, accelerator cuts out when wheels spin, but...car is kind of heavy and doesnt compare to lightweight Forester on snowy roads straight line braking

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  After three Lexus Rxs This is a real gem - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By Jim D - January 30 - 11:20 am

  Having leased Lexus RX vehicles for seven years, and enjoying all of them. I took advantage of the opportunity to buy a low mileage Tribeca. While it doesnt have all the features (integrated bluetooth/Nav, express up/down windows, power rear hatch release/keyless entry etc.) it is an extraordinary vehicle that I have come to enjoy very much. Multiple trips to the North woods of Wisconsin have become my second hobby because of the Tribeca. Fit & Finish, features, quality of workmanship, power/safety/great 4x4, Ipod connectivity, great seats, and best of all; it has Japanese quality control, but is assembled in Indiana. I love the car, and it may be my last new car purchase.

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  2008 and i have changed 8 - 10 headlights - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By lvilletribeca - November 23 - 1:06 am

  This car has the worst reliable headlights of any car I have ever owned. Every 6 months and they need changing. Gas mileage is not good and the care is noisy. On the positive side, other than brakes and headlights I have had low maintenance. I would think hard before i acquired another Subaru.

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  Safe and Secure - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Bigtime - September 5 - 8:56 pm

  I leased this vehicle for my sons who went off to school. This is a solid vehicle with excellent safety ratings. It is a substantial vehicle that handles whatever the weather brings. In 3 years mileage will be up substantially for all manufacturers when it it time for a new vehicle. What sold me was the overall passenger room, the styling and safety features. I have not regretted the lease for even a moment. I wish that I were driving it instead of my kids.

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  Glad we did - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Rich - August 22 - 2:36 pm

  We were coming up on the lease of our Sienna. We looked at several crossovers: Acadia, Edge, Murano, Pilot, CX9, Highlander. My wife had a Subie when we first met, and she asked to look at the new one. We drove all the others, and we drove this and said, "Yes." This a fun car to drive, room for kids and cargo, AWD, and we like the design. We got the gold color with tan leather. Even in the sun all day, it doesnt get that hot inside. Got it on a 42 mo lease, and we are very happy. Getting 17mpg mixed driving, but the engine only has 600 miles. Better mileage to come when fully broken in.

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  Needs some improvement - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By jrod - July 5 - 8:53 am

  We have had this vehicle for approx. 26 mo. and havent had an issue with the engine and tranny. What we do have issues with is the interior coming apart,like the plastic behind the steering wheel decided it didnt want to stay clipped. As for the 7 passenger claim..mm maybe they should have called it a 51/2 passenger. an adult can fit if they sit sideways. For the drive quality my wife has beaten out many a sport car with it. Fuel economy we average 21.5-25 mpg hwy (no kidding) when we take it to the mountains for ski season otherwise the posted 16 mpg city is accurate not bad for an SUV. Considering I drive it at 80mph i cannot complain.

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  Great luxury bang for the buck - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By gvo - May 27 - 10:26 pm

  08 Tribeca is head and shoulders above the underpowered 07 model with ugly front looks. The drive is smooth, the design and build quality are great. Its a hungry beast, though - I cant get more than 17 mpg out of it. Other than that, beautiful car, and I am very happy with it.

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  Very Pleased - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By lisa - April 22 - 7:20 am

  I purchased the 08 Tribeca 6months ago. I am very happy with the vehicle. I previously had the Audi A4 and it was one problem after another. The Tribeca is more comfortable, has a smoother drive, and is more reliable. I would get it again.

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  Nice but with some quality reliability issues - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By jimsimp3 - March 9 - 12:14 pm

  I have owned the car for 40 months now and honestly say I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER TRIBECA and maybe not another Subaru. LIKES: purchase price including factory incentives was $6,000 under MSRP. It has plenty of nice standard features. I like the styling (except the Chrysler-like grill). I really like the size and cargo capacity with the seats folded. DISLIKES: fuel economy, small fuel tank, cheap and non-durable plastic cargo area material, forward blind spots caused by thick posts. Last but not least ........ I have it back to the dealer too many times for issues like rough transmission shifting, replacement of brake master cylinder, headlight bulbs are frequently blown

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  Shop Carefully - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Disappointed - March 7 - 8:23 pm

  Rear-seat riders in 7-passenger model should not be taller than 2 feet. Check leg room carefully. Ceiling mounted seat belt for middle seat, middle row, hits rider to the right in the head. Gas mileage is terrible. Repeat, gas mileage is terrible. Nav screen darkens way too much when headlights turned on. Gas mileage is terrible. Keyless remote unreliable. If you lock car using key, also unlock with key or alarm will sound. Gas mileage is terrible. CD changer repeats same CD, doesnt change to another CD. Must be done manually. Middle seats uncomfortable.