Overview & Reviews

The Subaru B9 Tribeca was the first midsize SUV from a company that traditionally just made smaller station wagons with elevated ground clearance. Bigger and taller than other Subarus, the B9 was meant to be a viable alternative to established Japanese crossover competitors as well as other more upscale sport-utilities.

Named for New York City's fashionable and affluent TriBeCa neighborhood (the B9 was tacked on seemingly just for fun), it also became Subaru's first U.S. vehicle to feature a new design expression consisting of a stylized triangular grille and rounded bodywork apparently inspired by aircraft. It wasn't well-received, however, which was made all the worse because it was underpowered and not as spacious inside as other three-row SUVs.

In an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to turn the ship around, Subaru adopted more conservative styling for 2008 and ditched "B9" in the process. The rechristened Subaru Tribeca is covered in a separate review.

Most Recent Subaru B9 Tribeca
The Subaru B9 Tribeca was sold for 2006 and 2007, before it dropped the B9 from its name. Attached to its standard all-wheel-drive system and five-speed automatic was a 3.0-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) six-cylinder engine that produced 245 horsepower and 215 pound-feet. This modest output didn't do the relatively heavy B9 any favors, bringing it from zero to 60 mph in a pokey 9.6 seconds.

The B9 came in five- or seven-passenger configurations with either base or Limited trims. The base car included 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), a tilt-only steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player. An auxiliary audio jack was added for 2007. With its seven-passenger configuration, the base B9 Tribeca gained heated front seats and rear climate controls. The Limited got you leather upholstery and an upgraded sound system with a six-CD changer. Options on the Limited included a navigation system, a rearview camera and a rear seat entertainment system.

The Subaru B9 Tribeca's cabin had a distinct look with a waterfall center stack painted silver. It looked cool, but with its awkwardly arranged buttons, it was definitely a case of form over function. The cabin's abundance of hard plastic was also a turn-off, although we liked the central screen that displayed the climate control and audio information.

Many have found the B9 Tribeca's driving position awkward, which was largely a result of the non-telescoping steering wheel. Legroom was 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 was a bit more generous, with up to 74 cubic feet available.

In general, we found the Subaru B9 Tribeca to have too many flaws to be recommended as a used SUV purchase. Power was improved with the subsequent Subaru Tribeca, but it, too, remains an also-ran as more impressive crossovers have arrived on the scene.

User Reviews:

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  Perfect Vehicle - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By MeMe - September 1 - 9:40 am

  This vehicle has met everyone of my needs and then some. I went from a Mountaineer which I liked for space but hated for gas. The Tribeca surprised me in how much room was in the back for loading and hauling. It is quiet (I drive interstate for work), smooth, and looks great. I have had minor wear and tear problems (what car doesnt) but everything has been covered by the warranty and been fixed immediately. I also get great gas mileage (have never seen it under 18 in town) and I am not overly-cautious or a slow driver! I plan on owning this car for many many years!!

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  my Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By jb - August 30 - 4:36 pm

  Really handles well on dirt roads. Has plenty of pick up and go! Love the extra leg room.

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  Finally found the SUV of my dreams - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By lisa - August 25 - 12:33 pm

  I love it! I tested all the others and found this to be the most stylish, comfortable, fun SUV there is out there. I have the back up system that beeps if you get to close and a premuim sound package. It all just adds to my total enjoyment. I,m short and have no problems seeing out windows. Love that the backseat headrests are not in my view. I also got a great deal so Im happy.

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  A great addition! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By ROB - August 10 - 5:40 pm

  Let me begin by saying I finally found the sport version of moms soccer van. From the moment you enter the the well thought out cabin and take a seat behind the whee, the ergonomically correct dashboard and steering wheel seem to wrap themselves around you but still let you know you are in control.

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  Love it - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By shawn t - August 7 - 1:13 am

  After having our 2005 Outback stolen we bought the Tribeca and have been very happy with it. After owning a Lexus RX 300, I find this car as comfortable and even more fun to drive. It has taken a bit to get used to the outside look, but I am very happy with the inside. I am very happy with this car and would recommend it to anyone.

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  I love this Subaru! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By timedpolaris - August 4 - 7:23 pm

  This car is awesome. It handles winter roads unbelievably well. Power is great. Interior is awesome. Seems complicated at first but has many many useful features. Very nice car.

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  This is a great small family vehicle - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Joesubaru - July 17 - 1:13 am

  We love this car. This is our 4th Subaru and the biggest they make; we have the WRX and the Baja, and this make a great safe and fun car.

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  I love it more every day! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Karen in AZ - June 29 - 6:43 pm

  This is a major upgrade from my previous vehicles (05 Outback, 99 Forester, 92 Legacy). I looked at various other mid-sized SUVs, including the more expensive luxury makes, but this was an easy choice. The legroom, ride comfort, seat height, quietness, rear AC fan/vents, acceleration, and low entry/exit are the main reasons I bought this vehicle. After owning it for over 4 months, and 8400 miles, I can honestly say I love it! I have taken it on everything from extended interstate miles to various back roads and forest services roads, and it has performed beyond my expectations. If it proves as reliable as the other Subies Ive owned, Ill be keeping this one for a very long time!

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  Subiedoooo! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Subiedoooo - June 28 - 8:06 pm

  Very nice SUV. Well designed; very comfortable interior and ride. Exterior look of 07 is an eyecatcher (disappointed Subaru changed 08 exterior - but I guess makes my 07 all the more special). Gas mileage no surprise (good or bad). A couple of design/materials issues but dealer fixed with no problem.

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  Just off the lot - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By seer - June 17 - 12:33 am

  We were floored when we saw the car on the dealers lot. We were there to have our previous Outback serviced and knew the Tribeca was coming soon but seeing one in person cemented the deal. The car has everything you could want in a mid-size SUV. The power is excellent. The looks are terrific. We have the 5 seat version and the interior is excellent. There is plenty of room with an especially spacious back seat area. We have the 5 speed auto and I like to drive in the sport mode which gives you a little more torque between shifts. All in all, a home run for Subaru. If you can find one, go get one now!