4 Star Reviews for Subaru B9 Tribeca

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.53/5 Average
225 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1 through 10 of 225.00
  • 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Review - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
    By -

    My first Subaru. Fun ride. Comfortable as it can get. Strong body. Streamlined design. Bad fuel efficiency.

  • Tribeca Rocks! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
    By -

    So far the Tribeca is more and more fun to drive every day. I test drove all the rest and the Tribeca I knew wouldnt get boring. Its not too big and not too small. Its the easiest to park of all the 7+ seaters. Enjoy one for yourself.

  • I Hate To Give It Up - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
    By -

    Love my Tribeca, my lease is over and I am getting an Acura MDX the acceleration on the Subaru wasnt enough for me very safe vehicle and great paint, the car looks and drives like brand new after 3 yrs. of ownership. I wish they would build a bigger Subaru that was more roomy I have 2 boys and the 4 of us just grew out of this truck. If you travel a lot get the luggage rack because it is a tight squeeze in the back.

  • great vehicle! Subaru heritage SUV style - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
    By -

    Bought it to drive from TX to NH with a 100lb dog and a cat - no problems, all were comfortable. Use the DVD all the time for 2 hour trips to see relatives nearby. We were the first ones in to the dealer with 30K checkup - we drive a LOT! Handles NH snow/ice excellently and always feels solid. Easily carries 5 adults, 7 for short trips (the rear seat is small, but okay). Quiet interior (as good or better than others I drove, including VW, Lexus, BMW, etc.) and good Subaru value (put $ where it counts, not on wood paneling!). Everything is still solid and we are @~40K. Tires are still doing well. Puddle lights are great - I had no idea how useful they would be!

  • Lovinit! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
    By -

    I love this car! I traded in an 03 Honda Pilot. I was hoping for better gas mileage, but since I live in the mountains, I was willing to forgo mpg for better dirt road handling in the snow. Tribeca does that very well. I am 61" and have never fit in a Subaru comfortably. The Tribeca is amazingly comfortable, quiet, fun to drive and even fits my 61" and over sons very comfortably in the back seat.

  • Love the car, HATE the headlights! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
    By -

    This is a great car. Very comfortable, great ease in getting in and out of car. Smooth ride, fun to drive except at night. Low beam headlights are horrible, especially in rural Montana with not streetlights, just a lot of deer. Extremely dangerous! I have to drive with high beams to see, but this is not always possible with oncoming traffic and weather conditions. We have taken it to Subaru shop several times and another mechanic, and nothing can be done. If I had test driven this car at night, I wouldnt have bought it. The lights take away from all of the great things that I love about this car. I am afraid to drive it at in the dark, but I have to in the winter. Car is dangerous at night!

  • Fun to drive, premium gas a problem - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
    By -

    After driving a 1990 Legacy, I switched to 2006 Tribeca. Now that I think of it, I have both Subies in their 1st year of mfg. It is fun to drive. So far driven 6000 miles. Pretty comfortable in long drive. Although not suitable for off-road driving, it is very nice ride on rough roads. Took it on a 500 mile drive recently. Only concern is its use of premium gas and also the pick up of the engine. It takes some time and the engine revs up with a lot of noise. But they are changing it in 08 models with a better engine.

  • Wipers!! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
    By -

    Overall a good car. Not very roomy in back. 3rd row for small children only. Handling ability in snow is fantastic! However, I only have 2200 miles on this car, have had it in the dealer twice replacing the wiper blades and then replaced the whole wiper. The wipers DO NOT clear during snow. There is significant build up on the passenger side especially. To me totally defeats the purpose of having an AWD vehicle if you cant see when you drive the darn thing!!

  • Blind Spots - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
    By -

    Design flaw that needs reviewing is blind spots. Bigger mirrors may help however there is a definite blind spot in the rear window area. Nice ride, great features but safety concerns.

  • Having Second Thoughts - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
    By -

    Bought this to replace a Blazer with 112K. This has been in the shop more and for "unknown issues" than the Chevy ever was. Fell in love with the styling and the kick, but the electrical system is a joke. Mileage is better then the 99 Chevy and took a 3600 mile trip that was fun the entire way. This is my first Subaru but due to the "unidentifiable" mechanical issues, I doubt I will purchase Subaru again if the company does not stand behind their product. My love for the safety, quick response and original styling is being overshadowed by the maintenance issues that should not be happening in a car that is under the 50,000 mile warranty.

Subaru B9 Tribeca Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area