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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Best Deal for the Money - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
By Slonna - June 11 - 5:16 amJust bought Limited Tribeca with Nav/DVD ... and more. Rides great, in my opinion the best looking SUV currently out there, very well appointed-in/out. Came from a 800 mile trip and never got tired or boring driving it.
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Lovin the Tribeca! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
By SW - May 25 - 11:46 amWe ended up buying the Tribeca unexpectedly due to another car being totaled. Ive never owned a Subaru, and it wasnt even on the radar when we started shopping, but their $2750 incentive couldnt be beat. With about 2000 miles so far, I am very pleased. What sold me most was the wonderful interior - well-appointed with quality materials and a stylish dash design. Very upscale. The engine isnt as bad as some say. Power, while not thrilling, is certainly adequate. Great highway ride - quiet and smooth. The exterior design really grows on you as well. I probably see 50 Highlanders or Muranos for every Tribeca on the road. I like that it stands out from the SUV crowd. Well done, Subaru.
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B-9 is Beautiful! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
By CBrunner - May 6 - 8:33 pmWow, I have waited 2 and a half years for this car and all I can say is WOW! I love the way the B-9 drives; it is hard to believe that you are that high off the ground! All I can say is drive one and you will own one; perfect size, love the extra two seats and the rear heat and air is great for guests. It isnt the most powerful ute out there but it sure does great with what its got. I love the engine sound and the exhaust note, it just screams sporty!
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Not Bad - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
By sbddmd1 - February 9 - 9:46 pmVery nice wagon, 250hp. I put a K&G air filter on it, which made it get up and go a little faster. Very spacious interior, my wife like driving the B9 more than her own SUV.
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Excellent Choice - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
By Emma - January 25 - 12:23 amAmazingly a good value with extra features and good performance. Safety rated and safety features make this an outstanding value. Comfortable interior with the luxury of a car and the space of a midsize SUV...very happy.
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My Subaru - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
By taj - December 14 - 4:03 amI leased this SUV in October. The interior is something from a spaceship. All my friends are in awe of my Subaru. When I first drove the car home no one knew what it was and people were honking at me amazed it was a Subaru. Needless to say Ive seen many since that day and I dont blame them. This is a fun car with great handling and control. Snow? What snow? The radio pumps good sound and the touch screen navigation is the easiest Ive ever used. My wife loves the heated seats and my daughter is kept under control with her favorite movies playing from the built in 9 inch screen. And I can listen to my music because of the wireless earphones. Bottom line is I love this car and you would to.
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Awesome - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
By Virginia - November 22 - 11:33 pmThis is my second Subaru. I had a Ltd Legacy, over 100000 on it and traded it for a fuel efficient Honda Civic. My daughter now owns that with its 109,000 miles and many more to go. The Tribeca is my first sport luxury car. I drove 5 cars that day and once I drove the Tribeca, that was it, I couldnt go back to the others. I never want to rush somewhere, I just want to be in the car and mosey along. Do I mind a stoplight? Not at all. Just turn up the awesome speaker system. I sat in the third row... no problem for me, Im 55".
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Great car - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
By Chris - November 10 - 3:00 amIt is a wonderful vehicle which floats down the road. Takes bumps with no apparent shaking or noise. Very quiet. Inside the front seat is like an airplane cockpit. Heated mirrors, side windows and wipers make it perfect for the colder climates.
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Wow...what a Subie - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
By Don Morris - August 25 - 4:00 pmSubaru has done it again. What a class act the B9 Tribeca is. We drove it on a vacation to the OBX of North Carolina and the car performed like champ. The NAV system worked flawlessly. Note: Drivers using SpeedPass should not keep it on your keyring. It interferes with the ignition sequence and causes the engine to lock up for 10 minutes.
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Best SUV Value for the Dollar - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
By Matthew - August 20 - 11:23 pmI just leased a new 06 Tribeca Limited w/ Navigation. I am in love with this car so far. This car is so much fun to drive, and the interior is one of the coolest I have ever seen in an SUV. A great bonus is there arent that many on the road yet, so it wont be like driving a Honda Pilot along with everyone else on the road. For the money (Subaru is offering great deals on the Tribecas), you cant beat this SUV. It has everything: Nav, leather, heated seats, sunroof, 6 CD changer, tons of airbags, etc. Plus the car has plenty of power, and doesnt feel too "big" behind the wheel. Add to all of this Subaru legendary build quality, and you MUST look at this SUV if in the market!
