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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  Works for Me - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Johnny Kay - August 17 - 12:00 pm

  I owned a Baja for the last two years but the innovative design just didnt meet my needs for family/pets. The B9 allowed me to stay with Subaru and get the cargo space that I needed. I find the B9 much more fun to drive than my Jeep Grand Cherokee -- better handling, better road grip, and feels more like a car than a truck. Easy access all the way around including in/out of the drivers seat (bad back). The gold is gorgeous, and I dont mind the front styling though I can see that it wont please everybody. As with the Baja, the B9 gets a lot of eye interest from others on the road. Could use a little more oomph at times, and Id like a slightly larger fuel tank. Good mpg. Drive one.

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  Why did it take Subaru so long? - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By cptplt - August 6 - 6:40 am

  Surprisingly smooth and road holding tenacious in wet. If you need lots of room for a 5 seater but occasionally need 7 seats, this beats any minivan I have had before. Pickup more than adequate. Best build quality of any Subaru I have had and this is the 5th.

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  Cant wait for snow - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jeff - July 21 - 4:10 am

  I think overall the Tribeca is an excellent crossover. This is our first Subaru, coming from a Toyota Camry then Honda Accord. I feel that the Subaru competes very well in that crowd. Some dont like the exterior styling, but I think it sets the Tribeca apart from the crowd. We get looks from people walking down the street all the time.

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  Goodbye Old ML, Hello B9 Tribeca Ltd 7 - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By L. Frank - July 4 - 3:33 am

  So impressed by test driving B9 Tribeca Ltd. 7 passenger we bought it 2 days later; our first non German make in 25 years. Went from ML to B9 - after comparing every detail interior, performance and fact that almost every option is included in 7 passenger Ltd price were options on others sold us. Especially comfort, handling ease, safety feats. Not as tall as ML, Lexus GX470, Z3 we tested but what we got for price -- impressive. Hope to embrace B9 unusual exterior styling. Interior superb- drivers "cockpit" design, ease in reading well positioned dash instruments. Good mileage, great cornering & handling, smooth ride, A+ rear seat comfort & A/C controls & 20k less than ML with equal options.

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  My favorite car Ive ever driven - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By nightspun - June 8 - 7:36 am

  We were the first people in our state to own a Tribeca. This is the 2nd Subaru we have owned, and are duly impressed with both models (the other was a Forester - owned for just under six years). My husband and I wanted to switch to a slightly larger vehicle to accommodate our needs as we now have a son. The Tribeca met or exceeded all of our expectations on every item other than the gas mileage and some visibility issues while driving. Generally it seems we dont get over 18 per gallon and much of the time it is less. As we dont drive the car as much as some people, it affects our petrol bills less.

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  Subaru Tribeca, great car, under-rated - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Chris V - April 25 - 5:06 am

  I love my B9 Tribeca, great SUV overall. The only problem it seems is the color of my SUV, I have the 2006 Gold, its a light color gold, and it seems to have some kind of damage to the color, like its lighter in some areas. I dont know what this is... BAD PAINT or SUN DAMAGE? Hmm. :/

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  Repeat Subaru owner - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Cal Ramage - April 22 - 3:50 pm

  The driving experience has been excellent. Turning rate is a lot better than my previous Lexus LX 300. The little extras like lights in the cup holders, step lights, 4wd for confidence in slick conditions, adequate hp and seat arrangement to accommodate hauling things in the back are nice. Our dealership bends over backwards to make sure you come back to them with great service and free washes anytime.

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  Best car on the road - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Byron Cancelmo - April 14 - 11:16 am

  I own a 2005 VW Touareg as well. Each vehicle has its own appeal. Comparing the two vehicles is like comparing Lexus to Mercedes. Lexus being the Subaru. Basically for the money you get everything you need and more. Each vehicle has its own technological features that sets each other apart. Bottom line, I am absolutely thrilled with my new Tribeca. Not only is it one of the nicest cars on the road, there is a sense of independence one feels when driving it around. They are not everywhere. I like it that way, its my little secret.

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  B9 Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Joanne - March 31 - 5:33 am

  Picked up my Tribeca today. Very comfortable car and ride. I was looking at this car for a while, even compared it to Murano, Tribeca has a smoother ride and the seats are more comfy. The inside is very impressive. Beautifully designed. Happy I choose the Tribeca.

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  Great Features and Value! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By taris128 - February 12 - 12:36 am

  My wife is a loyal Subaru customer, this B9 is her 3rd Subaru. The interior of this vehicle is superb. The standard features like power moonroof, AWD, curtain airbags, fog lights make it a great value. We really like the B9 styling, the exterior is very unique.