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 kept secret - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By John M - February 2 - 8:13 pm

  Comfortable, in control feeling all of the time. Hardly any lean in the corners seems bigger than it actually is.

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  Better than the BMW or Lexus - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Ken - January 30 - 1:50 pm

  I previously owned a Subaru, and wanted to again buy such a reliable automobile. I test drove Lexus, BMW, Mercedes and a number of other SUVs. Then I read about, and immediately test drove and purchased the new Subaru Tribeca. For the money, the luxury and quality of this vehicle can not be beat. My average mileage is about 21; less than expected but okay. The comfort and style of the vehicle is first rate. Now that I have the navigation system, I can not imagine being without one (it is like a cell phone, it becomes a necessity). The interior is extremely attractive and roomy, also great headroom for a tall guy.

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  To drive a B9 is to want a B9! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By John Giambalvo - January 17 - 10:33 pm

  I happened upon the B9 while out driving other vehicles in its class. It was the fifth drive in less than a week. After about twenty seconds, I knew this was a superior ride to all of the previous ones. In the three weeks since taking it home, it has only reinforced my decision. I wait for the chances to drive it. I cant wait for snow to come. Its obvious that Subaru knows AWD given the incredible popularity of the Outback. The B9 is an utterly new level of Subaru. The cockpit is even fun to just be sitting in. I warn you, if you take for a test drive, you will want to take it home.

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  Love my Tribeca! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jerri - December 15 - 7:43 am

  I love this car, recently put the AWD to test. The car handled very nice on the slick snow covered roads. I felt very secure and safe driving it.

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  This is an awesome car - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By MikeJL - November 28 - 2:06 am

  This car is a knockout! It is a winner in every category - interior comfort, available options, exterior styling, performance and fun factor. I still cant believe its a Subaru. Ive just returned from an 1800-mile vacation jaunt and I am more impressed than ever with the car. It is very comfortable during long days on the road and has plenty of power to handle any driving situation with ease. The DVD and NAV options really enhanced the enjoyment of the trip. The car competes very well with the luxury brands in its size class but at a substantially lower price. Anyone looking for a car in this class should definitely take a close look at the Tribeca.

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  WAY TO GO SUBARU - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Shopper - October 20 - 1:43 am

  Safety, comfort, reliability and it looks good too! It moves out performance wise. The nav system is a very helpful feature and sometimes funny with its voice out of nowhere and bing bings. Backing up takes practice due to narrow limited vision in rear. No vehicle is perfect but this one comes close for me.

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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.