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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  First Impressions - Great! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jerry Connell - February 17 - 7:40 pm

  One month & 1800 miles after purchase, I am happy with my first SUV. After 2 Legacies in 17 years I had no doubts about Subaru quality. Our lifestyle now said more room so I test drove other brands to see what whistles and bells were out there. It compares very well in that regard. The tight turn radius is a pleasant surprise. The acceleration is there when needed. The ride is a little bit stiffer than our other car (Avalon). Im getting 21+ MPG in mixed city and freeway driving on regular gas. The instrument panel and controls are easy to get used to. The seats are comfortable. I feel like Im in a cockpit.

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  Tribeca B9 is a winner! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Indiogoa - January 28 - 9:16 pm

  We checked out several SUVs in this size class before buying, including the Murano, Highlander, RX300 and Pilot. This SUV outclassed all of them for interior and exterior styling, performance and overall value. We are impressed with the handling and ride of the Tribeca; it is fun to drive and handles tight curves with little or no body lean. Our Tribeca gets about 22MPG highway with four passengers and camping gear, about 17.5MPG around city. It cruises well on the highway. The third row is cramped, fine for very small kids. But for our family of four, the third row serves as a cargo hold. The sound system and DVD are outstanding as our all the extras, heated seats etc. Overall, this is a great SUV.

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  Unbeatable Value - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By spokane steeler - January 28 - 2:10 pm

  Researched and drove every SUV around (<$35K) and nothing excited me like a Tribeca. Interior is stunning. Used price is unbeatable. Drives just fine despite negative reviews in the media. Alfa Romero inspired front end will grow on you. Created an emotional connection for me that was completely lacking in an explorer/edge/highlander/pilot/crv or virtually anthing else. Also embraced the wisdom of buying used instead of new with 2 young children in the house.

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  Subaru B9 Tribeca Ltd. 5 pass. Gold/Beige - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By mw1 - December 29 - 11:13 am

  This is my third Subaru. 98 Legacy Outback, 03 Forester XS. Added features: crossbar aero, luggage compartment cover, auto-dimming mirror/compass, cargo net rear & back seat, all weather floor mats, rear bumper cover, cargo tray, & puddle lights. The Tribeca so far is the BEST. Very comfortable and lots of room for back seat passengers. The V6 engine gives good power for highway acceleration. The control panel is easy to reach. Rides like a car and takes bumps pretty good. Did have a problem with the steering wheel clicking. Brought it in for service and they repaired a loose steering knuckle bolt. Had in back within 1 hour. Im hoping the B9 will be as reliable as my other Subarus. I LOVE IT.

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  Concept SUV in Production - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Ronzzo - December 2 - 5:53 am

  I first saw the Tribeca in March at a special invitation by Subaru. The styling of the vehicle, especially the interior had me sold, but I wanted to wait until I was able to test drive it. I finally did drive it and purchased it two weeks ago.I absolutely love driving it. The ride is quiet and it handles very well in turns. The instrumentation controls are at close reach and the brightly lighted gauges are easy to view. The five passenger vehicle is roomy and the adjustable rear seat supplies plenty of leg room.

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  TRULY A MONSTER - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By MR. POTTS - September 24 - 6:40 pm

  Simply a well built machine. From its initial design, structural stability, solid stance, and car-like maneuverability ... this machine is a monster. My only peeve is that the premium sound system needs a real wake up call. My 2005 Outback premium sound blows the B9 sound package out of the water. Otherwise ... A+

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  Best car I have ever had - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Maddog - September 15 - 10:46 pm

  We got this car with 580000 miles on it. We have had three other subies and loved them all. Our son loves it and calls it the spaceship car (he is five years old ); we travel often and love this car. We had a chevy uplander before and it was JUNK and not four wheel drive. I highly recommend this car to anyone and know a lot of people that have them and love them.

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  What a Surprise - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By franco - September 7 - 1:06 am

  We looked and test drove just about every style of SUV. It came down to the new LR2 Land Rover or the Tribeca, the last one we test drove. Ive owned Porsche, Corvette, BMW, Acura, Toyota just to name a few. The interior and exterior of the Tribeca have excellent fit and finish. The ride is very stable and secure feeling. The standard and optional features are wonderful. We wanted an SUV that was going to be a keeper for the next 10 years and we found it. The power is satisfying and adequate for normal everday use. The style isnt ugly, its unique and exotic and it didnt take long to grow on us. We wouldnt have been happy with anything else. The new style looks like all the others.

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  Rear Lift gate hydraulic jacks weak - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By G.J. Pence - September 4 - 8:50 pm

  Purchased B9 in July/05 for an extra auto. Found the B9 great to drive, roomy, and very comfortable. After the past 120 days have found the rear lift gate hydraulic lifts are weakening and not performing well. Mileage is getting much better than when first purchased. Larger gas tank would be helpful to go further than just 300 miles on a tank of gas.

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  Awesome! But Missing a Few Touches - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By ChicagoSteve - September 4 - 8:56 am

  This is an incredible car. I am in the advertising business for auto dealerships and had my pick of cars. I looked at several but for the money for the B9 nothing comes close. I have the NAV system and the information this car provides is just scary, above and beyond the the actual Nav system. Every car detail from current MPG to service intervals and a calculator are only a touch away. As for what the car is missing, one thing would have to be seat memory. My wife and friends have tried my car and it takes me forever to get it back. Also a coin holder. These thing sound minor and they are, but every model above $30k has them.