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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  Luv it so far - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By AM - January 26 - 5:23 pm

  Only 1800 miles so far and besides the gas mileage, I love the SUV. Have the Nav system and never knew how helpful it would be. Like sitting up high. Like the secure feel of the airbags and cage.

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  Awesome ride - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jeff Moss - January 22 - 10:23 pm

  This is truly a fabulous vehicle. I am a true Subaru customer over the years I have owned a Subaru Brat, Legacy, and now the B9 Tribeca and it truly performs. Not only is it fun to drive, it is well made and very reliable. I would recommend and purchase another but I simply do not want to part with mine.

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  B9 Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By John - January 22 - 1:13 am

  After six months, am still very impressed with this vehicle. Came out of an X5 and feel the Tribeca is closer to the drive feel of the X5 than the price difference suggests. Extremely nice interior and nav system.

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  Final pick - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By DLS - December 6 - 12:03 pm

  Sorry, will pick up Tribeca in 2 days. Just arrived on showroom floor today - but did take a 1 hour test drive. For 2 months have looked at Mercedes C & E, BMW 5, Audi A4&6, MDX, RX330, and Volvo XC70. MDX getting mixed reviews and low mileage for 45K. RX330 is plush with nice features but again 45K with Navigation. Mercedes, BMW and Audi getting mediocre marks from CR on reliability. FINALLY found a car with the right features and performance for the right price. This car is as quiet as the RX330. Zero road noise and a whisper of wind noise at 70 mph. Hwy MPG = mid-20s. Excellent radio, Nav, AWD, loaded with safety features and (hopefully) Subarus good rep. Car is tight, responsive and solid.

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  Great Ride - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Dave - November 8 - 6:23 pm

  I traded in my Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. Ive only owned the Tribeca for a couple of weeks but so far I really enjoy driving it.

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  My Tribeca -- a good choice! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By P. Clarke - October 22 - 4:00 pm

  Love it! Whether zipping around town or settling down for a road trip it is fun to drive. It has great response to the gas pedal and the steering wheel. Have been on a trip from Cincinnati to Lawton OK and another to Savannah GA and enjoyed the Tribeca on the road as much as in the city.

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  Ode to an AWD Alfa Romeo.... - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By PapaHawk - October 21 - 4:10 am

  Capable, confident, and charismatic! The Subaru B9 Tribeca is the complete 7-passenger AWD package. With its Italian styling, Japanese engineering, and 100% Subaru core, this vehicle is destined to enjoy a long ride along the American road, and one of these beauties will always be parked in my garage! This is an amazing vehicle. It is a pleasure to own and a joy to drive. It has my unqualified support as the best automotive value in the SUV world.

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  good car for the money - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By alpesh patel - September 6 - 11:03 am

  I had Volvo s40 2005. I had to give that car away and get the B9. This car is very well put together and runs great. Yea one minor issue, the gas. It seems like it is giving me a 16 to 17 not 18 or 19 mpg. But on the highway this car runs and is very quite. Inside they have done their homework. I love the boxer 3.0l engine. Best so far.

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  the Tribeca crossover - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Len Barta - September 5 - 6:20 am

  After owning the Tribeca for about three weeks, I must say we are very pleased with the car. We find the vehicle has an ample amount of leg room both front and back. We like the fact that the rear seats have fore and aft movement. The car handles beautifully. So far it’s been a pleasure to own.

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  great car - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Mary - August 9 - 2:06 pm

  Havent had the car long but it is a pleasure to drive. Handles very nicely. Love the exterior design, but especially love the features and interior design.