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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  Bill Gs Tribeca - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Bill G - May 10 - 7:56 pm

  I came out of a 2003 Outback LL Bean Edition. I thought the B9 would be too big and clunky - that is, until I drove it. It took a few minutes to decide but I chose the B9 because it was a pleasure to drive.

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  Subaru Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By anframm - April 27 - 2:36 am

  Averaging slightly over 20 miles to the gallon in combo driving, brakes a little mushy, handling and ride exemplary (better than any others I have been in), good dealer experience, power is good (engine is adequate and power delivery is smooth) though another 25 to 30 lb/ft torque would not hurt.

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  B9 Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Janet - April 24 - 12:16 am

  This is the sixth Subaru that Ive owned. I was very interested in buying an SUV and the timing of this vehicle was perfect. It is beautiful inside and out and drives and handles like a car. I am very pleased.

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  This vehicle ROCKS! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By DannyD - April 23 - 3:50 pm

  I have owned my Tribeca for 3 weeks now. It rocks! I just absolutely love it! It has such a unique exterior, and the interior could not be better. My commute is 1 hour each way, and the time flies by now. (I hope that feeling never wears off.) The radio reception is incredible. The ability to play data CDs made with MP3 files is awesome. I can put 13 CDs on 1 disk. Who needs a CD changer if you can do that? The ride is incredible. I have never felt so connected to the road before. This car is worth every penny. If only gas prices didnt stink so bad.

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  Tribeca is the best - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jackson W. - March 29 - 6:43 pm

  Subaru is a very unusual brand for me but after taking the new Tribeca for 24 hours test drive I could not stop my self and bought one. Unbelievably stylish, great performance, nice features, great fuel economy. It is so luxurious, and comfortable. It changes the everything about the SUV we know.

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  Love it! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Drake - February 17 - 10:36 am

  This has been a great few weeks, drives with comfort and luxury. Handles Pennsylvania bumpy roads well, no more backache!

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  I love my B-9 - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Daycay - December 25 - 11:33 am

  I had a 2005 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition. I loved the car but my son had a growth spurt and we kind of outgrew it. I approached the dealer and asked to trade for a B-9 because I love Subarus and was happy with everything about the ownership experience. I am totally pleased with my B-9. At first, I thought it a little sluggish upon accelleration but a K&N permanent air filter cleared up that problem. I have the highest degree of happiness about my B-9 and the overall attitude Subaru has toward its car owners!

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  Excellent car so far - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Alex - October 30 - 12:40 pm

  First Subaru in my household and whole family loves it. No bad things so far.

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  Tribeca B9 - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By xspeedrj - October 21 - 9:30 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. Rides smooth and the interior never fails to impress. AWD is superior and the build quality is second to none. For the price the Lexus and Acura cant touch the B9. So far two friends about to buy Pilots, even had deals together, bought B9s after test driving them at my suggestion. It certainly is worth a look for anyone in the luxury or near luxury SUV market.

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  Cant say enough good! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By West - September 13 - 12:06 am

  This vehicle has exceeded all of my expectations. I feel like a walking Subaru commercial as people stop me in parking lots and ask about the car. It rides smoothly, handles well and has an opulent interior.