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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  Quality SUV - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By dtielbur - March 6 - 9:33 am

  What an awesome driving experience! Subaru has put everything they could think of in this vehicle. This SUV packs quality with comfort at an affordable price compared to other luxury SUVs. The dashboard wraps around the front seat passengers and puts all controls at their fingertips. Dual climate controls makes sure that men and women can coexist in the same car, controlling their own temp. Highly recommend the DVD player if you have children. The wireless headphones are a nice touch, making sure that the driver can still listen to their own music while backseat passengers are satisfied watching DVD. The 3rd row seat is not intended for long trips or adults and eliminates storage.

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  Nice Car - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Dave - January 30 - 5:46 pm

  I have had the Tribeca for almost 1 year. I have really enjoyed driving the car and have had no problems with the car. The only reason to go back to the dealership was for regularly scheduled maintenance.

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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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  A little slow, a little ugly, but safe - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Dmitry - January 13 - 9:23 am

  I suppose I could talk about how slow the car feels, the so-so ride quality, the hard seats, and the subpar audio system (although it does read MP3 discs); but thats been said. Id like to talk about how this car saved my life. While driving in the winter in Minnesota, doing about 55 mph, the road suddenly changed from plowed to about 9 inches of snow. As the car begins to slide out of control, I give it full left but the steering is unresponsive, as are the brakes. As Im about to hit a parked car doing 55, I remember than in an AWD vehicle you must gently apply gas to recover. Voila. AWD saved me from what would have been a horrendous accident. Slow? Who cares.

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  Stylish 7-seater - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By zoomer - December 19 - 6:56 pm

  Purchased new in 05. Reliability has been good, none of the issues reported by others. Performance is fine for an SUV. Third row comes in handy now and then for our small children and others. Werent many 7 seat options back then (not MDX, Highlander, etc.) and we didnt want the mega SUV or minivan. Overall, happy with the experience.

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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.