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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  Very Classy Car - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Trace & Mike Francis - February 25 - 7:30 am

  My husband and I were originally looking to purchase the Murano, and as I was conducting research, I came across the Tribeca. After going to the dealer and seeing it in person, we had to have it. We absolutely love this car. We have the Atlantic Blue with grey interior. Its like a cross between the BMW X3, Infiniti, the Lexus and the Murano. A lot of features to have fun with including the rear DVD, and it drives like a dream. We havent had the chance to test out the sports/manual transmission drive yet, but maybe when we go on vacation, well be able to test it. Several people have already stopped to ask us what the car is, and we have gotten many curious looks when driving this car.

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  Best SUV Ever - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Joe Lopez - January 31 - 3:53 pm

  I love my Tribeca. its great that its not everywhere. People say "wow thats so beautiful, what is it?" I love it. First Subaru. Forever Subaru.

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  Sure thing - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Bill - January 11 - 1:06 pm

  I have been buying Subarus for years and find this one the cream of the crop. Handing is a bit soft, but the comfort, the small turning radius, the "interesting" styling, and the power to spare all combine to make it a first rate buy, even at a top Subaru price.

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  So far lovin it - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Ann Marie - October 26 - 3:23 pm

  This is my first SUV purchase. After driving my husbands Ford Explorer around I knew I had to finally get rid of my old 99 Honda Accord. The Subaru Tribeca looks very modern and that is one of the reasons why I really like it. Inside the dash is amazing - simply beautiful. It is quite easy to drive and park (and I am not the best parallel parker). I love the solid feeling the Tribeca gives me. I feel very safe driving it.

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  Best Of The Bunch - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Subienewbie - October 26 - 1:10 am

  This is my first Subaru. I did my homework before making up my mind and choosing the Tribeca. My decision to buy a Tribeca may not seem surprising until you realize that the last 4 cars I have owned were a 1999 Jaguar XK8, a 2000 BMW 540si, a 2001 BMW M5 and a 2002 Infiniti Q45. I mention this so you understand that I know what quality automobiles are. I am not saying that a Tribeca is the equal of those cars but in comparing it to the likes of BMW X5, Lexus 330, Volvo, MDX etc, there are none that come close to the Tribeca and all cost thousands of dollars more.

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  Drove it and I was sold - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By junochoe - October 21 - 1:43 am

  I have owned the Tribeca for about three weeks and I am continuously amazed. When we first test drove it, I noticed how smooth this SUVs boxer engine revs and how much willingness it has on acceleration. I also did some crazy turns in a parking lot and I noticed minimum body roll and solid grip during acceleration from the Tribecas AWD. Recently, I took my Tribeca on slick and wet winding roads at about 45 mph, and the Tribeca kept its composure. At no time did I feel excessive body roll or loss of traction. This is one fun car to drive! The exterior is a bit funky, but Ive learned to love it. Also, the interior is pretty space-age but very comfortable.

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  Love the B9 - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By B9er - September 7 - 12:30 am

  Nearly 1000 miles on the Tribeca. Plenty of room for baby car seat and cargo. Everyone loves the interior styling, the Nav is great and easy to use. Everything is laid out intuitively. Comfortable to drive and decent fuel economy for an SUV, ~20- 21mpg mixed. Gas tank is on the small side, which requires more frequent stops at the gas station.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Randy M. - September 3 - 6:13 pm

  Had narrowed our choice to BMW X3 vs Subaru for safety reasons. Was looking at LL Bean Outback when my wife saw the Tribeca. Wow! The driving performance is slightly below the BMW; however, it surpasses it in the overall package. Subaru does a tremendous job of equipping the vehicle with so many standard options. Dealer experience was the best we have EVER had. I had no idea Subaru made vehicles like this. Very impressed with the build quality, performance and luxury of the vehicle.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Krista - September 1 - 9:06 pm

  Ive had my new 07 Tribeca for a month now, and I absolutely love it. I shopped the Nissan Murano, and Lexus RX330, but ultimately had to go with the Tribeca. Its got a 3rd row (which fits adults comfortably, despite some reviews I read), which neither Nissan nor Lexus even offer. Plus I could get leather, dvd back-up camera and nav for thousands less than the Murano or RX330. This car is fun to drive, it has plenty of power. The only downside is the gas mileage has been awful, Im averaging 16 mpg, with a mix of highway and around town (with air on, its been hot!). Plus the tank only holds 16 gallons, so fill-ups are frequent. Overall, this car looks and feels very luxurious.

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  Great CUV! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Mtnbiker - July 26 - 12:06 am

  Good, safe vehicle for my wife. Full time AWD, stability control, heated everything...good winter vehicle. Comes with all the bells and whistles for a very reasonable price, maybe because they arent exactly flying off the lots. The mileage isnt too miserable either (20ish). Plus, we LIKE the look of the vehicle.