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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  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.

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  Love this Ride! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By sambo052 - August 31 - 6:06 pm

  I bought this car after totaling my 2003 Honda Element and I couldnt be happier. I have never owned a Subaru before and the Tribeca is the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned many makes of cars including Audis, Saabs, Volvos, and Volkswagens. This vehicle tops all of them except two of the Volvos. The comfort and performance is great, and the price point for the features was excellent.

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  B9 bmine - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By marta - August 26 - 2:46 pm

  Im tickled by the reaction my B9 receives when I drive by. It truly is unusual without being "weird". It is a luxury ride and makes me smile each time I look at it or drive it.

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  A fun ride! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By John - August 23 - 3:33 am

  I have been looking for just the right vehicle that will fit my 66" body, be comfortable, get reasonable gas mileage for a small SUV and be fun to drive at a reasonable price. The Subaru B9 is just that car. I look forward to driving this vehicle each day as it truly is comfortable for a tall person. Although it is a bit lacking in 0-60 acceleration it has more than enough power to make the driving experience fun. Both the interior and exterior are refined and stylish. Some have complained about the front end being ugly but I will bet it will grow on people the longer it is out. I love it!

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  A diamond in the rough - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By TAS - July 30 - 9:33 am

  Traded in a late model Nissan and bought a year-old Tribeca with 9,000 miles on it. This vehicle is a "diamond in the rough". An unbelievable value for what I got. The Limited trim line with the mesh grille and big chrome wheels really set this vehicle apart from the rest of the pack. Overall fit and finish is sexy and superb. Excellent handling and responsive boxer 6 cyl engine give a sense of confidence. This is the first Subaru I have owned, but have family members whove owned several Outbacks and a Legacy GT and I can see why they rave about this often over- looked brand! I wonder what Subarus service dept is like -- hopefully better than Nissans!

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  Love My New Subaru - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Claire - July 27 - 2:30 pm

  Ive had my new B9 Tribeca just over a month now and I love it. Its stylish and eye catching. Ive had several people comment and ask about it. It has great speed pick up and does an awesome job in the mountains. I chose the Mahogany color with Beige interior and it looks great. This is the nicest driving vehicle Ive ever had and I highly recommend that anyone test drive it.

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  Who Knew Suburu - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By J Lu - July 10 - 10:13 am

  Suburu wasnt even on my carbuying radar until this SUV came along. Fell in love immediately after the test drive: great looks, lots of power, smooth ride, great handling. Easy transition for me from a 93 Toyo4Runner. Packed with features - this is the best SUV to get in the market for its value.

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  2006 B9 Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By dwnayl - July 6 - 6:50 pm

  I searched for mid-size SUVs for two months. I drove the Murano, Highlander, and fell in love with the Tribeca. I got the 7 passenger Limited with the leather seats, gps navigation, and sun roof. The interior is beautiful although I am worried that the chrome fittings will scratch. Drives very smooth and very quiet. I get around 21 mpg in town and 25 on the highway. I have had a lot of positive comments on the Tribeca. I love that the 2nd row of seats can be adjusted. I am 64" and I can fit in the back seat. I couldnt be happier with my decision. Plan on getting rear cargo mat and bumper cover. Definitely recommend the Tribeca.

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  Amazing - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Erik - April 14 - 11:13 pm

  I love this vehicle, it has given me zero problems and Ive owned it since new, Just took an 8K mile trip to colorado (from mn) without any issues, the 3.0 climbed pikes peak without breaking a sweat, what a treat it is to own this vehicle. I work at a subaru dealer and see these vehicles come in from time to time, but not for any types of problems, only for routine maint. I would buy another in a heartbeat. This is currently my 2nd subaru, my other is an impreza (1996) with 250K miles, and has been turboed since 100K miles. These cars are indestructible!

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  B9 BINGO! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Anthony - March 14 - 11:10 pm

  This vehicle is awesome! I feel like Im driving a $55,000 vehicle for close to $20,000 less.