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 happy - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Mario - August 23 - 4:16 pm

  I come from a German brand and I am very impressed with this car. It looks very nice and runs very nice also. Very good finishing and comfortable interior.

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  Tribeca Rocks! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By loki707 - July 28 - 3:33 am

  So far the Tribeca is more and more fun to drive every day. I test drove all the rest and the Tribeca I knew wouldnt get boring. Its not too big and not too small. Its the easiest to park of all the 7+ seaters. Enjoy one for yourself.

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  Satisfied - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jonn - July 26 - 10:26 pm

  The engine is very responsive. the ride is very soft and comfortable. I can feel the traction cruising at curves.

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  Brief Review - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Dean - June 27 - 12:20 pm

  Nice vehicle so far.

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  Best Deal for the Money - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Slonna - June 11 - 5:16 am

  Just bought Limited Tribeca with Nav/DVD ... and more. Rides great, in my opinion the best looking SUV currently out there, very well appointed-in/out. Came from a 800 mile trip and never got tired or boring driving it.

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  Lovin the Tribeca! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By SW - May 25 - 11:46 am

  We ended up buying the Tribeca unexpectedly due to another car being totaled. Ive never owned a Subaru, and it wasnt even on the radar when we started shopping, but their $2750 incentive couldnt be beat. With about 2000 miles so far, I am very pleased. What sold me most was the wonderful interior - well-appointed with quality materials and a stylish dash design. Very upscale. The engine isnt as bad as some say. Power, while not thrilling, is certainly adequate. Great highway ride - quiet and smooth. The exterior design really grows on you as well. I probably see 50 Highlanders or Muranos for every Tribeca on the road. I like that it stands out from the SUV crowd. Well done, Subaru.

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  B-9 is Beautiful! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By CBrunner - May 6 - 8:33 pm

  Wow, I have waited 2 and a half years for this car and all I can say is WOW! I love the way the B-9 drives; it is hard to believe that you are that high off the ground! All I can say is drive one and you will own one; perfect size, love the extra two seats and the rear heat and air is great for guests. It isnt the most powerful ute out there but it sure does great with what its got. I love the engine sound and the exhaust note, it just screams sporty!

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  I Hate To Give It Up - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Laura - April 12 - 2:20 am

  Love my Tribeca, my lease is over and I am getting an Acura MDX the acceleration on the Subaru wasnt enough for me very safe vehicle and great paint, the car looks and drives like brand new after 3 yrs. of ownership. I wish they would build a bigger Subaru that was more roomy I have 2 boys and the 4 of us just grew out of this truck. If you travel a lot get the luggage rack because it is a tight squeeze in the back.

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  great vehicle! Subaru heritage SUV style - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By chemgirl9 - April 2 - 7:20 pm

  Bought it to drive from TX to NH with a 100lb dog and a cat - no problems, all were comfortable. Use the DVD all the time for 2 hour trips to see relatives nearby. We were the first ones in to the dealer with 30K checkup - we drive a LOT! Handles NH snow/ice excellently and always feels solid. Easily carries 5 adults, 7 for short trips (the rear seat is small, but okay). Quiet interior (as good or better than others I drove, including VW, Lexus, BMW, etc.) and good Subaru value (put $ where it counts, not on wood paneling!). Everything is still solid and we are @~40K. Tires are still doing well. Puddle lights are great - I had no idea how useful they would be!

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  Not Bad - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By sbddmd1 - February 9 - 9:46 pm

  Very nice wagon, 250hp. I put a K&G air filter on it, which made it get up and go a little faster. Very spacious interior, my wife like driving the B9 more than her own SUV.