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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  Door Locks - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Door Locks - April 20 - 12:43 am

  Its fun vehicle to drive, but I have door locks. First it was the driver side front door lock that is not working. After few months I found out now its the front passenger side door lock is not working and recently I found that rear passenger side door lock is not working also. I tried dealership to repair it, but due to mileage on it I have to pay $350 for each lock. NO OTHER ISSUES. Does anyone has this problem? Can this be a defective locks from the manufacturer?

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  Nice vehicle - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By vermonter - April 7 - 12:50 pm

  I like the styling. The fit and finish are fantastic and the interior lights are quite soothing. Small gas tank and overall MPG of 16 is a modest drawback. Rear seat is small, good for little children and little else. Very easy to adjust rear seats. I got a back up warning signal as option. Needed given rear design.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Scott - March 27 - 5:30 am

  We purchased this car with 12,000 miles on it. It doesnt have as much power as other cars on the market, transmission shift terrible. Nav system isnt that great, poor graphics.

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  Owner - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Ronald L. Jordan - March 16 - 3:56 pm

  We have owned this vehicle for two weeks and have found the experience very delightful. We took one long trip in it thus far and found the car to perform beautifully and the ride was most comfortable. There is plenty of leg room both front and rear and the quietness of the ride was the best we ever experienced.

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  First Impressions - Great! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jerry Connell - February 17 - 7:40 pm

  One month & 1800 miles after purchase, I am happy with my first SUV. After 2 Legacies in 17 years I had no doubts about Subaru quality. Our lifestyle now said more room so I test drove other brands to see what whistles and bells were out there. It compares very well in that regard. The tight turn radius is a pleasant surprise. The acceleration is there when needed. The ride is a little bit stiffer than our other car (Avalon). Im getting 21+ MPG in mixed city and freeway driving on regular gas. The instrument panel and controls are easy to get used to. The seats are comfortable. I feel like Im in a cockpit.

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  Disappointed in Subaru - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By marianne7214 - February 14 - 6:59 am

  I like my Tribeca overall, however, I am extremely disappointed to find out that I need new bushings (like many other owners with a low mileage car). This would appear to be something that should be recalled, however, SOA has yet to do so. Dealer cost to replace bushings is over $1000. I was also disappointed to find out how hard it is to get/install anything for the car (windshield wipers, replace light bulb). Windshield wipers arent available at auto parts stores and light bulb took dealership mechanic over 30 mins to install.

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  Tribeca B9 is a winner! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Indiogoa - January 28 - 9:16 pm

  We checked out several SUVs in this size class before buying, including the Murano, Highlander, RX300 and Pilot. This SUV outclassed all of them for interior and exterior styling, performance and overall value. We are impressed with the handling and ride of the Tribeca; it is fun to drive and handles tight curves with little or no body lean. Our Tribeca gets about 22MPG highway with four passengers and camping gear, about 17.5MPG around city. It cruises well on the highway. The third row is cramped, fine for very small kids. But for our family of four, the third row serves as a cargo hold. The sound system and DVD are outstanding as our all the extras, heated seats etc. Overall, this is a great SUV.

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  Unbeatable Value - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By spokane steeler - January 28 - 2:10 pm

  Researched and drove every SUV around (<$35K) and nothing excited me like a Tribeca. Interior is stunning. Used price is unbeatable. Drives just fine despite negative reviews in the media. Alfa Romero inspired front end will grow on you. Created an emotional connection for me that was completely lacking in an explorer/edge/highlander/pilot/crv or virtually anthing else. Also embraced the wisdom of buying used instead of new with 2 young children in the house.

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  Subaru B9 Tribeca Ltd. 5 pass. Gold/Beige - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By mw1 - December 29 - 11:13 am

  This is my third Subaru. 98 Legacy Outback, 03 Forester XS. Added features: crossbar aero, luggage compartment cover, auto-dimming mirror/compass, cargo net rear & back seat, all weather floor mats, rear bumper cover, cargo tray, & puddle lights. The Tribeca so far is the BEST. Very comfortable and lots of room for back seat passengers. The V6 engine gives good power for highway acceleration. The control panel is easy to reach. Rides like a car and takes bumps pretty good. Did have a problem with the steering wheel clicking. Brought it in for service and they repaired a loose steering knuckle bolt. Had in back within 1 hour. Im hoping the B9 will be as reliable as my other Subarus. I LOVE IT.

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  Car Performance - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Carl Tordonato - December 19 - 3:16 am

  The engine is very sluggish, with slight acceleration of the gas pedal the engine hesitates then the transmission shifts down as if the engine loses power. I am very disappointed with the performance.