Overview & Reviews

The Tribeca, Subaru's first midsize sport-utility, is a relatively recent addition to the crossover SUV segment. Bigger and taller than the company's other utility vehicles, it's meant to be a viable alternative to established Japanese crossover competitors as well as other more upscale sport-utilities.

The Subaru Tribeca (originally known as the B9 Tribeca) succeeds in that regard. However, there's not much to push the Tribeca beyond that "alternative" status. Though premium in look and feel, the vehicle's interior is a little cramped when compared to some competitors. Earlier models also suffered from mediocre acceleration.

Overall, the Tribeca's faults are significant enough that we think most shoppers will be happier with other top crossover SUVs. Only if you're a dedicated Subaru fan looking for something out of the mainstream will it be worth adding to your consideration list.

Current Subaru Tribeca
The Subaru Tribeca is a midsize SUV based on a widened and stretched version of the platform Subaru uses for its previous-generation Legacy and Outback. There are three trim levels -- Premium, Limited and Touring -- and all seat up to seven passengers.

Convenience and safety features are pretty comprehensive on the Premium model, as 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control and power front seats are standard. Stepping up to the Limited gets you leather seating, heated front seats, front-seat memory presets, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker audio system with CD changer and satellite radio. The Touring's additional highlights include xenon headlights, a sunroof and a back-up camera. Big-ticket options like rear-seat entertainment and a navigation system with rear parking camera are optional.

The Subaru Tribeca is powered by a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine producing 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. All models also come with Subaru's signature traction-boosting all-wheel drive that splits the power 45 front/55 rear under normal circumstances, and redistributes power on the fly as needed. A five-speed automatic transmission with a Sport and manual-shift mode is standard.

The Tribeca's cabin has a distinctly sleek and upscale look, but the dash is slathered in hard plastic, and some controls are awkwardly arranged. On the other hand, we like the central screen that displays climate control and audio information -- and this feature comes along for the ride whether you order the navigation system or not.

Legroom is 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 is a bit more generous, with up to 74 cubic feet available, though it lags behind some rivals.

Once under way, the current Subaru Tribeca feels reasonably quick and certainly better than earlier models. The engine can sound a little noisy and rough when it's working hard, however. On the other hand, the Tribeca's highway ride is smooth and the cabin remains quiet.

Used Subaru Tribeca Models
The Subaru Tribeca midsize SUV debuted for the 2006 model year, though it was originally known as the B9 Tribeca. The "B9" was dropped for 2008. Named for New York City's fashionable and affluent TriBeCa neighborhood, it became Subaru's first U.S. vehicle to feature a controversial (and short-lived) new design expression consisting of a stylized triangular grille and rounded bodywork.

This look was poorly received by the public, hence the current model's generic front-end treatment, which bowed for the '08 model year. The following year saw a Special Edition model joined the original base and Limited trims, though for 2010 it was gone when the Touring trim debuted and the formerly optional third-row seat became standard across the board.

Used-vehicle shoppers should note that prior to 2008, the Tribeca's six-cylinder engine was a little underpowered. Displacing 3.0 liters, it made 245 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. Subaru Tribecas with this engine can feel considerably more sluggish when accelerating than 2008 and later models.

User Reviews:

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Phil in Blaine - March 2 - 8:50 pm

  After looking at and driving all the other SUVs in its class and some above it, this by far was the best vehicle. If you are in the market for this type of vehicle you owe to yourself to take a test drive, you will be sold. The mileage surprised me. I am getting 18.5 to 19 mpg in suburban driving. It is quiet, smooth and has one of the smoothest shifting transmissions I have driven, almost as smooth as a CVT. The power curve is excellent. Subaru has hit a home run with this vehicle.

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  2nd subi in 10 months - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Soobi-tlc - January 27 - 6:33 pm

  Traded in my problematic Audi Allroad finally. Were very impressed with our 08 LL Bean Outback 3.0L that we bought in April. So I tested the Tribeca. I didnt like the interior design too much - spacey. I looked at all the other CUV/SUVs and other wagons that were so much more. Thought about used MDX. Liked the new Subi better. Agree with all comments on stupid nav system. They can fix that by issuing a new software update if theyre smart. Im getting 19mpg on 87octane buzzing around town and commuting 42 miles each way a day. The car has 1750 miles and will improve. Overall very comfortable and pleased. Driving in Sport only helps performance.

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  Read all the reviews - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By South Dakota - December 8 - 10:10 pm

  I read everything on line about the Tribeca. It was frustrating as many of the reviews contradict each other (e.g. one says there is very little body roll, the brakes are great while another says there is too much body roll and the breaks are spongy). You have to drive it yourself to judge. I was a Chevy Trail Blazer owner (LTZ) and I have to say the Tribeca drives way better, is more responsive, and stops quicker than the trailblazer. Yes, a lot of reviewers say gas mileage is poor on the Tribeca. Indeed, but measure it against any other all wheel drive and none of them are any better (the reviewers seem to compare the all wheel drive of the Tribeca with the 2 wheel drive of other make

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  Not a MiniVan - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By steveni1234 - November 21 - 12:33 pm

  After test driving CUVs from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota and Ford, the Subaru was a very pleasant surprise. The engine is very drivable around town and the ride experience is as luxurious as the premium brands. The Tribeca feels more like a car as opposed to the minivan roots of the Toyota Venza and the Ford Edge. Interior room for five is exceptional and rear storage area is huge. Build quality approaches the luxury brands. If you are in the market for a vehicle in this class, test drive them carefully. My experience did not match up with the reviews on this site. It was almost as if the experts were driving different cars!!!

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  Pleased - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Sonny - October 17 - 3:13 am

  This vehicle has just been fantastic. I love the handling, and since the 30,000 mile service I love it even better. Subaru has taken exceptional care of this vehicle and at 34,000, I will be extending the warranty, until they make a 6-speed tranny, then Ill move up to that model.

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  Outstanding SUV - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By Mike - August 12 - 6:56 pm

  This is by far the best SUV I drove when trying to decide what to purchase. I didnt know a vehicle could handle this well in the snow. Performance is excellent and the vehicle is definitely comfortable.

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  Im impressed - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Suzy B. - June 29 - 10:53 pm

  Just drove the new 08 Tribeca. While cleaning my house and finding the Subaru magazine, I looked through it and found out about all the new changes of the 08 Tribeca. I own a 06 tribeca and have always been disapointed with the engine and transmission. So, went to town and drove the 08 and found the difference to be very very noticable within the first few seconds of driving it. I went back the next day and purchased the new 2008 Tribeca. I love all the great changes. Thanks Subaru!!

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  2008 Tribeca a big improvement - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Bob - June 26 - 5:13 pm

  Have had the Tribeca for 5 months and 6,000 miles. Combination driving I am averaging 19.5 miles. In city - 17 to 18 which is as advertised. Highway only trips 22 - 24. We have had a Land Rover Discovery, Acura MDX, Mercedes ML 320 and Volvo XC70 - this vehicle is every bit as good and much less expensive. Because of those other SUVs I was smart enough to not get the built in Navi. Spent $250 on a Garmin. Almost bought BMW X5 but decided to save $20K - glad I did.

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  Hard to Beat - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By C. J. DeSantis - May 31 - 12:23 am

  I backed into the Subaru Tribeca because the Acura Dealers were not willing to negotiate on the RDX. That caused me to research more and I found the Tribeca with a six cylinder engine instead of a turbocharged 4 cylinder and I never looked back. Ive now had the car 3 months and I am very happy the Acura dealers were shortsighted. The Tribeca is the most fun to drive of any car I have ever owned and Ive owned quite a few. It corners and holds the road like a sports car. The "toys" radio, gps, sound sys are excellent. The backup camera is great, especially at night. Mileage is average, in the 18 to 20 range. The one shortcoming is the gas tank. It should have greater capacity.

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  Second Subaru - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Happy in Ohio - May 22 - 10:20 pm

  This is our 2nd Subaru and we couldnt be happier. Our first was a 2003 Forester, which is still running strong and soon to become the kids car. You just cant beat Subaru when it comes to safety and dealing with snow, rain, or ice. Oh yeah almost forgot they are also fun to drive. People at work are almost always surprised to hear that our Tribeca is a Subaru. The exterior is as nice and the interior nicer then the couple Acura MDXs I park beside everyday at work. The best part thanks to the price we can still afford to take ours on a road trip when we feel like it. We are just starting to look for my wife a new car and the 2009 Forester is looking like the front runner.