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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  Junk - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By 1rich - January 29 - 3:33 pm

  I did a lot of research when the 08 model came out. Unfortunately there was not enough real data out there. Reliability and performance are poor. We get 14.5 miles per gallon in mixed driving. Full size SUVs with V8 engines can do better. Besides the gas useage is the oil useage. Check it out on your own. Subara considers 1 quart of oil used per every 1000 miles within spec. I should know. This is our Tribecas oil consumption. We have had interior components fall off (Visors, seat backs, seat track covers, etc.) The dash squeaks, the hatch rattles and engine components have failed (EGR valve). All this and less than 25k miles on it. I will never own another subaru.

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By sunflwr50 - January 19 - 5:10 pm

  After researching the typical makes of SUVs I decided on the Tribeca. It is fun to drive, handles well & looks sporty. The interior controls are easy to use especially at night due to the red backlighting. The stability control is awesome. I feel it is the only thing that kept me on the road when I was hydroplaning in a bad rain storm. You can actually feel the system work as it steers you in the right direction. The ride is very smooth and quiet.

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  Liked it so much, I bought two - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By BernieKl - January 7 - 5:53 am

  Live in Cleveland Ohio where winters are harsh and streets are not well maintained. Test drove the Tribeca and my wife and I loved the performance, comfort, and style of the Tribeca. Traded in two full size SUVs for two Tribeca LTDs the same day. Absolutely love this SUV. Solid feel, great handling, fun to drive, very comfortable, loaded with features and thoughtful amenities. Feels comparable (and even preferable) to Lexus/BMW/Mercedes/Acura SUV at 10k less. All of the other SUVs Id considered were on the dealers trade-in lot from people who bought Tribecas. My wife is getting 18/24 mpg on her used 2006 Tribeca B9, however Im still in break-in period and getting 12-18 mpg.

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  Why I bought the 2008 Tribeca - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By bgk - December 30 - 3:20 am

  After talking to persons who own a Subaru I knew they were onto something. I test drove a few friends who own them and could feel the solidness of the vehicle. Since I dont buy new cars every few years (previously drove a 97 Blazer) I wanted to make sure this was the car for me. It is. Reading the reports on Subarus reliability also moved me into purchasing it. Size wise, its perfect. Not too big or small. Driving the Tribeca one can feel the responsiveness of it. A good, linear feel, like you are on rails, plus great stopping power. Good road feel too. Not too soft or harsh. Like Goldilocks porridge, just right! Plus quick acceleration when stomped on.

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  2008 Subaru Tribeca Review - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Nor Cal - December 16 - 5:13 am

  I have had the Tribeca since April 2008 and put almost 6000 miles on it so far. The handling of the AWD Tribeca is darn near neutral and the turn in spot on. its fun to drive and comfortable on road trips or in town. The interior and exterior looks compliment each other. I use the transmission in sport mode all the time, either leaving it in drive or shifting up and down. the engine is a lot more responsive & mileage doesnt seem to suffer. One thing that bugs me is that the transmission shifting seems out of sync with the engine at times. The Tribeca doubles well as a tent and carries a lot of "stuff". I dont like the puddle lights though but thats a nil point IMO. Next thing is XM radio.

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  Best car I ever owned ! - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By walt - November 28 - 10:10 pm

  I feel very lucky to have purchased my Tribeca Limited.I get a lot of stares while driving it and it is a true pleasure to drive. The Boxer engine puts out great passing power. I dont always relax when driving it because Im afraid someone will be on their cell-phone, not pay attention and hit me.My wife test drove the car and a young girl on her phone tried to cut in front of us and almost caused an accident. I love my Subaru!

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  A well made SUV that deserves attention - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Handsome36 - November 10 - 11:50 am

  After much debate on TribecaÂ’s 3rd row comfort, I bought the 2008 Tribeca. It is smooth, wonderfully stable and deserves to be compared with lux utes. It costs $7-8k less than the Acura and 10k less than Volvo and BMW but more reliable than either. Very nice touches with ambient lighting, puddle lights (optional), etc. It has very smooth engine and its dynamic stability control really works (unlike the one I had in my minivan), most effective AWD system of many out these and absorbs bumps very well. Very little road noise too.

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  Another First Time Subaru owner - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Impressed - November 8 - 10:26 am

  Like another reviewer, wifes car, was driving an STS.Did all the comparisons of driving and reading reviews plus watched a bunch of comparison videos. Nothing comes close to the performance,handling or safety. Compared to the B9 it is a much improved vehicle. If anyone is looking to buy an SUV because of weather considerations, this car will be one of the last to lose integrity.Great AWD and Traction control that really work.

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  Less than 13 mpg. instead of Subaru advertised 16mpg - 2012 Subaru Tribeca
  By careviews2 - October 19 - 12:09 pm

  We bought a 2011 and from the begining had back support problem, we decided since coulnt get our money back to get a 2012 (design is better) but now we are stuck with 7 years paying this gas eater.

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  Great Discovery - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By amd - September 26 - 10:23 pm

  A real find. All the equipment of an Acura RDX and more. 6 cyl and reg gas a real plus. Drives like a sports car with plenty of power and excellent road hugging ability. Typical excellent Japanese quality of fit and finish. Very happy with the discovery.