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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Safety and 7 passengers at a value price - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
By Nick - April 23 - 10:00 amWe purchased a Tribeca because its the smallest and cheapest seven passenger vehicle with a perfect safety rating from both the federal government and IIHS. Its easy to drive and handles well on city streets, freeways, and winding mountain roads. Engine power and acceleration are more than adequate, although its certainly no sports car. Weve never taken it off road but the ride quality is good on rough pavement. The interior is comfortable on long trips. Climate controls are easy to use. The second row seat is wide enough to actually hold three people in reasonable comfort. Overall I am very happy with the Tribeca. Theres nothing else which gives you so many features at the same price.
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2008 Suburu Nightmare - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
By seriously5 - April 9 - 7:23 amI was impressed that this SUV had everything my Acura MDX had before it died. I got it used 5 mos. ago with 75K miles on it. The a/c died 3 weeks after buying it. The pocket behind my drivers seat ripped in 4 weeks following that. Neither was covered by the extended warranty I bought. Fuel door wouldnt open yesterday, and my gas light was on. Scheduled to get it fixed this Sat. Now my passenger door wont open with the remote or the button inside. Great. Gas mileage range is 17-21, but I havent seen above 19.
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Excellent Vehicle - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
By lamda - March 14 - 11:46 pmMy wife and I originally searched for a new Jeep to replace the lease we had. We did our research and looked at the Tribeca and loved the interior among many other things. We ended up buying the 5 passenger SE. It definitely has more interior room than our 06 Jeep Commander. You cant find a comparable vehicle for the price, quality and reliability. The vehicle has great pick-up and drives very smooth. Save your time and go look at the Tribeca. You wont be disappointed.
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Nice Upgrade - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
By lovecars07 - March 14 - 10:29 pmTraded in my 2009 Forester XT and dont regret it at all. The tribeca is overall a much nice SUV. The only thing I miss is teh Turbo in the XT but everything else has been great!
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It replaced my BMW - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
By D CRUZ - February 7 - 7:40 amI have had BMWs for well over 20 yrs. In looking for a new all wheel drive car after moving to Colorado, the only thing that came close to the feel and performance of both my BMWs was this vehicle. In the snow it will out perform anything out there. Soild on the road, great perfomance for a 6 and good fuel mileage. Planning to trade in my second BMW in the fall for a Subaru sedan
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Quality vehicle - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
By drake - December 2 - 7:03 amOverall excellent fit and finish. Very good comfort and performance. Has nice pickup, great turning radius, very good visibility. First Subaru, previous Toyota owner. Very pleased with the quality, reliability, performance and appearance.
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Great car - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
By AM - November 3 - 8:18 pmThe car is great performance/reliability/safety wise. Only complaint: airbag recall that took too long to get fixed.
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No More Subaru!!! - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
By No more Subaru - August 7 - 8:34 pmFrom beginning of owning the car we noticed the engine noise like from broken muffler. Then noticed the engine oil level drops when it is still a new car. Lynns Subaru dealer did not do any thing to address the problems. I was told it is normal for Tribeca. Later I have to add oil between regular oil changes. As car gets old it requires more frequent additions of oil especially after a long drive. The tail pipes got black burned oil deposits. Many times asked dealer Victory Subaru to fix the oil burning they told me nothing wrong. There were many mechanical and electrical problems that will take too much time to detail them. Following is the short list: driver side window detached from rolling mechanism, power steering failed while driving, car has to be towed, radiators hose bursts leaking coolant, car towed. Cruise control never worked due to a number of engine warning signs pop up intermittently. All these problems were told to Victory Subaru dealer and they are incapable to fix them, instead they made us to change CV Boots and Booshings well before they life time and charged us almost $ 4000. The car was made in Mexico. The problems we had are more than manufacturer poor quality control, It was from design faults. This is Our second Subaru, We simply had enough problems and irresponsible dealer services and going to sell it below market and no more Subaru for us and our friends, coworkers, neighbors, I will let anyone know about how bad the Subaru becomes. Subaru lies about its reliability.
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Not happy! - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
By kari - August 2 - 2:36 pmI have owned four Subaru Outbacks prior to this 2009 Subaru Tribeca and thanks to this nightmare I will never buy another one! We purchased the car brand new. I wanted another Subaru for sure but thought I would try another model. My station wagons NEVER broke down and drove problem free for years. This car had been in the shop due to " check engine" light on within the first eight months. Only to be told its a faulty sensor and is fine. Yesterday my car lost power at 55 miles per hour- NO STEERING, NO GAS, check engine light back on and all I could was coast off the road. The car had to be towed. Service found the computer needed to be " updated" and now my car should be fine? NIGHTMARE.
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Great vehicle - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
By gmopsman - July 26 - 12:10 amThe vehicle has good power and does not have to shift down to pull hills. I averaged approximately 23 miles per gallon on the trip from Virginia to Tennessee at speeds from 55 to 75. The seats are supportive. The navigation system needs street number and address info before it will initiate. Good information display. Some people might like more adjustment in the steering wheel position. So far it has been very good.
