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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  Annoyed and Disappointed - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Carol - September 6 - 7:20 pm

  Have had this car for almost two years now, and the warranty is about to run out. Its been in three times for warranty fixes (CD player jammed, mechanical issue front right drive train, climate control). And now -- after three visits during which the mechanics agreed there was a problem with the climate control -- I am told the system is functioning "normally." So why is it blowing cold air when I have the temp set to 72? My 3-year-old is freezing in the back seat. Enough with this car... Im going back to an Outback.

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  Overall Great SUV - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Brad - July 16 - 3:46 pm

  Purchased vehicle 7 months ago after much deliberation and was extremely happy with my choice. I understood the shortcomings: no telescoping wheel or bluetooth, small gas tank and 19-23 mpg (not bad considering AWD). However after I had the oil transmission cooler installed, the transmission hasnt shifted correctly again. Stays in gear too long, hard shifts etc. Working with the dealer to attempt a fix. All in all, a great vehicle for the price, all essential features and then some. Look hard at the this vehicle; youll be doing yourself a disservice if you didnt!

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  Mixed Bag - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Mr. Subaru - June 5 - 1:43 pm

  The 08 Tribeca is a mix of great features and questionable design components. The Tribeca is solidly built and handles like a car. The engine is powerful, and the transmission shifts smoothly. Steering and braking are crisp. The cargo area is surprisingly small for a vehicle this size, a tight fit for dogs. The gas mileage is poor (17 mpg mixed) compared to other vehicles in this category, and is compounded by a small gas tank which results in a VERY, VERY short driving range. I was spoiled by my 06 Outbacks 500 mile range. The thick A pillar makes turning corners a challenge if pedestrians are present.

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  A Little over 2 years old - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Claire T. - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This car has more than enough power. Handles well under all weather conditions.

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  Safety and 7 passengers at a value price - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By Nick - April 23 - 10:00 am

  We 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 am

  I 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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  Nice Upgrade - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By lovecars07 - March 14 - 10:29 pm

  Traded 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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  1000 miles and heres the verdict - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By Jeff Block - February 6 - 6:00 pm

  Im a Subaru newbie. Made the decision to move away from Toyota in favor of the Tribeca based on its looks and features. Having now traveled in the car for over 1000 miles here are my gripes: 1) The steering wheel mounted audio controls are poorly placed. I seem to always change the radio station every time I make a hard turn. 2) Poor gas mileage. Averaging 18.6 highway miles per gallon. 3) I feel no difference from regular drive mode to Sport mode. 4) Fit and Finish on the leather seats is poor. Lots of bunched up spots. 5) Not enough small storage room for sunglasses, wallet, Garmin, etc... 6) The Good-Year tires that it came with stink in the snow! 7) Audio controls are layed out odd

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  Disappointed - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By ib76 - September 19 - 11:53 am

  I was very excited about my new car, but only for 2 weeks. I purchased used car with 12,000 miles. Then problems started- rattles and transmission. My new car didnt accelerate well, made strange noises, took it to the dealer, reflushed transmission and after 3 weeks the same problem came back. Extremely disappointed. Suppose to be fun car to drive but turned out to be a complete disaster. After 3 months I traded in my Tribeca, of course lost a lot of money : (.

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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!!!