Subaru B9 Tribeca Review

2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca Ltd SUV Shown

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 B9 Tribeca (as it was originally known) 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 and exterior styling that most people found odd-looking.

Nor is there much of the sporting enthusiasm that one typically associates with driving other Subaru products. 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 stylish and out of the mainstream will it be worth adding to your consideration list.

Current Subaru B9 Tribeca

The Subaru Tribeca (B9 was officially dropped from the name for 2008) is a midsize SUV based on a widened and stretched version of the platform Subaru uses for its Legacy and Outback. There are two trim levels -- base and Limited -- and buyers have a choice of five- or seven-passenger models.

Convenience and safety features are pretty comprehensive on the base model. Stepping up to the Limited gets you premiums like leather seating, a 160-watt stereo with CD changer and memory settings for the front seats. Big-ticket options like rear-seat entertainment and a navigation system with rear parking camera are optional.

The 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 is filled with quality materials and has a distinctly upscale look; however, 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.

Past Subaru B9 Tribeca models

The Subaru B9 Tribeca midsize SUV debuted for the 2006 model year. 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. Unfortunately for Subaru, this look was poorly received by the public. The current model's more anodyne front-end look was applied for the '08 model year.

Used-vehicle shoppers should also note that prior to '08, the B9's original six-cylinder engine was a little underpowered. Displacing 3.0 liters, it made 245 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. Subaru B9 Tribecas with this engine can feel sluggish when accelerating.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.