2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Subaru introduces its largest-ever vehicle for 2006; a midsize SUV with available 7-passenger seating and a standard 6-cyl engine. The B9 Tribeca shares its architecture and powertrain with Subaru's Outback and Legacy and is similar in size to Toyota's Highlander. Tribecas come in base and Limited trim. Both have all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Seating for five is standard; a 2-passenger 3rd-row seat is optional. The sole powertrain consists of a 250-hp 3.0-liter horizontally opposed 6-cyl that mates to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. An antiskid system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and 18-inch wheels are standard. So are front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows. All Tribecas have a sunroof and 40/20/40 split folding 2nd-row seats. Seven-passenger models add a 50/50 split folding 3rd-row seat, rear climate controls, and heated front seats. Limiteds add leather upholstery and CD changer. Rear DVD entertainment is optional on 7-passenger models. A navigation system is optional on the 7-passenger Limited.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.

New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.

News

So far, this Subaru has been underperforming in showrooms, with annualized sales running at only about 75 percent of the modest 36,000 projected. This may explain the early arrival of the spruced-up '07s. At least the B9 Tribeca won't face competition from a Saab-badged spinoff, now that Saab parent General Motors has sold its stake in Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries. As for what Subaru plans, '07 is only the sophomore season for the B9 Tribeca, so no major changes are likely anytime soon.

2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Road Test

Pros	Cons

All-wheel drive	Acceleration

Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5

Sufficient power for around-town driving, but feels strained in highway passing or uphill climbs. Engine rough at idle, but smooth once under way. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb.

Fuel Economy

Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	3.8

Test B9 Tribecas averaged 18.3-19.4 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Subaru recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5.4

Good bump absorption overall, though some choppiness over rough surfaces. Solid body structure contributes to buttoned-down feel.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	4.1

Well-balanced in turns, with no undue body lean. Steering is linear, but transmits little road feel. Adequate braking power masked by spongy pedal.

Quietness

Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	5.2

Engine refined, whisper-quiet at cruise. Some wind rush at highway speeds. Road noise well-quelled, though tires roar on rough surfaces.

Controls

Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6.3

Main gauges simply marked, easy to read. Fuel gauge blocked by steering wheel. Climate and audio controls neatly arranged, clearly marked, easy to access. Navigation controls intuitive, but a long reach for both driver and passenger. Nicely textured matte-finish interior panels impart upscale look and feel to cabin.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6.7

Adequate room, though tall drivers may wish for a wider range of seat adjustments. Comfortable, supportive seats. Upright driving position. Good overall visibility, though view to the rear is obscured by thick rear pillars. Ride height only slightly elevated for easy entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6.2

Versatile 2nd-row seats move fore, aft up to 8 inches for ample leg room. Head space limited for 6-footers. Third-row seats sized for kids, offer no leg room if 2nd-row seats are in rear position, and are awkward to access.

Cargo Room

Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8.3

Enough space for single golf bag or several grocery bags behind raised 3rd-row seats. Third row folds flush into floor. Convenient small-item storage; 2nd row has handy console-mounted drawer that holds about five DVD cases.

Value within Class

Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5.7

Subaru's new SUV delivers fine handling, versatile interior accommodations, and a generous list of standard equipment. However, acceleration is lackluster, and while Tribeca pricing is competitive with similarly equipped midsize SUVs, where there are more-compelling alternatives.

Total Score

Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys.	Class Average
62	56.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		66

2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/27/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 5-passenger 4-door wagon	$30,695	$28,792	$625

Base 7-passenger 4-door wagon	$32,395	$30,180	$625

Limited 5-passenger 4-door wagon	$32,295	$30,263	$625

Limited 7-passenger 4-door wagon	$33,895	$31,571	$625

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front- and 2nd-row curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear air conditioning w/rear controls (7-passenger), interior air filter, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, heated front seats (7-passenger), 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row adjustable split folding rear seat, 3rd-row split folding seat (7-passenger), heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers w/deicer, universal garage door opener, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, rear spoiler.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

255/55R18 tires, alloy wheels.

Limited adds to Base:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Convenience Group
5-passenger	$167	$102
7-passenger	$142	$86
Cargo cover, cargo net, cargo tray.

Popular Equipment Group 1
Base, Limited	$293	$190
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, theft-deterrent-system shock sensor.

Popular Equipment Group 2
Base, Limited	$352	$209
Roof rack, mud guards.

Protection Group
7 passenger	$325	$209
5 passenger	$300	$193
Floormats, front bumper underguard, rear bumper pad.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Limited 7-passenger	$2,000	$1,839


Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
7-passenger	$1,800	$1,656


Floormats
5 passenger	$60	$36
7 passenger	$85	$52


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
Base, Limited	$210	$117


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch
Base, Limited	$628	$471
Includes transmission cooler.

2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Subaru B9 Tribeca 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	108.2

Overall Length, in.	189.8

Overall Width, in.	73.9

Overall Height, in.	66.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	4155

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	74.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.9

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	38.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.3

Rear Head Room, in.	38.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc H6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.0 /183

Horsepower @ rpm.	250 @ 6600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	219 @ 4200

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	18/23

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Subaru B9 Tribeca 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
Trim Level: Limited
Arrival Date: 06/23/2005
Engine: dohc H6
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $37,695
Price as Tested: $38,320
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 5054
Mileage at End of Test: 5619
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 30.755 gals.

Major Options: None

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 18.37 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta Don't think handling is necessarily "crisp for the class," and I don't think acceleration is necessarily lackluster--for the class. Do agree that pricing is too steep. Why exactly does the world need this vehicle?

Mark Bilek Tribeca sports very "Subaru" interior and exterior styling, which make it stand out in a crowded midsize SUV marketplace. Good driving dynamics and a reasonable price make it a worthwhile purchase. However, the 3rd-row seat is almost useless and fuel economy needs to be better.

< 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Photos

Also in the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Review:

Subaru B9 Tribeca

Subaru B9 Tribeca Road Test

Subaru B9 Tribeca Prices & Equipment

Subaru B9 Tribeca Specs & Safety

Subaru B9 Tribeca Photos

Subaru B9 Tribeca Full Review

All Subaru B9 Tribecas

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