2006-2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca: Road Test

Subaru's B9 Tribeca delivers sufficient power for around-town driving, but feels strained in highway passing or uphill climbs. The engine is rough at idle, but smooth once underway. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 pounds. Fuel economy could be better. A test B9 Tribeca averaged 18.3 to 19.4 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Subaru recommends premium-grade fuel. Ride comfort generally satisfies. Expect good bump absorption overall, though some choppiness is evident over rough surfaces. Solid body structure contributes to buttoned-down feel. Well balanced in turns, the Tribeca suffers no undue body lean. Steering is linear, but transmits little road feel. Adequate braking power is masked by a spongy pedal. Quietness is the rule, most of the time. The Tribeca's engine is refined and whisper-quiet at cruise. Some wind rush is heard at highway speeds. Road noise is well quelled, though tires roar on rough surfaces. Main gauges are simply marked and easy to read, but fuel and engine-temperature gauges may be blocked by the steering wheel. Climate and audio controls are neatly arranged, clearly marked, and easy to access. Navigation-system controls are intuitive, but a long reach for both driver and passenger. Nicely textured matte-finish interior panels impart an upscale look and feel to the cabin. Comfortable, supportive seats provide adequate room up front. The driving position is upright, though tall drivers may wish for a wider range of seat adjustments. Visibility is good overall, though the view to the rear is obscured by thick rear pillars. Ride height is only slightly elevated, permitting easy entry/exit. Versatile second-row seats slide fore and aft up to 8 inches for ample legroom, but head space is limited for six-footers. Third-row seats are sized for kids, and offer no leg room if second-row seats are in rearward position. They're awkward to access, too. There's enough space for a single golf bag or several grocery bags behind the raised third-row seats, which fold flush into the floor. Convenient small-items storage space is a bonus. A handy console-mounted drawer in the second row holds about five DVD cases.

Value for the Money
Subaru's largest SUV delivers fine handling, versatile interior accommodations, and a generous list of standard equipment. On the down side, acceleration is lackluster. Tribeca pricing when new reached into the upper realm of midsize SUVs, where compelling alternatives can be found. Resale value has been quite good, so secondhand prices tend to be on the high side.