2006-2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
2008 Subaru Tribeca
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2006-2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca/Tribeca ▼

  • Price Range:  $17,500 - $25,100
CG Rating

62

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2006-2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca/Tribeca and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Cargo room
  • Passenger room and comfort
  • Control layout and materials
  • Steering/handling

Cons

  • Fuel economy
  • Acceleration (highway)
  • Brake-pedal feel

Vehicle Highlights

Subaru introduced its largest-ever vehicle for 2006: a midsize sport-utility vehicle with available seven-passenger seating and a standard six-cylinder "boxer" engine. Similar in size to Toyota's Highlander, the B9 Tribeca shared its architecture and powertrain with Subaru's Outback and Legacy. Tribeca was the first Subaru SUV that could hold as many as seven occupants. Distinctive, if ultimately controversial, styling was led by a unique shield-shaped grille, inspired by the company's aircraft heritage. Considered a "crossover" model and billed as a "progressive SUV," Tribecas came in base and Limited trim. Both had all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. The sole powertrain consisted of a 250-horsepower 3.0-liter horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine that mated with a five-speed automatic transmission, which incorporated a Sportshift manual shift gate. Seating for five was standard; a two-passenger third-row seat was optional. An antiskid system, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, and 18-inch alloy wheels were standard. So were front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags that covered the first and second seating rows. Standard equipment included automatic climate control, a CD player, and power front seats. All Tribecas had a sunroof and 40/20/40 split folding second-row seats. Seven-passenger models added a 50/50 split folding third-row seat, rear climate controls, and heated front seats. Limited models added leather upholstery and an in-dash six-CD changer. Rear DVD entertainment was optional on seven-passenger models. A navigation system was available for Limited models. In addition to the Highlander, B9 Tribeca competitors included the Ford Freestyle and Nissan Murano.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Subaru B9 Tribeca Limited Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 7
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 62
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2006-2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca/Tribeca. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2006-2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca/Tribeca.

Year to Year Changes


2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca: Subaru's crossover SUV got freshened styling and additional features for its second season on the market. The standard antiskid system gained rollover sensors. Grille inserts went from chrome to matte black, but a new Special Edition package uses bright mesh inserts. New options included a rearview camera and rear obstacle detection system.
2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca: Fresh styling and more power highlighted changes to the 2008 Subaru Tribeca, which dropped the B9 prefix from its name. For 2008, the engine grew from 3.0 to 3.6 liters to yield 256 hp, up from 245.

Our road test for the 2006-2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca/Tribeca includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2006-2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca/Tribeca and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2006-2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca/Tribeca is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

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.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Subaru B9 Tribeca Limited Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 7
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 62

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Subaru B9 Tribeca includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Subaru B9 Tribeca .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Coolant leak: A campaign was conducted to replace the coolant and, if not done, aluminum components can get damaged by original coolant's high chlorine content. (2006)

Doors: The rear hatch may rattle when going over bumps due to inadequate weatherstrip. (2006)

Doors: The gas-filled support struts for the liftgate may leak over time making it heavy to lift and eventually not staying open. (2006)

Seat: The second row seat may not release as the cable detaches from its holder. (2006)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $980
Alternator $870
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $4,695
Brakes $950
Constant Velocity Joints $2,450
Exhaust System $860
Radiator $700
Shocks and/or Struts $1,420
Timing Chain or Belt $950
Our price chart for this generation Subaru B9 Tribeca details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
Tribeca $24,500-27,000 $22,800-25,100 $15,900-17,600
2007
B9 Tribeca $21,000-23,500 $19,300-21,600 $13,700-15,300
2006
B9 Tribeca $19,000-20,800 $17,500-19,100 $12,400-13,500
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Subaru B9 Tribeca include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 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.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Only one powertrain has been available for the all-wheel-drive B9 Tribeca: a 3.0-liter, horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic transmission. Engine output was rated at 250 horsepower in 2006, 245 in 2007. For 2008, the engine grew from 3.0 to 3.6 liters to yield 256 hp, up from 245.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc H6 3.0 / 183 245-250 215-219 5-speed automatic: 18/23 5-speed automatic: 19.4
dohc H6 3.6 / 222 256 247 5-speed automatic: 16/21 5-speed automatic: 19.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Subaru B9 Tribeca include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2006 B9 Tribeca
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, 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%. Sideimpact 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%.


No Recall History is available at this time.


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