Subaru Tribeca

2012 Subaru Tribeca 4-door 3.6R Limited Angular Front Exterior View

Enlarge Photo

Shopping for a 2012 Subaru Tribeca? MSRP: $30,595 - $35,895

GET A FREE PRICE QUOTE

The Subaru Tribeca, or B9 Tribeca, is a mid-size crossover vehicle with five- or seven-passenger seating and a more 'urban upscale' design compared to Subaru's other cars of the time. Alternatives to the Tribeca include the Nissan Murano, Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot.

Named after a neighborhood in New York, the Tribeca was Subaru's effort to be considered by urban dwellers, rather than the outdoorsy crowd it was already in with. To that end, the Tribeca boasted a completely different design direction for Subaru when it was first introduced for 2006. While the Tribeca's smooth, rounded, yet sculpted profile was quite well received, its new front-end design—incorporating a complicated triangular grille flanked by thin horizontal extensions (representing the brand's aircraft heritage) and smooth oval headlights—was not, and even though the design had started to find fans for 2008 Subaru retracted the design and went with an extremely conservative front end appearance instead. Inside, a very curvaceous instrument panel wraps down between the driver and front passenger, setting a very different theme than you'll find elsewhere in Subaru's vehicles.

The Subaru Tribeca's overall package has changed little otherwise since its original introduction. However powertrains have improved. Originally it packed a 245-horsepower, 3.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, but for 2008 it gained a 256-hp, 3.6-liter version that felt considerably stronger and more responsive from a standing start—and is about ten percent more fuel-efficient. The 3.6-liter also uses regular fuel while its predecessor required premium. All Tribecas have been equipped with all-wheel drive, as well as a five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. While the Subaru Outback has a more carlike profile, it's surprisingly the more off-road-worthy of the two. Overall, the Tribeca is tuned for the road; it rides firmly but quite well and handles much like a car, albeit one with a quite high seating position. Performance from the flat-six is good, but the Tribeca never feels downright fast, and even on newer models fuel economy isn't likely to rise above the upper teens. The cabin is considerably quieter and more refined than in pre-2010 Outback and Legacy models.

Subaru had introduced a few changes to the suspension, and upgraded navigation and sound systems for 2007, but the changes were more extensive for 2008. Tall people should beware that front-seat legroom is surprisingly limited. The second row of seating in the Tribeca is a bit flat but good for adults; however the third row is simply too tight for all but smaller occupants and rather difficult to get to. Third-row access was improved slightly, as was rearward visibility—which is challenging on any of these models without the rear camera system. The instrument panel and trim, while attractive and even award-winning, isn't quite as delightful up close as it's full of hard plastic pieces.

Safety has been a Tribeca strength since day one. It's one of the safest vehicles in its class, with top marks from the IIHS. With regard to other types of standard and optional equipment, the Tribeca has been good but not class-leading. You'll find power heated seats standard on most models, but base Premium models opt out of many desirable features.

2012 Subaru Tribeca 4-door 3.6R Limited Angular Rear Exterior View

Enlarge Photo