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2009 Subaru Tribeca Review

April 16, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the wave-shaped dashboard visually delights
Kelley Blue Book

Smaller than most other midsize crossover SUVs
Edmunds

Subaru should have called it the Chry-beca
Car and Driver

The Subaru Tribeca rolls into 2009 with a year-old redesign that wears well.  It maintains its cockpit-like interior with a more conservative exterior that should appeal to additional buyers.

Subaru has had identity issues lately and the Tribeca is no exception. It launched with a front end that only a mother could love but was later redesigned with a more mainstream look. Most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com offer similar takes on the new look. Edmunds calls it "a more conservative face," while Car and Driver thinks "Subaru should have called it the Chry-beca" thanks to its close resemblance to the now-discontinued Chrysler Pacifica.

The inside is where the 2009 Subaru Tribeca really stands out. Car and Driver comments, "[the] gauge cluster and climate control dials are...handsome." Kelley Blue Book says, "the wave-shaped dashboard visually delights," though adds "its severe curve places some...controls at odd angles from the driver." MotherProof likes the interior lighting, noting that "the nighttime ambient lighting scheme...is a sight to behold."

To improve visibility in the 2009 Subaru Tribeca, the automaker added larger side mirrors and redesigned rear windows and pillars. MotherProof notes this has the added benefit of better access to the third row: "Now you can get back there from either side of the car instead of just one."

Other features are not designed so well in the Tribeca, such as Subaru’s LCD information screen at the top of the center console. Kelley Blue Book points out that in the Subaru, 2009’s digital readouts "can fade when viewed through polarized sunglass lenses." Other reviewers dislike the low-contrast white/light-silver text on silver buttons of the controls.

Conclusion

The muted, more mainstream look isn’t to everyone’s liking, but the 2009 Tribeca does a good job of blending in while maintaining its unique interior and personality.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:the wave-shaped dashboard visually delightsKelley Blue BookSmaller than most other midsize crossover SUVsEdmundsSubaru should have called it the Chry-becaCar and Driver The Subaru Tribeca rolls into 2009 with a year-old redesign that wears well.  It maintains its cockpit-like interior with a more conservative exterior that should appeal to additional buyers. Subaru has had identity issues lately and the Tribeca is no exception. It launched with a front end that only a mother could love but was later redesigned with a more mainstream look. Most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com offer similar takes on the new look. Edmunds calls it "a more conservative face," while Car and Driver thinks "Subaru should have called it the Chry-beca" thanks to its close resemblance to the now-discontinued Chrysler Pacifica. The inside is where the 2009 Subaru Tribeca really stands out. Car and Driver comments, "[the] gauge cluster and climate control dials are...handsome." Kelley Blue Book says, "the wave-shaped dashboard visually delights," though adds "its severe curve places some...controls at odd angles from the driver." MotherProof likes the interior lighting, noting that "the nighttime ambient lighting scheme...is a sight to behold." To improve visibility in the 2009 Subaru Tribeca, the automaker added larger side mirrors and redesigned rear windows and pillars. MotherProof notes this has the added benefit of better access to the third row: "Now you can get back there from either side of the car instead of just one." Other features are not designed so well in the Tribeca, such as Subaru’s LCD information screen at the top of the center console. Kelley Blue Book points out that in the Subaru, 2009’s digital readouts "can fade when viewed through polarized sunglass lenses." Other reviewers dislike the low-contrast white/light-silver text on silver buttons of the controls. ConclusionThe muted, more mainstream look isn’t to everyone’s liking, but the 2009 Tribeca does a good job of blending in while maintaining its unique interior and personality. 2009 SUBARU TRIBECA STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "the wave-shaped dashboard visually delights" Edmunds: "Smaller than most other midsize crossover SUVs " Car and Driver: " Subaru should have called it the Chry-beca" The Subaru Tribeca rolls into 2009 with a year-old ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The competition to the 2009 Subaru Tribeca is heated, although the segment includes many vehicles that are a bit lacking in personality. The Toyota Highlander is one example; it comes in two- and three-row versions and has available V-6 and Hybrid versions, which broaden its appeal, but it’s certainly not engaging to drive. The Honda Pilot is one of the most admired crossovers available, but some think its bold new look took the place of the original B9 Tribeca. The Nissan Murano sports a new look and features a beautiful new interior, but doesn't offer a third-row seat. The Ford Edge has almost universally appealing good looks from the outside, but from the inside it’s not as quirky or fun to drive as the Tribeca.

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See the Subaru Tribeca in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

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