Subaru B9 Tribeca Test Drive

[BMWDave]

Link with Pictures

Subaru Goes Large With Luxury
By Kelly Toepke
Date posted: 06-01-2005

Move over WRX, there's a new kid on the Subaru block, and it's about to steal your thunder.

Having cleared the performance hurdle with the 227-horsepower WRX and the 300-hp WRX STi, the Japanese automaker is moving on to the midsize SUV market with the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca, a seven-passenger vehicle designed to go up against the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander.

About the size of a Lexus RX 330, the Tribeca, which goes on sale this summer, is the first Subaru to speak the brand's new design language. With its slight wheel flares, high rear beltline, snubbed front end and airplane-shaped grille, the Tribeca's look isn't for everyone, but it will be for every Subaru. Expect elements of the Tribeca's look to carry to other models.

The Tribeca is also the largest and most expensive Subaru ever, with prices starting at $30,695 for the five-passenger model and topping out at $37,695 for a seven-passenger Tribeca Limited.

An Outback Underneath
Unfortunately encumbered with a double-barreled name ? "B" stands for "boxer engine," and nine is an internal chassis designation ? the B9 Tribeca is based on a stretched and widened version of the Subaru Outback platform. The new body structure is 22-percent more rigid, with a 55-percent increase in bending stiffness.

That taut structure combines with a revised front suspension and a new double-wishbone rear suspension, which replaces the Outback's multilink setup, to provide a compliant ride. The Tribeca easily soaks up bumps, even over a rutted stretch of dirt and gravel road.

Power and Weight
Like all Subarus, the Tribeca is offered with only all-wheel drive. Power comes from the same 3.0-liter horizontally opposed "boxer" six-cylinder engine found in the Outback. It's rated at 250 hp and 219 pound-feet of torque.

The engine is mated to a highly modified version of the Outback's five-speed automatic transmission equipped with SportShift to allow manual shifting. Past experience in the Outback found its shifter continuously hunting for gears during mountainous driving. This was not the case in the Tribeca, its transmission held a low gear steadily during steep ascents, without early upshifts.

Even with the Tribeca's substantial weight of 4,200-plus pounds, it's never at a loss for power. There's plenty of midrange muscle and the Subie easily tackled a lengthy, steep hill climb during a light off-road exercise.

Steering, however, was a bit light for a vehicle of such girth, which accentuates the Tribeca's heft. On the road, this feels like a big, heavy truck.

EPA ratings have not been released, but during our 100-mile test-drive, the trip computer calculated our consumption at 20.7 miles per gallon.

Safety Comes Standard
On the Subaru B9 Tribeca, everything relevant to safety is standard, including four-channel/four-sensor antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Also standard are traction and stability controls, seat-mounted side-impact airbags and dual-stage deployment airbags in the front with an occupancy detector for the passenger seat, plus side curtain airbags to protect rear passengers. By comparison, the Toyota Highlander's head curtain costs an extra $650, an option which is not available on the Honda Pilot.

Near Lexus Luxury
Subaru has shown signs of luxury intent in the 2005 Legacy and Outback models, but really brings the upscale look and comfort home in the B9 Tribeca.

Available in both five- and seven-passenger models in base or Limited trim, the Tribeca sports an elegant dash with more features than ever before available in a Subaru. One example is a stunning touchscreen GPS navigation system that's optional ($2,000) on the seven-seat Limited. Standard on the base is a 100-watt single CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, while the Limited model upgrades to a 160-watt unit featuring an in-dash six-disc CD changer, MP3 compatibility, eight upgraded speakers and a subwoofer.

Second-row passengers will have no trouble getting comfortable thanks to 34.3 inches of legroom and reclining seatbacks, but those in the third row aren't as lucky. With its limited legroom and obstacle course entry which forces passengers to climb over the corner of the second row, the third-row seat is for occasional use only.

All rear-seat riders are bound to enjoy the optional 9-inch DVD entertainment system with two sets of wireless headphones, remote control and auxiliary input for video games, an option that will add $1,800 to a seven-passenger Tribeca.

On seven-seaters, a 50/50-split third-row bench and 40/20/40-split second row are standard, but cargo capacity is limited to 8.3 cubic feet with all seats up and expands to 37.6 cubic feet with the third row folded flat and 74.4 cubes with the second-row seatbacks folded forward. The Highlander and the Pilot offer a fair bit more.

All the Right Stuff
Some might simply consider the Tribeca late to an already crowded game. Subaru, however, calls the B9 "progressive."

After a couple of hundred miles behind the wheel, we still wouldn't call the Subaru B9 Tribeca progressive, but agree it offers an impressive overall package. Subaru's competent boxer engine and all-wheel-drive system combined with a lengthy list of standard safety equipment and a luxurious, feature-laden interior make this new flagship a vehicle worth considering, even among the top competitors.

[giant_mtb]

Ehh..it's new..it's probably my least favorite Subaru so far, but it is nice... (I'm not the biggest fan of the Tribeca)

[BMWDave]

Ehh..it's new..it's probably my least favorite Subaru so far, but it is nice... (I'm not the biggest fan of the Tribeca)

The interior is amazing, but the exterior is blah.

[ifcar]

Now the question will be how many people are willing to pay that much for it. It's not that much more than an Outback, but it starts a lot higher (just with more equipment).

Good luck to them.

[BMWDave]

Now the question will be how many people are willing to pay that much for it. It's not that much more than an Outback, but it starts a lot higher (just with more equipment).

Good luck to them.

I saw my first one on the road last friday...wasnt too bad.

[BMWDave]

[ifcar]

Getting practice for the next time you see that C-Class, eh?  

[BMWDave]

Getting practice for the next time you see that C-Class, eh?

Damn it, you dont know how mad at myself I am that couldnt get a better picture.  :angry:  But yes, I am practicing.  

[ifcar]

Getting practice for the next time you see that C-Class, eh?

Damn it, you dont know how mad at myself I am that couldnt get a better picture.  :angry:  But yes, I am practicing.

I have a pretty good idea how mad you are. I've never seen a preproduction car on the streets, much less an undisclosed one, and I rarely even carry my camera with me.

[BMWDave]

Getting practice for the next time you see that C-Class, eh?

Damn it, you dont know how mad at myself I am that couldnt get a better picture.  :angry:  But yes, I am practicing.

I have a pretty good idea how mad you are. I've never seen a preproduction car on the streets, much less an undisclosed one, and I rarely even carry my camera with me.

I had seen a lot of exotic cars that day, many which I didnt get a picture of, but the C Class was the first time I ever saw a undisclosed car.  I wanted to turn the LR right over the barrier into the other lane and get a pic of the damn car that I missed  

[ifcar]

Getting practice for the next time you see that C-Class, eh?

Damn it, you dont know how mad at myself I am that couldnt get a better picture.  :angry:  But yes, I am practicing.

I have a pretty good idea how mad you are. I've never seen a preproduction car on the streets, much less an undisclosed one, and I rarely even carry my camera with me.

I had seen a lot of exotic cars that day, many which I didnt get a picture of, but the C Class was the first time I ever saw a undisclosed car.  I wanted to turn the LR right over the barrier into the other lane and get a pic of the damn car that I missed

Good plan.    

[Catman]

I like everything but the front.  

[mazda6er]

I like everything but the front.

I have a pretty strong feeling Subaru will come to their senses and revise the front-end within the next year or so.  

[Raghavan]

weighs a ton...

[TBR]

I have really warmed up to this vehicle a lot over the past few weeks. Even the front doesn't look bad in dark colors. Also, it is reasonably priced compared to the Highlander and Murano, if not the Pilot.  

[BMWDave]

I have really warmed up to this vehicle a lot over the past few weeks. Even the front doesn't look bad in dark colors. Also, it is reasonably priced compared to the Highlander and Murano, if not the Pilot.

The cars you listed look a lot better than the Tribeca, and the Tribeca isnt really subjective at all.  its not a Ford 500, where some people like it and some not.  Its flat out ugly.  But yes, I guess Subaru enthusiasts and some other people will like it, but there is no denying, (I think), that had Subaru made the styling as nice as the outback they would be selling more of these.

[ifcar]

I have really warmed up to this vehicle a lot over the past few weeks. Even the front doesn't look bad in dark colors. Also, it is reasonably priced compared to the Highlander and Murano, if not the Pilot.

Highlander isn't that expensive, and it isn't going close to sticker anymore.  

[BMWDave]

I have really warmed up to this vehicle a lot over the past few weeks. Even the front doesn't look bad in dark colors. Also, it is reasonably priced compared to the Highlander and Murano, if not the Pilot.

Highlander isn't that expensive, and it isn't going close to sticker anymore.

And its stlying will in no way offend anyone.

[giant_mtb]

Ehh..it's new..it's probably my least favorite Subaru so far, but it is nice... (I'm not the biggest fan of the Tribeca)

The interior is amazing, but the exterior is blah.

Yeah...the interior is by far the most unique and nice interiors Subaru has to offer...but yes, the exterior is...well...blah.  

[TBR]

I have really warmed up to this vehicle a lot over the past few weeks. Even the front doesn't look bad in dark colors. Also, it is reasonably priced compared to the Highlander and Murano, if not the Pilot.

The cars you listed look a lot better than the Tribeca, and the Tribeca isnt really subjective at all.  its not a Ford 500, where some people like it and some not.  Its flat out ugly.  But yes, I guess Subaru enthusiasts and some other people will like it, but there is no denying, (I think), that had Subaru made the styling as nice as the outback they would be selling more of these.

Except in a few rare cases (Aztek and Ion are two examples), styling is always subjective. I think the B9 looks better than the Highlander simply because it isn't bland. And, in dark colors the front doesn't look nearly as awkward, it was really stupid of Subaru to make all of the show cars silver.  

[BMWDave]

I have really warmed up to this vehicle a lot over the past few weeks. Even the front doesn't look bad in dark colors. Also, it is reasonably priced compared to the Highlander and Murano, if not the Pilot.

The cars you listed look a lot better than the Tribeca, and the Tribeca isnt really subjective at all.  its not a Ford 500, where some people like it and some not.  Its flat out ugly.  But yes, I guess Subaru enthusiasts and some other people will like it, but there is no denying, (I think), that had Subaru made the styling as nice as the outback they would be selling more of these.

Except in a few rare cases (Aztek and Ion are two examples), styling is always subjective. I think the B9 looks better than the Highlander simply because it isn't bland. And, in dark colors the front doesn't look nearly as awkward, it was really stupid of Subaru to make all of the show cars silver.

But pricewise, how does the Subie have any advantage over a highlander?

[TBR]

I have really warmed up to this vehicle a lot over the past few weeks. Even the front doesn't look bad in dark colors. Also, it is reasonably priced compared to the Highlander and Murano, if not the Pilot.

The cars you listed look a lot better than the Tribeca, and the Tribeca isnt really subjective at all.  its not a Ford 500, where some people like it and some not.  Its flat out ugly.  But yes, I guess Subaru enthusiasts and some other people will like it, but there is no denying, (I think), that had Subaru made the styling as nice as the outback they would be selling more of these.

Except in a few rare cases (Aztek and Ion are two examples), styling is always subjective. I think the B9 looks better than the Highlander simply because it isn't bland. And, in dark colors the front doesn't look nearly as awkward, it was really stupid of Subaru to make all of the show cars silver.

But pricewise, how does the Subie have any advantage over a highlander?

No, but at this point it definitely appears to be the better vehicle, styling aside.  

[BMWDave]

I have really warmed up to this vehicle a lot over the past few weeks. Even the front doesn't look bad in dark colors. Also, it is reasonably priced compared to the Highlander and Murano, if not the Pilot.

The cars you listed look a lot better than the Tribeca, and the Tribeca isnt really subjective at all.  its not a Ford 500, where some people like it and some not.  Its flat out ugly.  But yes, I guess Subaru enthusiasts and some other people will like it, but there is no denying, (I think), that had Subaru made the styling as nice as the outback they would be selling more of these.

Except in a few rare cases (Aztek and Ion are two examples), styling is always subjective. I think the B9 looks better than the Highlander simply because it isn't bland. And, in dark colors the front doesn't look nearly as awkward, it was really stupid of Subaru to make all of the show cars silver.

But pricewise, how does the Subie have any advantage over a highlander?

No, but at this point it definitely appears to be the better vehicle, styling aside.

I agree with you there.

[Raghavan]

I have really warmed up to this vehicle a lot over the past few weeks. Even the front doesn't look bad in dark colors. Also, it is reasonably priced compared to the Highlander and Murano, if not the Pilot.

The cars you listed look a lot better than the Tribeca, and the Tribeca isnt really subjective at all.  its not a Ford 500, where some people like it and some not.  Its flat out ugly.  But yes, I guess Subaru enthusiasts and some other people will like it, but there is no denying, (I think), that had Subaru made the styling as nice as the outback they would be selling more of these.

Except in a few rare cases (Aztek and Ion are two examples), styling is always subjective. I think the B9 looks better than the Highlander simply because it isn't bland. And, in dark colors the front doesn't look nearly as awkward, it was really stupid of Subaru to make all of the show cars silver.

But pricewise, how does the Subie have any advantage over a highlander?

No, but at this point it definitely appears to be the better vehicle, styling aside.

I agree with you there.

the nose is the only iffy part of this whole vehicle. everything esle is great.

[TBR]

I have really warmed up to this vehicle a lot over the past few weeks. Even the front doesn't look bad in dark colors. Also, it is reasonably priced compared to the Highlander and Murano, if not the Pilot.

The cars you listed look a lot better than the Tribeca, and the Tribeca isnt really subjective at all.  its not a Ford 500, where some people like it and some not.  Its flat out ugly.  But yes, I guess Subaru enthusiasts and some other people will like it, but there is no denying, (I think), that had Subaru made the styling as nice as the outback they would be selling more of these.

Except in a few rare cases (Aztek and Ion are two examples), styling is always subjective. I think the B9 looks better than the Highlander simply because it isn't bland. And, in dark colors the front doesn't look nearly as awkward, it was really stupid of Subaru to make all of the show cars silver.

But pricewise, how does the Subie have any advantage over a highlander?

No, but at this point it definitely appears to be the better vehicle, styling aside.

I agree with you there.

the nose is the only iffy part of this whole vehicle. everything esle is great.

Yep, and like I said it looks a whole lot better in dark colors, particularly black.  

[ifcar]

Except in a few rare cases (Aztek and Ion are two examples), styling is always subjective.

There simply are not exceptions to the rule of styling being subjective. Some indeed like the look of the Aztek, others like the Ion (I certainly thought the pre-facelift version was quite attractive).

[TBR]

Except in a few rare cases (Aztek and Ion are two examples), styling is always subjective.

There simply are not exceptions to the rule of styling being subjective. Some indeed like the look of the Aztek, others like the Ion (I certainly thought the pre-facelift version was quite attractive).

Well then, you're just weird  

[ifcar]

Except in a few rare cases (Aztek and Ion are two examples), styling is always subjective.

There simply are not exceptions to the rule of styling being subjective. Some indeed like the look of the Aztek, others like the Ion (I certainly thought the pre-facelift version was quite attractive).

Well then, you're just weird

Hundreds of thousands of people have bought the cars, so I'm sure some of them also liked the look.

[TBR]

Except in a few rare cases (Aztek and Ion are two examples), styling is always subjective.

There simply are not exceptions to the rule of styling being subjective. Some indeed like the look of the Aztek, others like the Ion (I certainly thought the pre-facelift version was quite attractive).

Well then, you're just weird

Hundreds of thousands of people have bought the cars, so I'm sure some of them also liked the look.

A few of them probably did I guess, but I am sure the incentives helped.  

[ifcar]

Except in a few rare cases (Aztek and Ion are two examples), styling is always subjective.

There simply are not exceptions to the rule of styling being subjective. Some indeed like the look of the Aztek, others like the Ion (I certainly thought the pre-facelift version was quite attractive).

Well then, you're just weird

Hundreds of thousands of people have bought the cars, so I'm sure some of them also liked the look.

A few of them probably did I guess, but I am sure the incentives helped.

You'll have to talk to bobwill, our resident Ion owner.