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This mid-size Tribeca is Subaru's first seven-passenger sport utility vehicle. Now, being a Subaru means the Tribeca comes standard with automatic all-wheel drive. So far this winter the B9 has been surefooted in everything from freezing rain to foot-plus snowfalls.
The Tribeca's larger size also makes it a capable long distance highway cruiser. On the plus side is the ease of handling and better than average for its class fuel economy of 18.8 miles per gallon.
Most of our staff finds the 250-horsepower flat-6 to be more than willing, although it works pretty hard when passing. On the minus side is the beautifully sculpted twin cockpit interior that's a little too intimate and cramped on long trips.
To us Subarus are bulletproof, and after a quick 8,200 miles in two months, nothing has happened to our Tribeca to change our opinion one bit.
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This Subaru B9 Tribeca is one of the most interesting and most controversial utility vehicles that we've ever had in our long term fleet. The mid-size Tribeca is Subaru's first seven-passenger sport utility vehicle and it has a lot of features we like. It's modern, flexible, very adept in bad weather, and quite comfortable on long trips, at least if you ride up front.
On the downside, the styling. Most of us would rather only drive the Tribeca at night. Also, leg room in the second and third row seats is tight. Still, after only 5 months we've racked up nearly 12,000 miles with better than average for its class fuel economy of 19.0 miles per gallon. So fortunately for the Subaru B9 Tribeca, there is more to being attractive than just looks.
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This Subaru B9 Tribeca is a case of love at second or perhaps third sight. At first sight we were not so sure about its unusual "winged" front end styling. But, after 7 months and 14,000 miles, we've have come to almost love everything else about Subaru's first seven passenger sport-utility.
It's modern, flexible and very adept in bad weather, and quite comfortable on long trips, at least if you ride up front. Leg room in the second and third row seats is tight. But, with the seats folded, which is quickly done, it is a very versatile and able cargo hauler.
The B9's better than average for its class fuel economy is up, now standing at a fine 19.2 miles per gallon of high test.
We did notice that the 3.0-liter 245-horsepower
flat-6 engine was a bit lethargic in throttle response. What we found was a crankcase that was overfilled during the last oil change. We took a quart out and now the Tribeca is back to flying down the road.
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Over the last 10 months, we've frequently criticized the Subaru B9 Tribeca utility for styling that only a mother could love. But, after over 21,000 miles, we obviously love driving it since it's always on the road.
With three-row seating for 7, that can be quickly converted to a long flat cargo bay, the all-wheel drive Tribeca is the perfect definition of a crossover utility vehicle. It can haul like a truck, yet it ride and handles like a premium car. It goes well too, although the 3.0-liter 245-horsepower flat-6 does strain when passing. But it does pretty well at passing gas pumps with fuel economy of 19.5 miles per gallon of premium.
Looks can be deceiving, and the Subaru B9 Tribeca is a lot more than meets the eye.
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Sometimes a vehicle just grows on you. We admit that's the case with our 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca. We've never cared for its awkward front-end styling. But, after almost a year and nearly 28,000 miles, we obviously enjoy both its drive and flexibility.
With three rows of seats for 7, the back row is strictly for kids. That converts to a long, flat cargo bay. The all-wheel drive, unit-body Tribeca is a great example of a lighter, more fuel-efficient crossover utility.
Performance from the 3.0-liter 245-horsepower flat-6 is adequate, but with a fuel economy payoff of 19.7 miles per gallon on premium gas.
We've had no mechanical problems at all. If only there was more front-passenger foot room. It's cramped for long trips.
But clearly, the Subaru B9 Tribeca's beauty is more than just skin deep.
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While MotorWeek viewers know we never cared for its awkward front-end styling, we grew quite fond of everything else the Tribeca offered. Even though the third row is only for kids, you'll be glad to have the Tribeca's 7-passenger capacity when you need it.
Performance from the 3.0-liter 245-horsepower flat-6 is just adequate, but the payoff is fuel economy averaging 19.6 miles-per-gallon on premium gas. That's about 20% better than a comparable body-on-frame SUV.
And, despite a lot of wear and tear over 13 months, and nearly 30,000 miles, the B9 was 100% fault free. If only the front passenger's footwall wasn't so cramped.
With a restyled 2008 model on the way, our only objection may soon be solved. We'll miss our Subaru B9 Tribeca, since in the end it proved a handsome ride.
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