2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Subaru has never offered a model in the United States that could hold more than five occupants. But the new flagship B9 Tribeca, launched at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is the first-ever Subaru model with five- or seven-passenger seating.

The B9 Tribeca went on sale in late May and is equipped with standard symmetrical Variable Torque Distribution all-wheel drive. The all-aluminum horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine generates 250 horsepower, and the five-speed-automatic transmission incorporates a Sportshift provision for manual gear changes.

Positioned above the company’s Legacy and Outback and exhibiting a fresh design theme, it is Subaru’s largest model. The B9 Tribeca is manufactured in Indiana.

Exterior
A central air intake dominates the front end and is flanked by twin “wings” that suggest the company’s background in the aircraft industry. Projector-beam headlights incorporate a series of cylindrical bulb housings. An upswept character line starts at the base of the A-pillar and extends back to the rear hatch, and the curved roofline slopes down at the rear. Elliptical taillamps positioned above dual exhaust outlets bring up the rear. Ground clearance is 8.4 inches.

The B9 Tribeca rides a 108.2-inch wheelbase that’s 3 inches longer than the Outback’s. It measures 189.8 inches long overall, 73.9 inches wide and 66.4 inches tall. The spare tire is mounted underneath the vehicle, and seven-spoke cast-aluminum wheels hold 18-inch tires.

Interior
Seating for either five or seven passengers is available. The second-row bench seat offers 8 inches of fore/aft travel and is split 40/20/40; each section can recline independently. When a 50/50-split third-row seat is installed, it can hold two additional occupants.

The appearance of the twin-cockpit interior echoes the front grille, and aluminum-look trim decorates the sculpted shapes of the dashboard. Large electroluminescent dials and a 7-inch navigation/information touchscreen are installed. An optional backseat entertainment system includes a DVD player and a 9-inch screen. Indirect floor lighting is installed. Rear air conditioning is standard in the seven-passenger model.

Standard equipment includes a moonroof, heated front seats, keyless entry and a 100-watt CD stereo with MP3 compatibility.

Under the Hood
The B9 Tribeca’s 3.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder develops 250 hp and 219 pounds-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is the sole transmission. The B9 Tribeca can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Safety
Side-impact and first- and second-row side curtain-type airbags are standard. Antilock brakes incorporate electronic brake-force distribution, and a tire-pressure monitoring system and the Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability system are installed.

Driving Impressions
In addition to the practical merits of all-wheel drive and available seven-passenger seating, the B9 Tribeca delivers an appealing ride and energetic performance. Like the driving experience in general, automatic-transmission behavior is refined and satisfying.

Steering is on the light side compared with some crossovers, but the B9 Tribeca maneuvers with impressive ease. The engine is usually quiet but develops a bit of a snarl during hard acceleration. Ride comfort is a little less appealing over rough spots, but the Tribeca’s suspension recovers promptly.

Third-row space is tight in seven-passenger models, and getting to that seat could be easier. Cargo space with all the seats raised is modest. Otherwise, flaws are few in Subaru’s largest model. Electroluminescent gauges are easy to read, and the control layout — though hardly traditional — is effective.