Vehicle Overview The Tribeca comes with standard all-wheel drive. It can seat five in standard configuration or seven with an optional third row. It competes with other midsize SUV/crossover models such as the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander. It’s the only three-row SUV/crossover in Subaru’s lineup.
New for 2009 There are no significant changes to the 2009 Subaru Tribeca.
Exterior The Tribeca was restyled in 2008, so changes for 2009 are limited to a new red paint color. The grille has a chrome upper lining and three horizontal crossbars. As part of that redesign, the Tribeca gained improved visibility with a larger rearview mirror and rear-quarter windows, Subaru says.
It’s 191.5 inches long and 73.9 inches wide, making it several inches longer than the Edge, Santa Fe or Highlander, but it’s also the narrowest of this group.
Standard fog lights
Standard power, heated side mirrors
Standard 18-inch wheels
Optional roof rack
Optional mudflaps
Interior The Tribeca features a wraparound cockpit with metallic overlays. In seven-seat models, as part of last year’s reworking, Subaru says the second-row chairs now have easy-to-use adjusters that slide the seats forward for third-row access.
Standard dual-zone air conditioning
Standard steering-wheel audio controls
Optional navigation system
Optional power leather seats
Optional rear backup camera
Optional backseat DVD entertainment system
Under the Hood There’s one choice of engine, a 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder.
256 horsepower and 247 pounds-feet of torque
Five-speed automatic
Standard all-wheel drive
Standard independent front and rear suspension
Safety The Tribeca comes with a variety of standard safety features, including:
Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
Electronic stability system
Traction control
Six standard airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for first- and second-row passengers, but not for third-row passengers
