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2010
Subaru Tribeca

Starts at:
$30,495
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr 3.6R Premium
    Starts at
    $30,495
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 3.6R Limited
    Starts at
    $32,495
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 3.6R Limited w/Pwr Moonroof Pkg
    Starts at
    $33,995
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 3.6R Touring
    Starts at
    $35,795
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 3.6R Limited w/Pwr Moonroof Pkg & Nav System
    Starts at
    $36,195
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 3.6R Touring w/Navigation System
    Starts at
    $37,995
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 3.6R Limited w/Pwr MR Pkg & Nav System & RSES
    Starts at
    $37,995
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 3.6R Touring w/Navigation System & RSES
    Starts at
    $39,795
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca 2010 Subaru Tribeca

Notable features

256-hp flat-six engine
Standard AWD
Standard stability system
Optional remote start
Seven-passenger seating for all models

The good & the bad

The good

Smooth, comfy ride
Original yet functional dashboard design
Roomy second row

The bad

Non-telescoping steering wheel
Narrow side mirrors
Side curtain airbags don't cover third row
Center dash vents can't be closed
Seat memory doesn't remember side-mirror position

Expert 2010 Subaru Tribeca review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Scott Burgess
Full article
our expert's take


Vehicles take years to create.

Unlike newspapers, which can create a new front page in the time it takes to reset a ripped paper roll, cars and trucks don’t magically transform themselves during the same edition.

That might explain why Subaru, one of hottest carmakers in America, and one of the few to show an increase in sales last year, recently launched the 2010 Subaru Tribeca Touring. Back when this vehicle was under development, gas prices had yet to spike to $100 a gallon and the economy had yet to bottom out. At least I hope that’s the case.

In 2007, when the Tribeca received its massive makeover, someone must have come up with the idea of a top-of-the-line Touring model.

Introducing an SUV with a combined mileage under 20 and a starting price tag over $36,000 must have seemed like a good idea at the time.

How times have changed. The Tribeca Touring was outdated even before it arrived. The big body, once considered spacious, is now cumbersome. The multi-terrain capable all-wheel drive is just rough. The inconspicuous styling is just boring, but that was true before.

It looks like any other run-of-the-mill SUV, and big and bulky have already fallen out of favor with consumers. After the superb Legacy, Outback and ever-capable Forester, Subaru was due for a dud.

The Tribeca Touring may have a gutsy little engine, and it is still fun to drive, but it’s as exciting as a bag of rock salt in the summer. It has a purpose; it’s just the wrong time. Bulky, but powerful

But first, the good news: The 3.6-liter Boxer engine is very responsive. The 256-horsepower engine creates 247 pound-feet of torque to help this heavy SUV (it weighs 4,256 pounds) merge on highways easily and tear down any city street. The all-wheel drive system also helps keep this lug rolling.

The all-wheel drive system remains one of the best around and explains why every Subaru sold comes with it. The Tribeca splits its power 45 to 55 percent with a rear axle bias, which adds to the sporty feel when you’re on the road. Add to that an independent suspension, and the Tribeca, despite feeling more like a true highway cruiser, can handle itself off-road, as well.

Now some bad news: The ride remains harsh and noisy no matter what surface you’re driving on.

The five-speed automatic transmission, which is smooth and responsive to aggressive or mild driving, remains one gear short of a modern vehicle.

The exterior looks outdated, and it’s only 3 years old. The 2007 Tribeca may have been homely — what with the triple grille fascia and sharp headlights cutting into the hood — but at least it had some character. Now, the Touring adopts the much more staid and flat front end with a single grille stretched across its face and rectangle headlights. Before it was the Lady Gaga, now it’s the Grey Lady.

The sides of the Tribeca add lots of sheet metal and a rising belt line that was stylish a few years ago but now seems garish. Really, there’s nothing that stands out with the Tribeca’s dated exterior. Its proportions focus on the pudgy midsection. Its roof line recedes the farther back it goes. It could be a middle aged man if it didn’t rest on 18-inch wheels.

If the design needed a headline it would be simple: Zzzzzzzzzzzz. Lots of room, features

Despite my displeasure with the vehicle’s exterior, I found the interior quite accommodating. Of course, this typically happens with top-of-the-line, fully loaded vehicles. As the top-end Tribeca, the Touring comes as loaded as an overworked office at an open bar Christmas party.

The twin cockpit design flows nicely in easy moving curves traced in aluminum trim. The two-tone color adds depth and a sophisticated look. The front leather seats are comfortable and come with two memory positions that keep different drivers happy. The seats offer lots of space, and heat comes standard — a feature that every vehicle should include in Michigan.

Other standard features include: dual climate controls, an auxiliary air conditioning system for the second and third rows, 385-watt harman/kardon stereo, XM satellite radio and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. There’s also an auto-dimming rear view mirror that shields your eyes to bright lights behind you and has become a favored feature I always forget to notice until I don’t have it.

The deep-set optional navigation system is easy to use, though the touch screen feels a little out of reach for most people. If you’re the type of person who programs the navigation system before leaving the driveway, this system works great. If you’re the type who tries to program it at stop lights, it’s a little more difficult. Included in the system is a back-up camera and optional reverse assist sensors that beep faster as you approach an object.

If you need a second-row entertainment system, Subaru offers a 9-inch wide LCD screen and DVD player for movies. There are also inputs for a video game system or a video camera — allowing kids the chance to see home movies before they even get home.

While the second row is roomy, the third row looks pointless. If you put a dog back there, you might end up on “Animal Cops” facing cruelty charges. On paper, it reads well: 30.9 inches of legroom, 43.3 inches of hip room and 36.2 inches of head room. But climbing into the third row is difficult. In reality, you can squeeze a gym in there, but it would be difficult to reach. I’d suggest removing the third row to take advantage of the space. If the third row is folded down, the Tribeca Touring has 37.6 cubic feet of cargo room; if the third row is up, there’s only 8.3 cubic feet.

But that suggestion only comes if I were to recommend the Tribeca Touring, which I can’t.

The Tribeca Touring may be capable, but it’s also overpriced in comparison to other seven-passenger vehicles. With a starting price tag at over $36,000, there are a lot more vehicles you can get for a lot less. And if you consider a crossover, such as the Chevy Traverse, you’ll find more space, more flexibility and a more stylish vehicle.

Every vehicle has its time. And despite Subaru’s success, the time for the Tribeca Touring should have never arrived.

sburgess@detnews.com (313) 223-3217

Report Card

Overall: ** 1/2

Exterior: Fair. Boring at best and dull at worst. The Tribeca Touring looks dated.

Interior: Good. Comfortable and lots of standard features. The first and second rows offer lots of space; the third row would be considered inhumane for pets.

Performance: Good. Plenty of power and the all-wheel drive system remains one of the best around, but the poor gas mileage hurts overall standing.

Pros: Great for people who really want a truck but want some of the environmental cred Subaru offers.

Cons: Dated looks, poor gas mileage and high price make it the last on a long list of much more competitive seven-passenger people haulers.

Grading Scale

**** Excellent *** Good ** Fair * Poor

2010 Subaru Tribeca Touring

Type: Seven-passenger, all-wheel drive SUV

Price: $36,490

Engine: 3.6-liter Boxer Six, six-cylinder horizontally opposed, aluminum block and heads

Transmission: Five-speed automatic with manual mode

Power: 256 horsepower, 247 pound-feet torque

EPA gas mileage: 16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway

2010 Subaru Tribeca review: Our expert's take
By Scott Burgess


Vehicles take years to create.

Unlike newspapers, which can create a new front page in the time it takes to reset a ripped paper roll, cars and trucks don’t magically transform themselves during the same edition.

That might explain why Subaru, one of hottest carmakers in America, and one of the few to show an increase in sales last year, recently launched the 2010 Subaru Tribeca Touring. Back when this vehicle was under development, gas prices had yet to spike to $100 a gallon and the economy had yet to bottom out. At least I hope that’s the case.

In 2007, when the Tribeca received its massive makeover, someone must have come up with the idea of a top-of-the-line Touring model.

Introducing an SUV with a combined mileage under 20 and a starting price tag over $36,000 must have seemed like a good idea at the time.

How times have changed. The Tribeca Touring was outdated even before it arrived. The big body, once considered spacious, is now cumbersome. The multi-terrain capable all-wheel drive is just rough. The inconspicuous styling is just boring, but that was true before.

It looks like any other run-of-the-mill SUV, and big and bulky have already fallen out of favor with consumers. After the superb Legacy, Outback and ever-capable Forester, Subaru was due for a dud.

The Tribeca Touring may have a gutsy little engine, and it is still fun to drive, but it’s as exciting as a bag of rock salt in the summer. It has a purpose; it’s just the wrong time. Bulky, but powerful

But first, the good news: The 3.6-liter Boxer engine is very responsive. The 256-horsepower engine creates 247 pound-feet of torque to help this heavy SUV (it weighs 4,256 pounds) merge on highways easily and tear down any city street. The all-wheel drive system also helps keep this lug rolling.

The all-wheel drive system remains one of the best around and explains why every Subaru sold comes with it. The Tribeca splits its power 45 to 55 percent with a rear axle bias, which adds to the sporty feel when you’re on the road. Add to that an independent suspension, and the Tribeca, despite feeling more like a true highway cruiser, can handle itself off-road, as well.

Now some bad news: The ride remains harsh and noisy no matter what surface you’re driving on.

The five-speed automatic transmission, which is smooth and responsive to aggressive or mild driving, remains one gear short of a modern vehicle.

The exterior looks outdated, and it’s only 3 years old. The 2007 Tribeca may have been homely — what with the triple grille fascia and sharp headlights cutting into the hood — but at least it had some character. Now, the Touring adopts the much more staid and flat front end with a single grille stretched across its face and rectangle headlights. Before it was the Lady Gaga, now it’s the Grey Lady.

The sides of the Tribeca add lots of sheet metal and a rising belt line that was stylish a few years ago but now seems garish. Really, there’s nothing that stands out with the Tribeca’s dated exterior. Its proportions focus on the pudgy midsection. Its roof line recedes the farther back it goes. It could be a middle aged man if it didn’t rest on 18-inch wheels.

If the design needed a headline it would be simple: Zzzzzzzzzzzz. Lots of room, features

Despite my displeasure with the vehicle’s exterior, I found the interior quite accommodating. Of course, this typically happens with top-of-the-line, fully loaded vehicles. As the top-end Tribeca, the Touring comes as loaded as an overworked office at an open bar Christmas party.

The twin cockpit design flows nicely in easy moving curves traced in aluminum trim. The two-tone color adds depth and a sophisticated look. The front leather seats are comfortable and come with two memory positions that keep different drivers happy. The seats offer lots of space, and heat comes standard — a feature that every vehicle should include in Michigan.

Other standard features include: dual climate controls, an auxiliary air conditioning system for the second and third rows, 385-watt harman/kardon stereo, XM satellite radio and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. There’s also an auto-dimming rear view mirror that shields your eyes to bright lights behind you and has become a favored feature I always forget to notice until I don’t have it.

The deep-set optional navigation system is easy to use, though the touch screen feels a little out of reach for most people. If you’re the type of person who programs the navigation system before leaving the driveway, this system works great. If you’re the type who tries to program it at stop lights, it’s a little more difficult. Included in the system is a back-up camera and optional reverse assist sensors that beep faster as you approach an object.

If you need a second-row entertainment system, Subaru offers a 9-inch wide LCD screen and DVD player for movies. There are also inputs for a video game system or a video camera — allowing kids the chance to see home movies before they even get home.

While the second row is roomy, the third row looks pointless. If you put a dog back there, you might end up on “Animal Cops” facing cruelty charges. On paper, it reads well: 30.9 inches of legroom, 43.3 inches of hip room and 36.2 inches of head room. But climbing into the third row is difficult. In reality, you can squeeze a gym in there, but it would be difficult to reach. I’d suggest removing the third row to take advantage of the space. If the third row is folded down, the Tribeca Touring has 37.6 cubic feet of cargo room; if the third row is up, there’s only 8.3 cubic feet.

But that suggestion only comes if I were to recommend the Tribeca Touring, which I can’t.

The Tribeca Touring may be capable, but it’s also overpriced in comparison to other seven-passenger vehicles. With a starting price tag at over $36,000, there are a lot more vehicles you can get for a lot less. And if you consider a crossover, such as the Chevy Traverse, you’ll find more space, more flexibility and a more stylish vehicle.

Every vehicle has its time. And despite Subaru’s success, the time for the Tribeca Touring should have never arrived.

sburgess@detnews.com (313) 223-3217

Report Card

Overall: ** 1/2

Exterior: Fair. Boring at best and dull at worst. The Tribeca Touring looks dated.

Interior: Good. Comfortable and lots of standard features. The first and second rows offer lots of space; the third row would be considered inhumane for pets.

Performance: Good. Plenty of power and the all-wheel drive system remains one of the best around, but the poor gas mileage hurts overall standing.

Pros: Great for people who really want a truck but want some of the environmental cred Subaru offers.

Cons: Dated looks, poor gas mileage and high price make it the last on a long list of much more competitive seven-passenger people haulers.

Grading Scale

**** Excellent *** Good ** Fair * Poor

2010 Subaru Tribeca Touring

Type: Seven-passenger, all-wheel drive SUV

Price: $36,490

Engine: 3.6-liter Boxer Six, six-cylinder horizontally opposed, aluminum block and heads

Transmission: Five-speed automatic with manual mode

Power: 256 horsepower, 247 pound-feet torque

EPA gas mileage: 16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway

Safety review

Based on the 2010 Subaru Tribeca base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 years / 80,000 miles
Basic
Coverage available for purchase
Dealer certification
152-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.8
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • Very solid, safe, reliable family car

    Very comfortable ride, peppy and fun to drive. No problems with driving this car through the mountains, around the city , long road trips. Lots of rooms for skis, luggage, family dog, etc
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great vehicle

    Typical for Subaru, reliable, capable, and value for your money. ......................
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • An extremely good reliable vehicle.

    Adding a remote lift gate and a 6-Speed trans would make this vehicle outstanding. We purchased this vehicle in Oct O7, an 08. I must admit, adjusting to the fuel useage has not been that easy, especially with the rising fuel prices. There have been no problems with this veh, and services have been done. When shopping, I looked only at the Honda Pilot and the XC 90. Since this dealership sold both Volvo and Subaru, I visited the service and learned which vehicle was here more frequently, Volvo, my decision was make and I have not looked back.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love My Subaru!!

    We bought a 2010 Tribeca about six months ago and we love it!!! We didn't know much about Subaru, but had done extensive research on the other crossovers in the same class. The Tribeca beat them all hands down when we took a test drive. And six months later, we could not be happier with our choice. I don't understand whey Subaru is not up there with Toyota and Honda. Evidently some people just don't know about the exceptional vehicles being made by Subaru. I've driven several so-called luxury vehicles in the past years that could not stand up to my Tribeca.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Extremely happy so far

    We love driving this car. We bought a 2010 Tribeca Limited with the back-up camera but not the navi/entertainment options. We wanted a car with a third row for occasional use, that was very safe, and had enough horsepower that we could, say, make left-hand turns onto high-traffic streets with confidence. Since we live in Chicago, we also wanted a car that was small enough that we could easily park it in tighter spots. Tribeca totally fits the bill. I liked driving the Mazda CX-9 but it was bigger AND the rear safety rating was "marginal" (www.iihs.org). The Tribeca is as safe as a Volvo XC90 but more reliable and less expensive. A no-brainer. A friend with a Pilot commented that her car doesn't have the same pick-up as the Tribeca. I LOVE the back-up camera--gives a wide, clear picture of what's in back of you. Caveats: when the third row is in use the 2nd/3rd rows are a lot like coach class airline seats. If you'll be using the 3rd row for cross-country trips or to haul groups of 6'2" teenage boys then look elsewhere. Also, there's a reasonable but not a ton of storage space up front for spare change, sunglasses, etc. Okay for me but not for everyone. If you go to look at a Tibeca remember that moving the 2nd row seats requires using the yellow button AND the under-seat metal bar. Not all salesmen know this (ours didn't). Also adjust the front seats to where you would want them before fiddling with the 2nd & 3rd rows. Our salesmen had the front seats back 8" further than me or my 6' husband wanted them, and that made the legroom in the 2nd row look small. (The 2nd row is actually HUGE when those seats are moved all the way back.) We almost dismissed this car before test-driving because the seat positions made the car look so cramped.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • So happy with my 2010 Tribeca

    We bought our 2010 Subaru in Nov. 2009. We were in the market for a mid-size 7-seater SUV and we drove many of them (Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, etc.). Neither of us knew much about Subaru, but once we got in it and drove it, we were hooked. The other vehicles' interiors felt "boxy", but the Subaru's interior felt sleek. We can fit 2 passengers in the 3rd row when we need to, which is only a few times a month. We just finished our first winter here in Ky where there was more than normal snow/ice. The Subaru handled like a champ, as we expected. The heated side mirrors and de-icing windshield wipers were teriffic too. As far as cons go, it would be nice if it had a bigger gas tank and/or better gas mileage (we're getting about 17mpg on our daily commute). The only two features we'd like to see added are rear climate control which includes heat, not just A/C and a powered lift gate. Other than that, we love our new Subaru. We were unable to find a Touring model as they weren't being produced a lot at the end of 2010, so we opted for a loaded model one step down. We haven't been sorry. The only feature we didn't want is a rear DVD system as we don't have little kids to entertain in the car anymore.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2010 Subaru Tribeca?

The 2010 Subaru Tribeca is available in 3 trim levels:

  • 3.6R Limited (4 styles)
  • 3.6R Premium (1 style)
  • 3.6R Touring (3 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2010 Subaru Tribeca?

The 2010 Subaru Tribeca offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2010 Subaru Tribeca reliable?

The 2010 Subaru Tribeca has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2010 Subaru Tribeca owners.

Is the 2010 Subaru Tribeca a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2010 Subaru Tribeca. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.8
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 4.8
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