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2012 Subaru Tribeca

2012 Subaru Tribeca

$8,607 — $18,311 USED
11
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Sport Utility
7 Seats
18 MPG
(Combined)
Key specs of the base trim
 — 
Compare 3 trims

Overview

Is this the car for you?
 (4.5) 4 reviews

The Good

  • Smooth, comfy ride
  • Original yet functional dashboard design
  • Safety ratings

The Bad

  • Non-telescoping steering wheel
  • Narrow side mirrors
  • Side curtain airbags don't cover third row
2012 Subaru Tribeca exterior side view

What to Know

about the 2012 Subaru Tribeca
  • 256-hp flat-six engine
  • Standard AWD
  • Optional remote start
  • Seven-passenger seating for all models

Our Take

from the Cars.com expert editorial team

Vehicle Overview

The Tribeca comes with standard all-wheel drive and seats seven with a standard third row. It competes with other midsize crossovers such as the Ford Explorer, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander. It's the only three-row model in Subaru's lineup.

New for 2012
There are no major changes for 2012.

Exterior
Originally introduced with a controversial grille, the Tribeca's front-end styling has since been tweaked and is now fairly conventional. All models have 18-inch alloy wheels. Exterior features include:

  • Standard fog lights
  • Standard heated power side mirrors
  • Optional roof rack
  • Optional mudflaps

Interior
The Tribeca features a wraparound cockpit with faux metal overlays. The second-row seats have easy-to-use adjusters that slide the seats forward for easier third-row access. Interior features include:

  • Standard dual-zone air conditioning
  • Standard steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
  • Standard power seats
  • Optional navigation system
  • Optional leather upholstery
  • Optional backup camera

Under the Hood
A 3.6-liter six-cylinder is standard. Mechanical features include:

  • 256 horsepower and 247 pounds-feet of torque
  • Five-speed automatic transmission
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Standard independent front and rear suspension

Safety
Standard safety features include:

  • Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
  • Electronic stability system
  • Traction control
  • Six airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for first- and second-row occupa...
Vehicle Overview

The Tribeca comes with standard all-wheel drive and seats seven with a standard third row. It competes with other midsize crossovers such as the Ford Explorer, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander. It's the only three-row model in Subaru's lineup.

New for 2012
There are no major changes for 2012.

Exterior
Originally introduced with a controversial grille, the Tribeca's front-end styling has since been tweaked and is now fairly conventional. All models have 18-inch alloy wheels. Exterior features include:

  • Standard fog lights
  • Standard heated power side mirrors
  • Optional roof rack
  • Optional mudflaps

Interior
The Tribeca features a wraparound cockpit with faux metal overlays. The second-row seats have easy-to-use adjusters that slide the seats forward for easier third-row access. Interior features include:

  • Standard dual-zone air conditioning
  • Standard steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
  • Standard power seats
  • Optional navigation system
  • Optional leather upholstery
  • Optional backup camera

Under the Hood
A 3.6-liter six-cylinder is standard. Mechanical features include:

  • 256 horsepower and 247 pounds-feet of torque
  • Five-speed automatic transmission
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Standard independent front and rear suspension

Safety
Standard safety features include:

  • Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
  • Electronic stability system
  • Traction control
  • Six airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for first- and second-row occupants but not for third-row passengers

 

Consumer Reviews

What drivers are saying

4.5
4 reviews — Read All reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.8)
Performance
(4.0)
Interior Design
(5.0)
Comfort
(4.8)
Reliability
(4.5)
Value For The Money
(4.2)
(5.0)

Happy with purchase

by Unbiased consumer from connecticut on September 3, 2012

My wife and I bought a 2012 Tribeca and are very happy with it. I don't get all of the negative ratings to be honest but the fit was a great one for my wife. The knocks on the car are the mileage and ... Read full review

(5.0)

Great Car

by LucyB from Arizona on January 30, 2012

Subaru Tribeca is fun to own and really fun to drive. The standard AWD system is bullet proof. It's great on snow and rain. The engine pulls the mountains with little effort. The limited model has it ... Read full review

Safety

Recalls and crash tests

Recalls

The 2012 Subaru Tribeca currently has 4 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

Based on 2012 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Premium

IIHS rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor.

Head Restraints and Seats

Dynamic Rating
good
Overall Rear
good
Seat Head/Restraint Geometry
good

Moderate overlap front

Chest
good
Head/Neck
good
Left Leg/Foot
good
Overall Front
good
Restraints
good
Right Leg/Foot
good
Structure/safety cage
good

Other

Roof Strength
good

Side

Driver Head Protection
good
Driver Head and Neck
good
Driver Pelvis/Leg
good
Driver Torso
good
Overall Side
good
Rear Passenger Head Protection
good
Rear Passenger Head and Neck
good
Rear Passenger Pelvis/Leg
good
Rear Passenger Torso
good
Structure/safety cage
good
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers.

Warranty

New car and certified pre-owned programs by Subaru

New Car Program Benefits

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    36 months / 36,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    60 months / 60,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    36 months / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits

  • Maximum Age/Mileage

    5 years/80,000 miles

  • Basic Warranty Terms

    Coverage available for purchase

  • Powertrain

    7 years/100,000

  • Dealer Certification Required

    152-point inspection

  • Roadside Assistance

    Yes

  • View All CPO Program Details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See warranty FAQs or visit the manufacturer's website

Latest 2012 Tribeca Stories

See all 2012 Subaru Tribeca articles

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Tribeca received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker