2008 Subaru Tribeca

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca midsize crossover vehicle looks less distinctive, but it gets mainstream styling and more power for better highway performance.

Subaru introduced the all-wheel-drive Tribeca in early 2005 as a 2006 model. That was a late start, considering Subaru helped launch the crossover market with its all-wheel-drive 1995 Legacy Outback.

The Tribeca (Triangle Below Canal) is named for a hip section of downtown Manhattan, but the name probably still leaves most living outside Manhattan wondering about it.

The first Tribeca had controversial styling because its front end was reminiscent of racy Italian Alfa Romeo sports models, which haven't been sold here for years. Many felt the styling didn't fit this Subaru, if only because crossovers are mostly mainstream vehicles.

Mediocre performance above 65 mph didn't help, either, although the 2006 Tribeca was otherwise a pretty accomplished player and had an available kid-sized third-row seat.

The 2007 model added such worthwhile features as a rearview camera, roll sensor, brake assist system and a revised suspension for a smoother ride. Grille inserts went from chrome to matte black and some got mesh inserts to tone down the Alfa-style front end.

One can't say Subaru didn't try to make the Tribeca more enticing. But changes to the early 2008 model promise to make it much more competitive in the increasingly crowded crossover market.

For starters, it has a new, rather generic face with a wider and taller grille that could be from a Chrysler Pacifica, new front fenders and a new hood design. A raised hood line, deeper front valance and new headlights visually widen and heighten the Tribeca, giving it more road presence.

There also are new rear three-quarter windows, larger and reshaped outside mirrors -- and different rear styling with a new valance below the tailgate and wider taillights.

The Tribeca comes in Base and upscale Limited models, each offering five- or seven-passenger seating. Prices range from $29,995 to $33,595.

The Limited has such items as power front seats, leather upholstery and a power tilt/sliding glass sunroof. But even the Base version is well-equipped with a good amount of comfort, convenience and safety equipment, including front side air bags and front- and second-row side curtain bags.

Options include a navigation system, rear vision camera, remote starter and satellite radio. And the seven-passenger version has an optional DVD entertainment system.

The 3-liter, 245-horsepower six-cylinder engine with its low, compact design that has pistons laid flat in horizontal opposition has been enlarged to 3.6 liters and now produces 256 horsepower. Importantly, the smoother engine has more torque and a flatter torque curve that rises more quickly at the low end. The result is faster, more responsive acceleration. The engine also now has variable valve timing on intake and exhaust valves for improved response.

As a bonus, especially with higher gasoline prices, the new engine runs on 87-octane fuel instead of the premium gasoline that the old engine required.

However, the EPA's stricter estimated fuel economy numbers, which are lower for 2008 vehicles, are 16 mpg in the city and 21 on highways. The Tribeca might do better, but its weight of 4,129-4,182 pounds holds down economy.

The new engine works with a revised, alert five-speed automatic transmission. It has a new control unit for smoother, faster shifts. A manual shift feature provides nifty throttle blips during manual downshifts, but there's really no need to use it during Chicago-area driving.

The quick power steering is appropriately firm but feels rather artificial. Handling is stable. It's helped by large 18-inch wheels and Subaru's accomplished all-wheel-drive system, which is enhanced by variable torque distribution, vehicle dynamics control and traction control. The engine's low height helps the Tribeca maintain a low center of gravity for sharp handling.

A recalibrated rear suspension with new bushings helps allow a comfortable ride, and the anti-lock brakes with a brake assist feature provide short, responsive stops.

The Tribeca's floor is low enough for easy entry and exit. And even the rear doors open wide so athletic moves aren't needed to get in or out. Occupants sit high in the roomy interior, although the center of the back seat is too hard for comfort. Also, front seats could use more side support when the Tribeca is snaking through curves. The second-row seat slides fore and aft on both sides now -- not just the passenger side -- to allow easier entry to the available third seat.

The quiet interior looks both racy and upscale. Its twin cockpit design features a flowing, sculpted dashboard and center console. Electroluminescent gauges can be read easily during various daytime hours, and ambient interior lighting illuminates front and rear footwells, console and cupholders. Front console cupholders have an unusual split cover. All doors have storage pockets, but the covered console bin is only moderately sized.

The big windshield allows excellent forward vision, but thick windshield posts partly obstruct vision when turning corners; a driver thus should especially watch for pedestrians crossing streets at intersections. Climate controls are large, but it took too long to use the audio controls with the dashboard screen.

The hatch can be easily closed with the help of twin indented interior pull-down areas. The cargo opening is low and wide. The cargo area with two seating rows is large, and seatbacks can be flipped forward for more cargo space. Cargo space is marginal with the third seat in its normal position, but that seat folds flush into the floor.

The hood glides open on twin struts to reveal a huge plastic engine cover and easily reached fluid filler areas.

The new Tribeca should have broader appeal -- and thus higher sales.

2008 SUBARU TRIBECA 

PRICE: $29,995-$33,595. 

LIKES: More power. Roomy. Can use regular-grade fuel. Standard all-wheel drive. 

DISLIKES: Less distinctive styling. Annoying audio controls. Tight available third seat.