With 'love it' or 'hate it' exterior styling and an extremely unusual name, Subaru's mid-size crossover SUV, the B9 Tribeca, moves into its second year of production.
Based on an extensively modified Outback platform featuring a longer wheelbase and length and wider track, the Subaru B9 Tribeca is named for its Boxer "B" engine, model series "9", and area of New York City "Tribeca" known for its rich culture.
Subaru obviously intended for their B9 Tribeca to be unique looking and I give them high marks in that regard. But I think they went a bit far with the design of the front end, especially around the grille area. Bulbous was the first word that came to my mind when I laid my eyes on the B9 Tribeca's front end.
Subaru has received much criticism for this design element and it should be noted that they recently unveiled their 2008 model, which features a much more congenial nose.
Upgrades to the B9 Tribeca for 2007 include a revised suspension to provide a smoother ride, Brake Assist (increases brake pressure for panic stops), rollover sensors, auxiliary audio jack, and rear back-up camera (for models with optional navigation system).
Available with five or seven passenger seating, the B9 Tribeca competes in the popular crossover SUV segment. Subaru hopes it will provide both new customers and those loyal to the brand with something to move up to.
The Subaru B9 Tribeca comes very well equipped with standard features like dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration and a 100-watt CD audio system with steering wheel controls.
An uplevel Limited trim model features leather upholstery for the first two rows, upgraded audio, and more.
The B9 Tribeca's cabin is very likable and modern, offering amenities like an optional touch-screen navigation system (now includes a back-up camera for 2007) and available rear DVD entertainment system.
My five-passenger Subaru B9 Tribeca Limited test model came with the optional navigation system, which is easy to use and now features a standard back-up camera. I especially enjoyed the back-up camera while backing out of my driveway and when backing into parking spaces.
With five-passenger models, there's room for a family of five or four large adults. The second-row seats fold flat for added versatility. In seven-passenger models, the third-row seats don't offer much legroom and are pretty much for kids.
Powering the B9 Tribeca is a 3.0-liter, 245-horsepower horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine teamed with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The horizontally-opposed engine helps to keep the vehicle's center of gravity low to the ground, as is the case with other Subaru products. This helps provide better handling and less body sway in corners.
While I like the B9 Tribeca's comfortable ride, the 3.0-liter feels a bit underpowered, especially when the vehicle is loaded with passengers.
The 5-speed automatic transmission is very smooth and delivers power through the brand's most advanced version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
The system combines Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive with the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability system and four-wheel traction control system (TCS).
This is where the B9 Tribeca shines. This system sends about 45 percent of the power to the front wheels and about 55 percent to the rear. When necessary, the system automatically sends more power to the wheel or wheels with grip.
It's tough to beat this system and for that reason, I urge those in the market for a crossover to drive the B9 Tribeca.
2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca Limited 5-Passenger w/Nav
Engine 3.0-liter (245 hp) H6
Transmission 5-speed automatic
Drive Type AWD
Fuel Economy 18 city/23 highway
Base Price $34,495
As Tested $35,915 (including $625 for destination)
Website http://www.subaru.com |
