I think many car enthusiasts have always held a deep admiration for Subarus and their all-wheel-drive systems. It was recognition for something a manufacturer did better than everyone else. To its credit, Subaru can still hang its hat everyday on that pole.
Subaru has taken that all-wheel-drive dedication and stuck to their game plan, which has had many highs and some lows. The 2007 B9 Tribeca, launched in model year '06, is definitely a high mark.
I tested the B9 Tribeca five-passenger Limited and found all the things I liked so much the previous year were still in place, with some interior improvements for '07.
Exterior styling for the Tribeca is really where many consumers will have a love/hate relationship. Again, to its credit, Subaru did not go for the easy, plain-Jane Japanese treatment oft elected in the past, but instead created a distinct-looking SUV that stands out in an extremely crowded field. If I'm smart enough to be considering a Subaru in the first place, chances are I'm open-minded enough to appreciate out-of-the box styling cues, and there are several.
You will love it or hate it, but I think the grille treatment on Tribeca sets a note of distinction - not distraction - for the entire style. I like the swooping exterior lines and the strong aft pillar impact. Are the cues necessary? Not to function, but to stand out in the crowd they are essential.
Distinction for Subaru's all-wheel drive is only equaled by its use of the 3-liter, 6-cylinder horizontally-opposed engine. Delivering 245 horsepower at 6,600 rpm, the Tribeca performs admirably.
Given the advantages of an all-wheel-drive system, and the low center of gravity with the horizontally opposed engine position, handling on my Tribeca tester was crisp and responsive. Relatively speaking, the SUVs in this class are at a distinct disadvantage on this accord.
The 5-speed auto transmission is tuned to hold each gear at high rpms when accelerating. This can create additional cabin noise, but it is easily overlooked. The Tribeca B9 Limited delivers good fuel economy, rated at 18 city, 23 highway.
Inside Tribeca you will find room for five adults. A 7-seater option is also available. I found the passenger and cargo space to be ample and accommodating. Rear passengers have plenty of room to recline.
Up front, visibility is good. Interior styling is distinct yet highly functional. I found the navigation system to be a perfect combo of intuitive function and good visibility. It is a touch-screen model, much easier to use than the curser-type models. On a couple occasions I felt myself having to stretch to reach the pod cluster, but overall functions are easily accomplished.
The Nav screen centrally controls Tribeca's outstanding audio system. New for '07 is the XM satellite radio and iPod input jack. Offering nine speakers, there is a six-disc changer located in the dash.
Tribeca has a top-class safety rating with a 5-star for both frontal- and all-round side-impact and 4-stars for rollover safety. Additionally, I love the backup camera that produces high-res lines on the display that indicate your reverse direction.
Base price is $34,495, competitive with other models not delivering the upsides of a Subaru. For unpredictable Midwest weather, any Subaru is a safer vehicle than most. For those in the SUV market, Tribeca delivers great interior room, distinctive styling and admirable performance.
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