2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca [ 2008 ]
Subaru B9 Tribeca
Overall Score - 8.2 (Very Good)
The B9 Tribeca delivers good around-town driving performance and lots of safety features (including Subaru's famed standard All-Wheel Drive), but comes at a premium price to most competitors. If you are in the market for an affordable SUV, you should also consider the highly rated (but traditionally styled) Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia. For options with a sleek look, consider the Nissan Murano and Mazda CX-7.
The 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca, a midsize crossover (CUV), receives overall favorable reviews in the areas of performance, interior and safety, though many reviewers are divided about its exterior styling. Responding to critics, Subaru has restyled the SUV and dropped the "B9" from its name starting with the 2008 model year.
Introduced in 2006, the Tribeca has been applauded for its in-town driving, but a few find faults with the driving experience on rougher roads and with acceleration at higher speeds. However, reviewers unanimously rate the Tribeca's safety features as top-notch, and also give high marks to its inviting cabin. The Los Angeles Times praises, "This thing works like a charm," and Car and Driver describes it as "fun to drive and easy to live with."
According to New Car Test Drive, "all Subaru models are somewhat pricey, but we think they offer a lot of value in terms of technology, handling, foul-weather capability and dependability. And the Tribeca is no exception." Kelley Blue Book estimates that the 2007 model is expected to retain a "good resale value, on par with the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, and better than the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Outlander." But IntelliChoice gave the 2007 Tribeca a "worse than average" value rating for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to other vehicles in its class.
The 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca is available in two main trims: the base Tribeca and the Tribeca Limited. Both are available in five-passenger and seven-passenger versions.
B9 Tribeca Performance - 7.2 (Good)
Reviewers generally agree that the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca has proven itself as a decent performer, earning particular praise for in-town driving, but they still feel the engine is lagging. Edmunds explains, "The 3.0-liter flat-six is merely adequate in terms of power, and that's just with the driver aboard. Adding a full load of family members taxes the engine, which becomes noisy and rough." continue
B9 Tribeca Exterior - 6.6 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Subaru Tribeca's exterior styling divides reviewers. Though most approve of the Tribeca's innovative style, others, such as the Detroit News, describe it as "bizarre" and "ambiguous." Some, however, such as the Los Angeles Times, find it "cool" and "sexy." continue
B9 Tribeca Interior - 7.1 (Good)
Reviewers generally agree that the five-seat (seven-seat-optional) interior of the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca is comfortable and stylish. The Orlando Sentinel says, "Inside, Subaru did its usual competent job with instrument and control layout. Front seats are quite comfortable, middle seats are relatively roomy, but those two flip-up rear seats are toddler-sized." continue
B9 Tribeca Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
Subaru earns rave reviews all around for loading the 2007 B9 Tribeca with lots of standard safety equipment. For its excellent safety record, the new model was awarded a perfect 5 stars in government crash tests and received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). continue
B9 Tribeca Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Subaru covers the B9 Tribeca with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue