2008 Subaru Tribeca Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 76 Tribeca reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
While some reviewers deem the redesigned Tribeca's exterior too conservative, the majority find it to be an improvement over its predecessor. Gone "is the strange, areo-inspired visage," reports Motor Trend. "The nose job resulted in a face some call too generic ('Chrysler? Kia? What is that?'), but it's clean and pleasant-looking."
By the estimation of most reviewers, however, calling the new exterior an improvement isn't necessarily much of a compliment, given how widely reviled the 2007 model's exterior was. "Let's not mince words," says Autobytel. "The previous B9 Tribeca was one ugly son-of-a-gun." Cars.com writes, "The 'aircraft wing' grille has finally taken flight -- let's hope it never returns." For 2008, "The hood line has been raised, and the new headlamps seems to widen and heighten the new Tribeca," explains Newsday, "giving it a more muscular SUV-like appearance." BusinessWeek finds that the "net effect of the restyling is to make the Tribeca look more mainstream than the B9. In particular, the front end looks less odd and more substantial. The grille is taller and wider, the headlights and bumper have been changed, and the hoodline has been raised. In back, the taillights are wider and more distinctive." Automobile Magazine says the "more mainstream look" is "in line with the rest of Subaru's lineup."
A few reviewers miss the old B9 Tribeca's distinctive lines. Car and Driver contends, "While we welcome the enhanced drivability of the Tribeca, we aren't convinced the styling is an improvement -- indeed, there are several among us who sort of liked the funky, boldly different schnoz of the previous model and are unimpressed with the sanded-down version." Consumer Guide concedes that "it may not have been pretty," but says that "at least the puckered puss on Subaru's midsize SUV had some personality. A skitterish Subaru says the look was costing it sales, so it's given the 2008 Subaru Tribeca what it calls a 'less polarizing' nose. We call it terminally boring."
The Detroit News says the Tribeca is now "more stylish than most SUVs," but most reviewers find it to be, as AutoWeek concludes, "inoffensive," with "a conformist look." USA Today theorizes, "You're unlikely either to buy or reject Tribeca because of the grille, whereas some shoppers rejected the previous one because of the face." Edmunds, recalling the B9's "unusual, surprised-bidet face and creature-from-the-depths rear," decides that while "the new look isn't really doing the Tribeca any favors," many SUVs in its segment "have done quite well without so much as peeking outside the box."
