2010 Subaru Tribeca

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The Subaru Tribeca delivers more-than-adequate performance and power. Though it receives very few complaints, some test drivers wish for a more exciting and sporty driving experience. Tribeca’s fuel economy is also low for the affordable midsize SUV class. The Mazda CX-7 offers a very sporty driving experience and high fuel economy – at a cost that’s nearly $10,000 less than the Tribeca’s.

• "Tribeca's ride is absorbent, stable, and well controlled over most surfaces." -- Consumer Guide
• "What we found is a very well-balanced, stable, and confidence-inspiring ute -- just like its predecessor -- only faster." -- Car and Driver
• "A few minutes behind the wheel and it's evident the Tribeca is not your run-of-the-mill SUV. The handling is responsive and the steering firm and linear. Driving into sharp curves yields some reasonable and expected body lean, but nothing that's surprising or uncomfortable." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The Tribeca provided nimble and capable handling at various speeds. It was quick when I needed it to be and left me with no fear of passing on the highway. When turning corners, it does seem as though the whole car bends toward the turn. Can the Tribeca do yoga? I think so." -- Mother Proof

Acceleration and Power

The Subaru Tribeca comes with a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine that makes 256 horsepower. Reviewers praise its acceleration and the accompanying five-speed automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT manual controls.

Fuel economy, however, is on the low side for the class. According to the EPA, the 2010 Tribeca achieves 16/21 mpg city/highway. There are several seven- or eight-passenger SUVs that offer better fuel economy at even lower prices. The Dodge Journey, for example, costs $10,000 less than the Tribeca and boasts a 19/25 mpg rating.

• "The additional torque makes Tribeca far more pleasant around town. You no longer have to keep the engine revved pretty fast to get sufficient oomph." -- USA Today
• "The Tribeca gets away briskly, and merging onto the highway is effortless." -- Edmunds
• "The manumatic transmission makes it easy to keep revs high, where most of the fun is." -- Car and Driver
• Tribeca's engine provides enough power for most situations, though some testers want more low-end punch. The transmission is a bit tardy to kick down for more power, but the driver can partially compensate with the manual shift gate." -- Consumer Guide

Handling and Braking

Most reviewers say that the Tribeca handles well, even if it doesn't provide the most engaging driving experience. It consistently earns praise for Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and is the only car in its class to offer AWD standard.

• "Handling response is more minivan than high-body midsize wagon. Tight turns require slowing down, but cornering lean is moderate for the height and weight. Steering is responsive if a bit numb, and Tribeca has a wide turning radius for its size. Brakes have adequate stopping control, but pedal action is somewhat spongy and non-linear." -- Consumer Guide
• "We spent a long day driving a Tribeca over several hundred miles of interstates, mountain roads and stop-and-go suburban streets, and found it mostly pleasant, by the standards of the class." -- AutoWeek
• "The Tribeca still steers with linear response and the right amount of effort." -- Edmunds
• "The anti-lock brakes with a brake assist feature provide short, responsible stops." -- MSN