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PrintI'll say one thing for the 2006 B9 Tribeca: It sure is different.
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The B9 Tribeca, starting at $32,295, is Subaru's first seven passenger vehicle. Click photo for larger image. |
The front end is another story. It's supposed to resemble the front profile of an airplane as a nod to the company's aviation heritage, or so I've been told. I still think it looks odd and hope it won't stand in the way of selling what is overall a pretty nice, but different, product.
The B9 Tribeca, with base prices starting at $32,295, is Subaru's first seven passenger vehicle, though a five-seater is available. It's based on the Legacy/Outback platform but is more rigid and has a different rear and modified front suspensions.
It has a roomy 8.4 inches of ground clearance for off-roading and is equipped with all-wheel drive, vehicle dynamics control stability system and four-wheel traction control. Power comes from a 250-horsepower, 3.0-liter six-cylinder "boxer" engine with a five-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy ranks 18 in the city and 23 in the highway.
Safety equipment is extensive. It includes standard side impact air bags and side curtain air bags, electronic brake force distribution and anti-lock brakes. Moreover, the front-end structure disperses collision energy in three directions through a design that forms a series of "rings" around the passenger compartment, providing top-notch protection for occupants.
Inside, if ever there was a car that resembled a spaceship inside, this is it. Forget about all that squarish stuff in interiors and feeling like you're just in a big old box. Not here.
The dashboard is done in the latest craze, a "wave" design that gives a flowing effect with a "crest" in the middle and receding edges on both sides. The whole thing curves around you, giving the interior an oval feeling.
The gauges carry out the aircraft theme with white on black electroluminescent dials housed in a crescent-shaped pod with deep-set instruments. It all has a three-dimensional effect that's quite interesting.
The Tribeca has two aces in the hole: 1) The ride. The only two SUVs that rival its carlike ambience and ride are the Acura MDX and Honda Pilot, both built on the same platform; and 2) The amazing versatility of the second-row seats. They can fold flat and can be reclined in two sections for napping or resting. The second-row seats also can be moved forward or back almost 8 inches for more comfort for third- or second-row passengers.
One of the biggest problems, however, is that the legroom in the third row is extraordinarily tight, no matter how you move the second row forward. And getting in and out of that seat requires quite a lot of contortion and grimacing for most adults. The third row is even tight for some children.
Other concerns: Engine noise. There were times when I could detect some thrashing, especially on hills. And the engine seemed to be revving almost painfully at such times. Acceleration wasn't the smoothest I've experienced, either.
2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
Price: $30,695
Engine: 3-liter, 250-hp. V-6
Mileage: 18/24
Traction control: standard
Stability control: standard
Side air bags: standard
Basic warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
Luggage capacity: 37.6 cu. ft.
2005 Acura MDX
Price: $36,900
Engine: 3.5-liter, 265-hp. V-6
Mileage: 17/23
Traction control: standard
Stability control: standard
Side air bags: standard
Basic warranty: 4 years/ 50,000 miles
Luggage capacity: 14.8 cu. ft
2005 Ford Explorer XLS Sport
Price: $30,845
Engine: 4-liter, 210-hp. V-6
Mileage: 14/20
Traction control: standard
Stability control: standard
Side air bags: N.A.
Basic warranty: 3 years, 36,000 miles
Luggage capacity: 48.6 cu. ft.
2005 Honda Pilot
Price: $30,120
Engine: 3.5-liter, 255-hp. V-6
Mileage: 17/22
Traction control: standard
Stability control: N.A
Side air bags: N.A
Basic warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
Luggage capacity: 16.3 cu. ft.
