Subaru B9 Tribeca (06-07) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 20 August 2009
Rivalling cars like the Nissan Murano and Lexus RX, the Subaru Tribeca uses the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder 'boxer' engine as found in the Legacy linked to a five-speed automatic transmission. It has permanent four-wheel drive, but has been designed for on-road use rather than driving off road. In fact Subaru's own Legacy Outback model is more of an off-road vehicle than the Tribeca. The plush looking interior has soothing, flowing lines, but the exterior styling jars, with heavy-handed details at the front and a fussy tailgate area which makes the car look larger than it is. The vague steering lets it down on the road and it lacks the driver appeal you'd expect given Subaru's reputation for keen handling cars.
2.5 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Buying used

Depreciation will be steeper in the first year or two of ownership, so if your budget doesn't stretch to £30,000 it will be worth waiting and seeking out a used approved model. Subaru now runs a scheme where low-mileage ex-management cars become available though the dealer network, so choice of newer used cars should be improved. That's good news as there are few on the second hand market. S5 and SE5 models have five seats, whereas the SE7 gets seven.

  • Boot/Load Space Subaru B9 Tribeca (06-07)
  • Interior Subaru B9 Tribeca (06-07)

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See 7 used Subaru B9 Tribecas for sale, starting at £5,995

2.5 out of 5

Selling

Emphasise the equipment and the driver appeal rather than the looks and the thirsty petrol-only engine option and it should be easier to part with the Tribeca. However the lack of awareness of the Tribeca name and the high running costs will put many buyers off.