Subaru B9 Tribeca (06-07) - Review

Inside the Tribeca occupants are shielded from most of the harshness of the elements and the outside world. Wind noise and road noise are subdued, even at high speed and the engine is refined at sedate speeds. However, it can become noisy when revved. Automatic climate control is fitted as standard, as well as electric windows. The second row of seats is adjustable (sliding or reclining with a 60/40 split) allowing generous leg room with little impact on the luggage space of five-seat models. Passengers in the (optional) third row of seats aren't quite treated as well as those in a Volvo XC90 or Land Rover Discovery 3. There's no tiered seating, but with the adjustment offered with the second row of seats, a decent compromise of space for passengers can be found.

The two least expensive Tribeca models are five-seaters (S5 and SE5) and offer flexible interior room and luggage space. With the third row of seats in use on the SE7 model there is still a decent amount of luggage space behind them. There is a storage box in the front armrest which makes up for the small glovebox and in five-seat versions there are extra storage compartments hidden under the boot floor. The luggage area has two 12-volt power outlets, and a retractable cargo cover is standard on five-seat models. SE models come with a rear-view camera for safer reversing.

The Tribeca's modern interior design is appealing with sweeping curves from the dashboard to the centre console. The main dials are cowled and for the driver's eyes only. The switches and controls seem worthy of an upmarket car (which Tribeca is supposed to be), but the basketball texture of the top of the dashboard in hard plastic is rather out of place. The steering is only adjustable for height - which is very poor on a car of this size and price - but otherwise the interior is a comfortable place to be.