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

Other Subaru reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

The entry-level Tribeca is priced to undercut its main rivals and it starts at under £29,000. The Nissan Murano is priced about £1000 higher. However, to match the Murano on specification you have to go for the Tribeca SE5 priced at almost £32,000. Overall though the Tribeca looks quite pricey and fuel consumption of 23mpg and high road tax do little to help running costs. Depreciation should be fairly steady, although not as modest as alternatives with diesel engines. Insurance is group 16 for all models.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Every 10,000 miles (plus initial oil change at 1000 miles).

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£475.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

1.5 out of 5

Green credentials

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    291

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The B9 Tribeca scores badly on the eco front which is little surprise given it's large petrol engine. Emissions are 291g/km of CO2 - putting it firmly in the top bracket for road tax - while economy is a poor 23mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2