A hi-tech, inviting interior
One area where the first Tribeca did not need much improvement was the passenger cabin. The sweeping, twin-cockpit design strikes the perfect chord in both appearance and purpose; it also clearly identifies the Subaru as a premium SUV.
The third row of seats, offered with the Premium Package, is now easier to access via handles on both sides of the vehicle and a new mechanism that helps slide the second row forward. Meanwhile, the second row now features tilt-and-slide capability.
Being a premium vehicle, the Tribeca is, naturally, available with a wealth of amenities. These include a 7-inch touch-screen, DVD-based navigation system, premium audio system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, rear-view camera and XM satellite radio.
Significant performance improvements
In terms of performance, the original Tribeca also came under fire for being underpowered and lost more points for requiring premium fuel. Credit where credit is due: Subaru really addressed these weaknesses, slotting a 3.6-litre 6-cylinder boxer into the new Tribeca's engine bay.
This new engine not only runs on regular fuel, it also produces more power (up 11 to 256 hp) and more torque (up 36 to 247 lb-ft) than the previous 6-cylinder. Subaru estimates that 0-100 km/h acceleration times have (roughly) dropped from a leisurely 9.2 seconds to a more respectable 8.5 seconds.
When combined with the revised 5-speed automatic transmission (standard on all versions), the Tribeca also boasts greater fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and better overall drivability. (Now that's a win-win-win scenario.)
The drive and the proof
On the drive route, the new Tribeca performed as you'd expect a premium SUV working with rally-bred technology. The boxer engine was smooth and quiet and easily able to overcome the hilly terrain.
The transmission, which has been revised so that it holds gears longer when going uphill, was also a definite improvement. With the manual Sportshift feature, the 5-speed can even provide a bit of "sporty" fun for the family on the go.
One area where the first Tribeca did not need much improvement was the passenger cabin. The sweeping, twin-cockpit design strikes the perfect chord in both appearance and purpose; it also clearly identifies the Subaru as a premium SUV.
 |
| Everyone has always agreed that the cabin was well designed so it remains untouched. |
The third row of seats, offered with the Premium Package, is now easier to access via handles on both sides of the vehicle and a new mechanism that helps slide the second row forward. Meanwhile, the second row now features tilt-and-slide capability.
Being a premium vehicle, the Tribeca is, naturally, available with a wealth of amenities. These include a 7-inch touch-screen, DVD-based navigation system, premium audio system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, rear-view camera and XM satellite radio.
Significant performance improvements
In terms of performance, the original Tribeca also came under fire for being underpowered and lost more points for requiring premium fuel. Credit where credit is due: Subaru really addressed these weaknesses, slotting a 3.6-litre 6-cylinder boxer into the new Tribeca's engine bay.
This new engine not only runs on regular fuel, it also produces more power (up 11 to 256 hp) and more torque (up 36 to 247 lb-ft) than the previous 6-cylinder. Subaru estimates that 0-100 km/h acceleration times have (roughly) dropped from a leisurely 9.2 seconds to a more respectable 8.5 seconds.
When combined with the revised 5-speed automatic transmission (standard on all versions), the Tribeca also boasts greater fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and better overall drivability. (Now that's a win-win-win scenario.)
The drive and the proof
On the drive route, the new Tribeca performed as you'd expect a premium SUV working with rally-bred technology. The boxer engine was smooth and quiet and easily able to overcome the hilly terrain.
The transmission, which has been revised so that it holds gears longer when going uphill, was also a definite improvement. With the manual Sportshift feature, the 5-speed can even provide a bit of "sporty" fun for the family on the go.
 |
| The Tribeca shines in the handling department thanks to its full-time all-wheel drive system. |