2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Road Test

Good Enough to Stave Off the Savvy Sharks in the Crossover Segment?

Tribeca exhibits a decidedly European appearance, more French or Italian than Japanese. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Although Subaru is a "little guy" among car giants, it has an enviable history in all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology. Until now, the bantam car company manufactured mostly compact cars, with the Legacy/Outback wagons comprising their largest offering at 4,792 mm (188.7 in) in overall length. At best the Legacy/Outback duo, with a maximum seating capacity of five, is classed as a mid-size wagon. Well that impediment has now been abolished.

The availability of a third row seat in the all-new seven-seat B9 Tribeca casts Subaru like fresh bait into a whole new shark tank. At 4,820 mm (189.8 in) in length, the Tribeca isn't small in size, but it is a small fish in a big pond stocked with many very capable SUVs and crossovers. Subaru definitely has its work cut out for it if it is to survive in this highly competitive food chain. Is the B9 Tribeca SUV-enough to swim with fishes, or will it flounder belly side up? Well let's have a candid look.

In my view the Tribeca exhibits a decidedly European appearance, more French or Italian than Japanese. Interestingly though, all this Mediterranean flair is assembled in the good old USA - Indiana to be exact. Some folk furl their brow at the Tribeca's three-piece front grille arrangement, designed to appear as the wings and fuselage of an approaching plane. This concept is intended to pay homage to Subaru's aeronautic history. Other folks admire the controversial design for its artistic quality; either way credit must be given to Subaru for not cookie-cutting, although the Tribeca's side profile is somewhat similar to that of Nissan's sporty Murano thanks to a reverse raked "C" pillar, which may look dramatic but hinders rearward visibility when reversing.

Overall the Tribeca's cabin feels open and spacious, except in third-row seating. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

The uniqueness of the Tribeca's sweeping exterior lines flow through its airy cabin as well. A double cockpit-style dashboard melds seamlessly into a prominent centre stack and console, which together dominate the Tribeca's somewhat futuristic interior styling. Pictures fail to do this arrangement adequate justice. I was quite impressed with its eclectic theme and straightforward functionality. Controls and switchgear in the centre stack are well placed and easy to operate, if not a touch glitzy due to three circular HVAC switches each surrounding a small function-display screen; it's different and it works. Overall the Tribeca's cabin feels open and spacious, except in third-row seating.