2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Road Test

This upscale crossover is equipped with driver and passenger dual-stage front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags as standard equipment. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Complementing the B9's handling prowess is a full set of antilock disc brakes fortified with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD). Like the porridge eventually eaten by Goldilocks, these binders were perfect for my brake palate: not too sensitive and not too numb. Emergency stops came-on instantly, with nary a hint of control loss. But Subaru's commitment to safety goes beyond excellent braking and electronic control programs. Their upscale crossover is equipped with driver and passenger dual-stage front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags as standard equipment. Bravo Subaru, for taking occupant protection seriously.

Whether or not the B9 Tribeca features the leather upholstery and premium audio system distinguishing its Limited edition from the base model, it's a very well equipped ride, as it should be given its rather steep pricing. Standard amenities in the lavish cabin include power adjustable heated front seats, remote keyless entry, power windows, heated power foldable side mirrors, climate control with rear seat venting, cruise control, leather wrapped gear selector and steering wheel, tilt steering, tire pressure monitoring, moonroof, projector beam halogen headlights, fog lights and more.

Elevating the Tribeca to the pinnacle of hedonism is the availability of a GPS-based navigation system and a DVD entertainment unit with two

The B9 Tribeca is a very pleasurable ride and a good initial effort. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

wireless headphones. Ah, there's nothing more blissful on a long trip than the sight of content kids in the rearview!

Nevertheless, the B9 Tribeca is wading into some heavily shark-infested waters. It had better learn how to fight off the circling predators in a hurry, because one sniff of its anemic low-end torque may be enough to initiate an attack by a fierce competitor. Subaru needs to put more propulsion into the Tribeca's tail to keep it clear of such jaws. While at it, the design team may want to rethink the fuselage-and-wing design; I am not confident it'll be widely embraced by the North American market. Apart from these vexations, the B9 Tribeca is a very pleasurable ride and a good initial effort at surviving a shark attack.

Specifications:

Price Range (MSRP): $41,995 - $52,495
Body Type: 5-door crossover SUV
Layout: front engine, AWD
Engine: 250-hp, 219 lb-ft of torque, 3.0L (183 cu in), 24-valve, DOHC H-6
Transmission: 5-spd auto with manual mode
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
Curb Weight (min - max): 1,885 - 1,926 kg (4,156 - 4,237 lbs)
Seating Capacity: 5 (optional 7)
Cargo Volume (behind 3rd row/behind 2nd row/behind 1st row): 235 / 1,063 / 2,106 L (8.3 / 37.5 / 74.4 cu ft)
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 13.3 / 9.5 L/100 km
Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
Direct Competitors: Acura MDX, Buick Rendezvous, Cadillac SRX, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Freestyle, Honda Pilot, Infiniti FX35, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Lexus RX 330, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90
Web Site: www.subaru.ca