Technical
There is but one engine on the technical spec sheet for the Tribeca. It is a 3.0L horizontally opposed 6-cylinder shared with the Outback that puts out 250 hp at 6,600 rpm and 219 lb/ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. Transmission selection is limited to a 5-speed automatic with a manual mode. The suspension is a heavy duty design and fully independent. It also has Subaru's symmetrical full-time AWD system which features an electronically controlled locking centre differential. Ventilated disc brakes are located at every corner and 18" wheels and tires are standard.
On the road
The H6 seemingly has its work cut out for it. Moving the over 1 900 kg (4 200 lbs) truck should take nearly all it has to offer. Surprisingly, in these days of must have 3.5L V6 engines or nothing, the 3.0L does a very good job of hauling the truck. Perhaps a larger displacement engine would cure the small lack of low-end torque and improve overall performances. The transmission is generally smooth although it has a bad habit of shuddering between 1st and 2nd and 2nd and 3rd gear, especially when
cold. My returned average fuel consumption is of a shade under 15L per 100 km.
The brake pedal is firm and the brakes themselves are strong. The responsive pedal instils confidence. Steering is nicely weighted and precise. The truck's drive is immensely civilised. The damping is controlled and comfortable. The suspension setup is intended to provide a competent ride more than off-road capability. In comparison to the Forester, wheel travel is fairly limited which in turn, allows for less body lean in a curve. The truck in fact feels very solid and robust. Subaru's AWD system is seamless and impressively efficient. Subaru has made sure that no one could have too much fun behind the wheel of the Tribeca as the vehicle dynamics control system cannot be completely disabled.
Safety
The Tribeca has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS
brakes with electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for every passenger in both front and lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet rated the Subaru.
Conclusion
The new Subaru SUV, despite its several shortcomings, is still up for a good fight. The midsize SUV category is jam-packed with strong contenders like the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer. Subarus are typically reliable but they are also thirsty, for fuel that is. Otherwise, as far as the Utility in Sport Utility Vehicle is concerned, the Tribeca is fairly competent.
 |
| (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com) |
On the road
The H6 seemingly has its work cut out for it. Moving the over 1 900 kg (4 200 lbs) truck should take nearly all it has to offer. Surprisingly, in these days of must have 3.5L V6 engines or nothing, the 3.0L does a very good job of hauling the truck. Perhaps a larger displacement engine would cure the small lack of low-end torque and improve overall performances. The transmission is generally smooth although it has a bad habit of shuddering between 1st and 2nd and 2nd and 3rd gear, especially when
 |
| (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com) |
The brake pedal is firm and the brakes themselves are strong. The responsive pedal instils confidence. Steering is nicely weighted and precise. The truck's drive is immensely civilised. The damping is controlled and comfortable. The suspension setup is intended to provide a competent ride more than off-road capability. In comparison to the Forester, wheel travel is fairly limited which in turn, allows for less body lean in a curve. The truck in fact feels very solid and robust. Subaru's AWD system is seamless and impressively efficient. Subaru has made sure that no one could have too much fun behind the wheel of the Tribeca as the vehicle dynamics control system cannot be completely disabled.
Safety
The Tribeca has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS
 |
| (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com) |
Conclusion
The new Subaru SUV, despite its several shortcomings, is still up for a good fight. The midsize SUV category is jam-packed with strong contenders like the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer. Subarus are typically reliable but they are also thirsty, for fuel that is. Otherwise, as far as the Utility in Sport Utility Vehicle is concerned, the Tribeca is fairly competent.