Improved visibility
Subaru enlarged the rear side windows as well as the exterior mirrors, which become more helpful. Forward visibility has also been improved thanks to a new sloping hood. Maneuvering through city traffic and in shopping mall parking lots is always difficult when you're driving an SUV, so enjoying maximum visibility is a huge plus. Subaru clearly made improvements in this regard. I particularly liked the usefulness of the rearview camera on the Premier model. It is well-positioned and displays a clear, easy-to-read image on the ACL screen. The driver can relax when trying to back into tight parking spaces.
Comfortable and safe
Whether it's the seats or the suspension, you'll notice that the automaker paid special attention to passenger comfort. Our "superb" Quebec roads require well-calibrated suspensions and the 2008 Tribeca's makes short and long drives comfortable and also very safe. These two attributes do not always go hand in hand, but Subaru found the right recipe with this new model. For instance, I once got caught off-guard in a corner. My speed was not that high, but the turn was ultra tight, almost like a hairpin. I never hit the brakes and the vehicle kept its cool and balance.
How so? The suspension is very competent and Subaru's symmetrical AWD system always comes to the rescue. That's the great thing about driving the Tribeca: in any situation -- under the rain, in the snow or on gravel roads -- the active safety net is totally up to the task. Both Daniel and I loved the confidence-inspiring feeling provided by this crossover utility vehicle.
Reworked engine and transmission
Subaru engineers listened to the critics and, as a result, the programming of the standard 5-speed automatic transmission is improved. The unit reacts better to the boxer engine's commands. The latter, meanwhile, gained a few horsepower and its torque was also increased. The new combo is more ideally suited to the vehicle, but it does not make the Tribeca a sporty ride.
That said, accelerations are convincing and passing maneuvers are now quicker: in third gear, we sprinted from 80 to 120 km/h in 7.1 seconds, which is more than 1.5 second faster than the previous model. Fuel economy has been improved and the fact that the Tribeca no longer requires premium gasoline is very appreciated. Every model in the lineup gets the same powertrain and therefore benefits from the same surefooted symmetrical AWD system.
Subaru enlarged the rear side windows as well as the exterior mirrors, which become more helpful. Forward visibility has also been improved thanks to a new sloping hood. Maneuvering through city traffic and in shopping mall parking lots is always difficult when you're driving an SUV, so enjoying maximum visibility is a huge plus. Subaru clearly made improvements in this regard. I particularly liked the usefulness of the rearview camera on the Premier model. It is well-positioned and displays a clear, easy-to-read image on the ACL screen. The driver can relax when trying to back into tight parking spaces.
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| The increased greenhouse allows easier maneuvers. |
Comfortable and safe
Whether it's the seats or the suspension, you'll notice that the automaker paid special attention to passenger comfort. Our "superb" Quebec roads require well-calibrated suspensions and the 2008 Tribeca's makes short and long drives comfortable and also very safe. These two attributes do not always go hand in hand, but Subaru found the right recipe with this new model. For instance, I once got caught off-guard in a corner. My speed was not that high, but the turn was ultra tight, almost like a hairpin. I never hit the brakes and the vehicle kept its cool and balance.
How so? The suspension is very competent and Subaru's symmetrical AWD system always comes to the rescue. That's the great thing about driving the Tribeca: in any situation -- under the rain, in the snow or on gravel roads -- the active safety net is totally up to the task. Both Daniel and I loved the confidence-inspiring feeling provided by this crossover utility vehicle.
Reworked engine and transmission
Subaru engineers listened to the critics and, as a result, the programming of the standard 5-speed automatic transmission is improved. The unit reacts better to the boxer engine's commands. The latter, meanwhile, gained a few horsepower and its torque was also increased. The new combo is more ideally suited to the vehicle, but it does not make the Tribeca a sporty ride.
That said, accelerations are convincing and passing maneuvers are now quicker: in third gear, we sprinted from 80 to 120 km/h in 7.1 seconds, which is more than 1.5 second faster than the previous model. Fuel economy has been improved and the fact that the Tribeca no longer requires premium gasoline is very appreciated. Every model in the lineup gets the same powertrain and therefore benefits from the same surefooted symmetrical AWD system.
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| The powertrain has been revised and improved. |