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2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca: 'Nuff Respect Due
Subliminal messaging is everywhere in advertising. We are clandestinely coaxed, sometimes specifically compelled to buy based not on what an advertisement outwardly illustrates, but what it subtly implies. The ad campaign for the new Subaru B9 Tribeca is an example of this. It boasts, “The end of the SUV as you know it…the beginning of what an SUV should be,” as the vehicle rolls past versions of some of the most popular mid-sized SUV’s on the market, turning them into dust. Subaru definitely swings for the fences with the ad, considering this is their first attempt at a true SUV, let alone a luxury one. But the B9 Tribeca comes hard, steps up to the plate and almost hits one out the park with its first at bat.
Long renowned for its advanced all-wheel drive system, Subaru has produced several smaller vehicles with excellent on-road and snow handling capabilities like the Outback and Impreza. They produce one of the leaders in the import tuner game, the WRX. But despite all this, Subaru is a late comer into the SUV arena. Judging by the B9 Tribeca, they have done their homework. The result is a slick looking SUV that turns heads on the block as easily as it blends in on a grocery run. All this, coupled with solid, capable performance, make the B9 a newcomer definitely worth a second look.
Subaru’s first victory was in the looks department. The B9 is styled much like many other luxury midsize SUVs, but has more than a few distinguishing features. Let’s begin with the front fascia. It’s unique, to say the least, with a large centrally oriented grille which extends out and under high-mounted headlamps. The B9 rolls on 18” rims wrapped in Goodyear Eagle rubber, larger than the standard kicks competitors have. Even the high, rearward-sloping roofline gives the B9 a smooth, sporty look that some of its rivals have not captured quite as effectively. The B9’s exterior follows a formulaic Japanese mid-sized SUV look, keeping you guessing as to what factory it rolled out of.
  
Once inside the B9, you are reminded that this vehicle is something new and special. The B9’s smooth, flowing dash pulls off a modern, futuristic look with traditional flair and class. The center console is adorned at the top with a large info/navigation screen, controls for the nine-speaker Subaru CD changer stereo are oriented just below, followed by three digital circular knobs for the dual zone climate control at the very bottom. Controls are logically laid out and with the exception of the info/navigation screen and all controls are within easy reach of driver and passenger. Our test vehicle featured supportive seats upholstered in butter leather which were comfortable and roomy even for long rides. The rear seats, while equally comfortable and supportive, lacked the legroom to seat full size adults comfortably. This was also the case with the third row seat, but this is common amongst almost all mid-sized SUV’s.
Award-winning performance, a hallmark of Subaru vehicles for years, and a staple in the top SUVs, continues with the B9. The rig is powered by a 250-horsepower engine producing 219 foot-pounds of torque. The drivetrain is quiet, shifts smoothly and provides brisk acceleration, but needs to be pushed hard to achieve maximum acceleration, particularly at low speeds. The engine seems to bog down before it wakes up, downshifts and propels the B9 Tribeca forward. The suspension does its job well, soaking up bumps and potholes easily while providing a supple but not mushy ride. Cornering is sure-footed and sticky, giving the B9 a sporty car-like drive rivaling many of the industry’s leading mid-sized SUVs.
Lastly, the B9 is feature-rich. Our “Limited” version had everything a luxury SUV shopper could ask for, and much more than a less demanding consumer would need. Navigation and rear-seat DVD entertainment were high-end options, while sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated leather seats, power driver and passenger seats, in-dash 160-watt six-CD changer, and Homelink remote control come standard. The Limited also offers seven passenger seating. Subaru’s European rivals would be hard pressed to offer this much luxury in an SUV and at just north of $38K for the Limited or $30K for the five-passenger model, they can’t even compete in the value department.
With the exception of the Honda Pilot, the B9 Tribeca’s true rivals all carry luxury nameplates. This could make it a tough sell against vehicles that, while equally luxurious, have greater cachet and curb appeal. But the B9’s relatively reasonable price tag, abundance of features and understated jewels should win Subaru new respect in the mid-sized luxury SUV game. |
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