Subaru Tribeca

Subaru Tribeca Series 2

VS

Subaru Tribeca Series 1

Here’s a quick comparison between the two versions of the Subaru Tribeca. In case you haven’t heard of the Tribeca, it was a medium sized SUV designed to compete with cars like the Honda MDX and Toyota Kluger. When originally released in 2006 it was the coolest SUV for sale, with ‘striking’ exterior and interior design. Although the interior design has stood the test of time the exterior hasn’t. 

We we thought it was a unique and forward thinking front end design that was unfortunately universally panned by the critics and conservative target customers – which didn’t buy them. In the end though Subaru should have stuck by the design since even with the conservative front end it was still a minor sellor. Witness what BMW and their universally odd design theme which they have stuck to does stand out but not in a good way – but the point is that you can’t mistake them for anything else.

Since we haven’t driven a Tribeca and unlikely to for this series (at least) we can only write about our showroom experience. The construction is very good with no visible panel alignment issues. The interior design for 2006 looks great from a distance but close up the plastics do look a little thin. Of course that doesn’t mean it won’t wear well. We think its the best interior design out of all the Subaru’s to date.  The seat feel is not too bad either but again in a dated way. We also don’t think that the cream colored interior will wear well either. Overall the Tribeca is a bit bland and overly conservative.

That said, the engine is the same as the one in the Outback – which we’ve driven before and if it is geared in the same way, the Tribeca will be smooth but lacking in torque in the low revs but there should be plenty of power up top. 

The recommended retail price for the Tribea is high compared to better equipped and certainly better brands.  Since it is a 7 seater there are a few other models which you can look at – and they include the new Subaru Outback,  Honda Odyssey, Toyota Kluger and even the Mitsubishi Pajero are just as good or better.

Subaru Tribeca Series 1	Subaru Tribeca Series 2
Engines
B6 Petrol V6 DOHC Boxer engine EFI Dual AVCS 3.6 Litre (3630cc) Claimed 190Kw @ 6000RPM Claimed 350Nm @ 4000RPM	B6 Petrol V6 DOHC Boxer engine EFI Dual AVCS 3.6 Litre (3630cc) Claimed 190Kw @ 6000RPM Claimed 350Nm @ 4000RPM
Weight
1942Kg Towing capacity up to 2000kg	1942Kg Towing capacity up to 2000kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 64 litres B6 Petrol 11.6 litres per 100km (Auto)	Up to 64 litres B6 Petrol 11.6 litres per 100km (Auto)
Other specifications
5 spd Auto Overall height/width 1720/1880 Overall length/Wheelbase 4865/2750 Track (front/rear) 1580/1580 7 Seater ANCAP safety rating 5/5	5 spd Auto Overall height/width 1720/1880 Overall length/Wheelbase 4865/2750 Track (front/rear) 1580/1580 7 Seater ANCAP safety rating 5/5
Capability
Angle of: (degrees)  Approach ?? Departure ?? Breakover ?? Minimum ground clearance xxxmm 4WD system: AWD	Angle of: (degrees) Approach ?? Departure ?? Breakover ?? Minimum ground clearance xxx mm 4WD system: AWD
Performance
B6 petrol 0-100kph 8.9secs	B6 petrol 0-100kph 8.9secs
Pricing
2012 $54,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!	2010 $53,990 – 60,990 AUD