2008 Subaru Tribeca Review

The 2008 Subaru Tribeca replaces the outgoing B9 Tribeca as an SUV with standard all-wheel drive. It can seat five in standard configuration or seven with an optional third row. The Tribeca has a number of changes, not the least of which is its name, dropping the B9 designation it had in 2006 and 2007. Others include a larger engine, new rear styling and revised seat controls. Starting with all-wheel drive, the Tribeca is loaded with technology, giving drivers the latest in all-weather safety and performance. The Tribeca earned the highest possible rating in NHTSA federal crash tests, with five stars in the frontal and side-impact tests for both the driver and front-seat passenger; and a four-star rating in the tests for rollover resistance. The 2008 Tribeca is a joy to drive, comfortable and practical. The new engine gives the Tribeca the power it needed. The 2008 Subaru Tribeca has all the right feel of control and dexterity, plus impressive hauling capacity for people and things. The new engine makes it competitive in an increasingly tough midsize SUV/CUV class, and the revised suspension tuning adds to its refinement. Furthermore, Subaru's all-wheel drive technology is a thoroughly proven system.

Subaru Tribeca Power and Drive

A larger, more powerful 3.6-liter six cylinder engine on the 2008 Tribeca replaces last year's 3.0-liter six-cylinder. Also new for 2008, the transmission has been re-tuned, the rear suspension settings have been revised, and there's a new wheel design. Inside, a tilt-and-slide feature for the second-row seats has been added. Taking care to maintain its low center of gravity, Subaru enlarged the Tribeca's boxer six-cylinder from 3.0 to 3.6 liters, a move that should address complaints that the original felt underpowered. The new engine makes 256 horsepower, just 4 percent more than last year's engine, but torque is now 247 pounds-feet - a healthier 15 percent boost, which should mean lots more low-end power. Subaru also recalibrated the transmission for smoother shifts with less lag, which should help with highway passing.

Design of the '08 Tribeca

 The new one-piece grille has a chrome upper lining and three horizontal crossbars - not the most imaginative, but certainly less divisive than the original. Along the sides, the body panels are mostly vertical, though not slab-like; their expanse is broken by mild fender blisters circling properly proportioned tires and wheels. Beginning at the trailing edge of the front door and even with the door handles, a soft crease grows as it moves rearward, giving the rear portions substance before ending in the wraparound taillights. An understated character line etched into the doors and running between the wheel arches draws attention to the matte-black rocker panels and subtly reminds the observant of the Tribeca's 8.4-inch ground clearance. The old Tribeca's multibezel headlights have also been scrubbed for a pair of narrower, more compartmentalized ones that look like those on the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Tribeca's rear, too, looks like that of the Santa Fe. The 2007 model's offset midsection has been smoothed over for a more uniform look, and the taillights don't look nearly as menacing. Changes to the sides aim to improve visibility, Subaru says, with larger rearview mirrors and rear-quarter windows.

2008 Subaru Tribeca Cabin

The cabin of the 2008 Tribeca has earned a comparatively warmer reception than the exterior, and Subaru didn't mess with a good thing. The wraparound cockpit and metallic overlays are still here, as are the electroluminescent gauges and center-mounted information display. Fully loaded Tribecas include a navigation system, power-adjustable leather seats, a rear backup camera and a backseat DVD entertainment system. The interior is a stunning styling statement. Visually, and ergonomically, it's a delight. It feels luxurious and upmarket. The organic, almost-wholesome sweep of the dash as it flows into the door panels creates cocoon-like comfort zones for driver and front-seat passenger. In seven-seat models, Subaru says the second-row chairs now have easier adjusters to slide forward for access to the third row. The rear suspension has been revised for greater comfort, which means passengers in back should have a smoother ride.

Tribeca Lineup for 2008

 The base Tribeca comes with five-passenger seating, cloth upholstery, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and a four-way power passenger's seat, both with manual lumbar adjustment. The second row of seats is almost as flexible as the two front seats, with a 40/20/40-split reclining seatback and a 60/40-split seat bottom adjustable fore and aft. Dual-zone automatic air conditioning is standard, as is a 100-watt, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers and an auxiliary input jack. Other standard features include cruise control, an interior air filter, fog lights, remote keyless entry, power windows, power heated outside mirrors, and power door locks. The steering wheel, which tilts and has radio controls, and shift knob are covered in leather. And there's an information center displaying audio settings, time, fuel economy and outside temperature. The standard tires are P255/55R18 Goodyear Eagle LS2 all seasons on alloy wheels.

The seven-passenger Tribeca adds a third-row seat split 50/50, plus heated front seats and an auxiliary rear air conditioner fan control in the second seating row.
Tribeca Limited five-passenger and seven-passenger models upgrade with leather upholstery (a choice of smooth or perforated) for the first two rows of seats. The stereo is upgraded to a 160-watt system with an in-dash six-disc changer and nine speakers, including a subwoofer in the rear cargo area.

Limited also comes with a sunroof, driver's seat memory, a universal garage door opener, and roof rails. Touch-screen navigation is offered only on Limited, and it includes a rearview camera and XM satellite radio. A rear-seat DVD system is available on seven-passenger Limited models with navigation.

Conclusions

The Tribeca's six standard airbags include side-impact devices for the front seats and side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers. Third-row passengers don't have curtain airbags, though Subaru says the thick side pillars in back afford them enough head protection. For the latest updates on this model, visit the official Subaru Tribeca site. Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and traction control are also standard. For 2008, Subaru drops the odd B9 suffix from the Tribeca name. More important, the 2008 Tribeca gets new styling that's less controversial than last year's. The newly improved Subaru model is a vehicle worth buying. It's comparable to the Highlander and Murano, and that's high praise indeed. For more research, read another 2008 Subaru Tribeca review.