2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca First Impression

A Subaru Legacy lurks under the 2006 B9 Tribeca’s bodywork, but you’d never guess if it wasn't for the stubby wheelbase. The B9 Tribeca gets the same 3.0-liter horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine as found in the top trim levels of the Outback wagon, making 250 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 219 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The engine is rated to meet Low Emission Vehicle Tier 2 standards, and fuel economy is estimated at 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway on premium unleaded fuel. A five-speed automatic transmission with Sportshift manual control and adaptive software that conforms to your driving style delivers power to all four wheels, and towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds.

Subaru’s sophisticated Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) all-wheel-drive system operates at a 45/55 power split front-to-rear, giving the 2006 B9 Tribeca a rear-drive bias under normal conditions. Stability control, traction control, and antilock four-wheel vented disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution come standard to help keep the B9 Tribeca pointed in the direction the driver intends. Power rack-and-pinion steering guides 18-inch alloy wheels wearing P255/55R18 Goodyear Eagle LS tires, and the Subaru B9 Tribeca rides on a four-wheel independent suspension with struts up front and double wishbones in back.

Subaru sells the 2006 B9 Tribeca in four well-equipped models. Select between the cloth-upholstered standard model, with either five- or seven-passenger seating, or spend a little more cheddar to get the leather-lined Limited for five or seven. Either seven-passenger B9 Tribeca can be outfitted with an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and the Limited with seven-passenger seating, like our test vehicle, can also be equipped with an optional navigation system. Prices start just over $31,000 and can top out just over $38,000. Port- and dealer-installed options can push the price even higher.