2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca First Drive

Utility


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TO THE POINT Selling Points: Standard AWD and stability control, unique styling, hill-holder system, cabin comfort, seven-passenger capability
Deal Breakers: Small third-row seats, unique styling, unimpressive cargo space
Our Advice: Subaru has planted the B9 Tribeca smack in the middle of a crossover marketplace awash in great choices, but without much to distinguish it aside from a controversial design.

MEET THE COMPETITION Chrysler Pacifica
Nissan Murano

Click to enlarge. 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca

Utility With both second- and third-row seats (if equipped) folded there is over 74 cubic feet of storage space, not as much as a Ford Explorer but more than a Ford Escape. Folding the third-row seat we found plenty of room for four golf bags, or several soft luggage bags.

Loading cargo is easy, thanks to the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca’s large rear tailgate. And the low liftover height eases the strain on your back no matter what you might be loading. With both second- and third-row seats (if equipped) folded there is over 74 cubic feet of storage space, not as much as a Ford Explorer but more than a Ford Escape. Folding the third-row seat we found plenty of room for four golf bags, or several soft luggage bags. All four of the B9 Tribeca’s doors open wide to allow easy entrance and exiting.

Due in part to impressive chassis rigidity, the B9 Tribeca has the largest towing capacity of any Subaru. At 3,500 pounds, this Subaru is able to pull a trailer loaded with personal watercraft or motorcycles. These are capabilities Subaru owners have wanted for quite awhile.