Subaru B9 Tribeca Road Test

Subaru B9 Tribeca

The Tribeca is never going to climb every mountain, in fact I doubt that it would ever be asked to, but it will ford shallow streams and wet grass isn't a problem, despite the fairly low-profile tyres.

In an almost Kia-like move, Subaru have kept the Tribeca range simple; you have three model options and a choice of any engine you like just so long as it is the normally aspirated, 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder 'boxer' unit found in the Legacy Spec B.

All Tribeca's have a 5-speed automatic box with 'Sportshift' manual sequential shift. In fully automatic mode, the 'kick-down' can be described as 'patient'. It isn't too bad and is more like taking a deep breath before the sprinting begins.

The 3.0-litre, petrol engine produces 245PS (241bhp) at 6,600rpm and 297Nm (219 lb ft) at 4,200rpm. It takes 9.7 seconds to reach 62 mph from a standing start and the top speed is 121 mph.

Fuel consumption figures are average for an SUV of this size and are posted as 16.6 mpg, 29.7 mpg and 23.0 mpg for the urban, extra-urban and combined respectively, while the CO2 emissions are measured at 291 g/km at the two tailpipes.

On the twisty bits, there is small amount of wallowing but this is the nature of the beast. The suspension is nonetheless, a good compromise between off-road capability and on-road comfort. Because of the way the engine is laid out, it can be mounted lower in the car, thus improving the stability and dynamics and it is possible to have some fun exploring the envelope before the VDC system intervenes.

While I'm touching on safety, the Tribeca has a roll-over sensor that activates the side and curtain airbags. Those at the front are dual-stage and EBA is also standard.

On good surfaces, the Subaru Tribeca runs smoothly eating up motorway mile easily and comfortably. Around town and in suburban areas, it soon becomes second-nature to flick back and forth between the gear selection options, in order to get the best response for the conditions.

I found the Tribeca very easy to live with. Despite its size, it is easy to park aided by the light but responsive steering. It's a reasonably priced, large car that doesn't look out of place amongst the more established SUV's in its class - or outside the school.

Subaru B9 Tribeca