Review: Subaru B9 Tribeca (2006-14)

Review: Subaru B9.I Tribeca (2006-07)

Overview

Released in November 2006, the Subaru B9 Series I (B9.I) Tribeca was an all-wheel drive people mover, available with five or seven seats. Manufactured in Indiana, USA, the B9.I Tribeca was powered by a 3.0-litre flat six-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the Tribeca was available in standard and Premium editions.

EZ30R engine

The Subaru B9.I Tribeca was powered the 3.0-litre EZ30R engine which had an open deck aluminium alloy block with cast iron liners, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (Subaru’s ‘Active Valve Control System’ or AVCS), variable intake valve lift (Subaru’s ‘Variable Valve Lift’ or VVL) and a compression ratio of 10.7:1.

Dimensions and interior

Based on Subaru’s BL/BP Liberty platform, the Tribeca was 4855 mm long, 1880 mm wide, 1685 mm tall and had a 2750 mm long wheelbase. Inside, the Tribeca featured 40/20/40 split and folding second row seats that could fold flat, slide and recline; the third row of seats, where fitted, had a 50/50 split and flat folding configuration.

Suspension

The Tribeca had MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension.

AWD system

The Subaru Tribeca had a permanent all-wheel drive system with an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch and a centre planetary-type differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a 45:55 front:rear torque split. This split, however, could be varied according to traction conditions. The Tribeca was also fitted with Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control system which could brake individual wheels to enable cross-axle torque transfers.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Subaru B9.I Tribeca included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for all rows of occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, rollover sensors, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Subaru Tribeca had 316 mm by 30 mm ventilated front brake discs with two-piston calipers and 320 mm by 18 mm rear brake discs with fist-type aluminium calipers.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the Tribeca received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.07 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious chest injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact and pole tests, however, the Tribeca received maximum points.

Features: Tribeca and Tribeca Premium

Standard features for the Subaru Tribeca included 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, nine speaker sound system with six-stack CD player with MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, dual zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation with seven-inch touchscreen, rear vision camera, cruise control, remote central locking, fog lights, 12 volt power outlets, rear blind, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Subaru Tribeca Premium was further equipped with added leather seats (ivory or charcoal) with driver’s seat memory settings, heated front seats, dual power sunroof and a second row DVD player with nine-inch screen, wireless rear headphones and remote controller.

Review: Subaru B9.II Tribeca (2007-14)

Overview

Released in December 2007, the Subaru B9 Series II (B9.II) Tribeca introduced revised styling, a new 3.6-litre engine and a significant facelift. Other changes included wider rear tyres for greater traction and revised rear suspension for improved ride quality.

The Subaru B9.II Tribeca could be identified by its one-piece grille, new front and rear bumpers, bonnet, head and tail lights, tailgate and 10-spoke alloy wheels; the larger rear windows also provided greater visibility. Inside, access to the third row of seats was improved through the use of a stronger spring to make sliding the middle seats forward easier, while grab handles were added to the C-pillar.

EZ36D engine

Compared to the EZ30R engine , changes for the EZ36D included:

• A more rigid cylinder block;
• Asymmetrical connecting rods for compact packaging;
• Subaru’s ‘Dual Active Valve Control System’ for variable intake and exhaust timing;
• Omission of the Variable Valve Lift System;
• A new timing chain design; and,
• A new cooling system.

Features

Compared to the B9.I Tribeca, standard features for the Subaru B9.II Tribeca were extended to include xenon headlights and the rear camera was improved with a wider display angle and park assist display. The Premium edition was also equipped with roof rails.

2011 Tribeca Columbia

In July 2011, the limited-run Tribeca Columbia was released. Compared to the 3.6R Premium, the Tribeca Columbia was further equipped with roof racks, a roof-mounted luggage pod, front mud flaps, a cargo liner, floor mats and weather shields.

Brochure

• Brochure: Subaru B9.II Tribeca (November 2012)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Subaru B9 Tribeca