Subaru Tribeca SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The 2011 Subaru Tribeca is a mid-size crossover SUV that seats seven passengers in three rows of seats. Its exterior design is somewhat less distinctive than other vehicles in its class and its performance is also average. Its strength lies in its all-wheel drive system, which is standard on all Subaru models, and can deliver a solid footing in a variety of road and weather conditions. Its smaller dimensions also facilitate its maneuvering in tight urban situations.
There are three trim levels for the Subaru Tribeca: Premium, Limited and Touring. The base Premium features automatic climate control with three zones, 18-inch alloy wheels, power front seats that are heated, a tilt steering wheel with controls mounted for the audio, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, a seven-inch display and an audio system with six speakers, CD and MP3 player and auxiliary audio jack.
The Limited version of the Subaru Tribeca adds memory for the driver seat, leather upholstery for the first two rows but not the third, Bluetooth, an upgraded audio system with a six-disc CD changer and satellite radio and a console with additional interior ambient lighting. The Touring model adds a painted lower cladding, special 18-inch wheels, silver roof rails, xenon headlamps, sunroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with back-up camera.
Optional equipment on the Limited and Touring models are a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system with DVD player.
Specs:
The engine in the Subaru Tribeca is a 3.6 liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that can produce 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission available is a five speed automatic with a manual shift. All-wheel drive is standard and is a system that sends 55 percent of the power to the rear wheels in everyday driving.
Fuel economy for the Subaru Tribeca is rated at 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg combined. The vehicle can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds.
The interior of the Subaru Tribeca is in sharp contrast to the exterior with a sweeping wraparound dashboard with exquisite shapes that blend well into the center console. However, the buttons on the dashboard are difficult to read, a situation which is aggravated by a curved shape that bends away from the driver. Interior materials are of high quality and well-textured.
The front seats of the Subaru Tribeca are comfortable for the average-sized person but the second row seats require being pushed back a full eight inches in order to achieve some semblance of comfort. The third row of seats is accessed by a narrow opening and is limited in space; only the smallest passengers will feel comfortable sitting there. The maximum cargo capacity with the second and third row seats folded flat is 74 cubic inches.
Safety features in the Subaru Tribeca include six standard air bags, antilock brakes, traction and stability control and active front head restraints. It received a top rating of "Good" in the standard crash tests run by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The ride of the 2011 Subaru Tribeca is able-bodied but can be somewhat lethargic. Its all-wheel drive system adds a sense of confidence to the ride and makes for easy maneuverability and a calm and smooth ride.
There are three trim levels for the Subaru Tribeca: Premium, Limited and Touring. The base Premium features automatic climate control with three zones, 18-inch alloy wheels, power front seats that are heated, a tilt steering wheel with controls mounted for the audio, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, a seven-inch display and an audio system with six speakers, CD and MP3 player and auxiliary audio jack.
The Limited version of the Subaru Tribeca adds memory for the driver seat, leather upholstery for the first two rows but not the third, Bluetooth, an upgraded audio system with a six-disc CD changer and satellite radio and a console with additional interior ambient lighting. The Touring model adds a painted lower cladding, special 18-inch wheels, silver roof rails, xenon headlamps, sunroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with back-up camera.
Optional equipment on the Limited and Touring models are a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system with DVD player.
Specs:
The engine in the Subaru Tribeca is a 3.6 liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that can produce 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission available is a five speed automatic with a manual shift. All-wheel drive is standard and is a system that sends 55 percent of the power to the rear wheels in everyday driving.
Fuel economy for the Subaru Tribeca is rated at 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg combined. The vehicle can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds.
The interior of the Subaru Tribeca is in sharp contrast to the exterior with a sweeping wraparound dashboard with exquisite shapes that blend well into the center console. However, the buttons on the dashboard are difficult to read, a situation which is aggravated by a curved shape that bends away from the driver. Interior materials are of high quality and well-textured.
The front seats of the Subaru Tribeca are comfortable for the average-sized person but the second row seats require being pushed back a full eight inches in order to achieve some semblance of comfort. The third row of seats is accessed by a narrow opening and is limited in space; only the smallest passengers will feel comfortable sitting there. The maximum cargo capacity with the second and third row seats folded flat is 74 cubic inches.
Safety features in the Subaru Tribeca include six standard air bags, antilock brakes, traction and stability control and active front head restraints. It received a top rating of "Good" in the standard crash tests run by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The ride of the 2011 Subaru Tribeca is able-bodied but can be somewhat lethargic. Its all-wheel drive system adds a sense of confidence to the ride and makes for easy maneuverability and a calm and smooth ride.
