2008 Subaru Tribeca Review

Subaru's Tribeca comes in two models for 2008, a base model and luxurious Limited, and in a choice of five- or seven-passenger seating.

All are powered by a new 3.6L horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, making 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. It's been fitted for variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves, there's a chain-drive valve system for easier servicing, and it now runs on regular gasoline rather than premium. Shifting is done by a five-speed automatic transmission; it's been revised with new gear ratios and other changes that result in smoother shifts and better response. There's also a Sportshift manual gear selector.

The Tribeca comes with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system with variable torque distribution. The system normally sends 55 percent of power to the rear wheels but can vary the transfer through a hydraulic clutch pack. The vehicle dynamics control system aids the all-wheel-drive system and helps maintain stability.

On either model, the second-row seats have an adjustable reclining backrest and are split 40/20/40 and can fold forward for more cargo space or slide fore and aft up to eight inches. The third-row seat on seven-passenger models is split 50/50 and folds completely flat. Third-row seat access is now improved, with a tilt-slide feature for the second-row seat-only on the driver's side-to allow single-handed access to the rearmost seats. Seven-passenger models, besides having their different seating arrangement, also get a rear cabin air conditioner and headliner-mounted rear-seat heater vents.

The interior has a distinctive, sweeping design in front, with matte-metallic materials and a flowing "twin cockpit" instrument panel and large electroluminescent gauges. A seven-inch vehicle information display is also included.

The Tribeca has a wide range of safety features, all standard, including VDC stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, front-seat side-impact air bags, and side-curtain bags with a rollover sensor.

Standard features on the base Tribeca include power driver and front passenger seats with lumbar adjustment, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel audio controls, remote keyless entry, and a 100-watt, six-speaker CD sound system with MP3 compatibility. Limited models add leather upholstery, ambient lighting, heated front seats, a power moonroof, roof rails, and a 160-watt sound system with subwoofer, headliner-mounted tweeters, and six-disc changer.

Major options include a DVD entertainment system with nine-inch widescreen display, a navigation system, and a remote engine starter.
New front and rear styling gives the Subaru Tribeca a new look for 2008, and it gets a larger, 3.6L flat-six engine, which has a modest boost in power and a significant, 15-percent boost in torque over the previous 3.0L engine. The Tribeca also gets a revised five-speed automatic transmission-including new gear ratios-for better response and shift quality, and a new design of 18-inch alloy wheels are offered.

Inside, the second-row seat now has a tip-and-slide feature that allows one-handed access to the third row, and there are rear grab handles to ease entry and exit. An integrated key fob and remote keyless entry system is now standard, and on Limited models, the rear tweeters have been moved to the headliner for improved sound. see less