2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Test Drives

Swanky Subaru

Subaru wants you to believe that its new SUV is trendy and daring. It's a solid performer, but is it truly cutting edge?

The B9 Tribeca is the largest Subaru ever and a unique-looking, competent entrant to a highly competitive segment.

Named after the trendy New York City neighborhood, Subaru aims to associate this new SUV with cutting edge culture and attract yuppie parents who might be looking at a Lexus RX330, Volvo XC90, Nissan Murano or BMW X5. Subaru hopes the B9 Tribeca will help broaden the brand's appeal as it tries to grow beyond its roots as a niche maker of all-wheel-drive wagons.

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Expensive compared to past Subarus, the all-wheel-drive B9 Tribeca is well equipped and successfully melds multiple agendas:

• It has just enough horsepower to not seem poky, but still be relatively fuel efficient.
• It offers seven passenger seating, but can fit in normal garages and parking spaces.
• It handles well, especially considering its minivan-like mission.

Subaru is phasing in a new front-grille design across its line-up and the B9 is the first to feature it. The look has drawn mixed reviews, but was designed to set Subaru apart stylistically.