2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca Preview

Adding chrome doesn’t chase the ugly away

by Autobytel Staff

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March 6, 2006

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2 min. Reading Time

The 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca…it’s like a pug. I’ve been dating a great woman for the past few months – we get along great, have lots to talk about, share common interests, and agree on most everything, except for pugs. She thinks those homely little dogs are adorable, I say they’re %#@%$! pugly. There’s no way my miniature schnauzer, possibly the best dog to grace the earth, would ever be subjected to sharing space with a four-legged creature that’s run full speed into a brick wall a few too many times. Groom it, teach it to do the laundry and call it Buddy, it’s still not gonna happen. Much like putting some chrome accents on a Subaru B9 Tribeca or offering a Special Edition badge fails to transform the vehicle into something even remotely attractive, though nearly 15,000 buyers opted to call this ride their own during the latter half of 2005. Beauty, it seems, remains in the eyes of the beholder.

What it is

Subaru’s B9 Tribeca is the brand’s only SUV capable of carrying seven passengers. Included in the base price, which has yet to be announced, is an all-wheel-drive system, traction control, side and side-curtain airbags, a 100-watt sound system, a host of power options including a sliding sunroof, while features like a navigation system and a rear vision camera are optional.

Why it matters

Though the interior design drew its share of praise, the Subaru B9 Tribeca was largely panned for its snub-nosed front end and pillowy ride. Despite these points, Subaru sold 15,000 units in 2005, and projects sales of 28,000 models for 2006. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of buyers who can’t get past that frightening mug. So, less than a year after its maiden launch, the B9 gets some tweaks aimed at broadening its appeal.

What’s under the hood

Power for the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca comes from a 3.0-liter, dual overhead cam, 24-valve, six-cylinder Boxer engine pushing 245 horsepower and 215 lb.-ft. of torque. A five-speed Sportshift automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system distribute power to all four wheels.

What’s inside

Since this Subie just went on sale for the 2006 model year, it would be safe to assume that no changes were in store for 2007. That’s the case, with a few exceptions. When it goes on sale in late 2006, the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca will include an auxiliary audio jack in the center console (think easy hookup for your iPod), pre-wiring for XM satellite radio, and Limited models receive a standard memory function for the driver’s seat and a rear vision camera with the optional navigation system. Other enhancements that are less evident but equally appreciated include a suspension system adjusted for a smoother ride, and the addition of brake assist and a rollover sensor for improved safety.

What it looks like

Well, it’s still ugly. But, to be fair, Subaru has taken a stab at rectifying that situation. The abomination of a grille is rimmed in chrome, and a new Special Edition package, which packs $1,295 onto the price of a 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca Limited, adds a chrome mesh grille, 18-inch chrome wheels, and standard satellite radio.

What we think

Mom always said that it’s the beauty within that counts. Try as we might, there’s no denying that we’re superficial buggers who can’t get past how things look on the outside. The 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca has a tasteful and attractive interior, room for up to seven passengers, the capability of a 245-horsepower engine and all-wheel-drive, yet remains a vehicle that certainly has its good sides (flanks and the rear) and bad (the front). Adding a touch of chrome, or in the case of the Special Edition models, a boat load of chrome, doesn’t change that. As one of our CarTV staffers put it, “It’s like putting braces on buck teeth.” Be that as it may, pug and B9 Tribeca lovers everywhere will benefit from the improved ride and additional safety features.