2008 Subaru Tribeca Review

There’s a lot of power in it, a word that can refer to anything from a war to belly-button lint. And, as we discovered while driving the 2008 Tribeca, the subject can sometimes remain a mystery. Subaru’s current tagline reads: “It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.” Thing is, after hundreds of miles in Subie’s midsize crossover we couldn’t figure out what “it” was. “It” certainly wasn’t the WRX’s sporty nature, and “it” definitely wasn’t spacious seven-passenger seating. Our best guess? “It” is the brand’s homogenized exterior styling and, in the case of the Tribeca, a completely average driving demeanor.

By: Thom Blackett Photo credit: Oliver Bentley

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Since our test vehicle was a pre-production model provided by Subaru, there was no window sticker to go by and, as is our policy, we steered away from evaluating this particular crossover’s build quality. To remedy the window sticker situation, we configured an exact replica on Subaru’s site. The base five-passenger Tribeca starts at just over $30,000 (including a $645 destination charge), but we figured our three-row/seven-passenger Limited model rang up at $39,053. That included a base price of $33,595, the $645 destination charge, a trailer tow package, fancy floor mats, and a touch-screen navigation system with a rear DVD player ($4,200).

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Yes, the 2008 Tribeca has more power than the 2007 B9 Tribeca is replaces, yet the boost translates to nothing more than adequate. If the Tribeca had to align itself with a family member, it most likely would be a four-cylinder (non-turbo) Forester rather than a WRX STI. There’s enough gusto for comfortable cruising, and the automatic transmission is smooth in routine driving. However, we were not inspired enough to make two-lane passes, and the tranny’s sport mode provides altered shift points that are hardly discernable. On the plus side, we averaged 19.5 mpg using regular 87 octane petrol.

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As a 4,250-lb. curb weight suggests, the 2008 Tribeca Limited is a heavy vehicle and, not surprisingly, that heft translates to the driver. The ride is smooth, controlled, and nicely damped around town, but when empty the tail felt stiffly sprung over highway joints. Braking was always effective – sometimes too much so, as we came to find the pedal to be somewhat sensitive and grippy. The extra poundage becomes obvious on gentle curves as the suspension wallows and 18-inch Goodyear Eagle tires become participants in a game of understeer.

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Outward visibility is one of the Tribeca’s strong points. With the exception of the rearmost example, all pillars are narrow and when coupled with the extensive greenhouse provide plenty of viewing area. Head restraints almost fully retract, allowing for a clear look out of the back window; ample side mirrors help to keep track of approaching vehicles. Designers have also placed small glass panels in the lower A-pillars, presumably to aid in visibility, though their location and size relegate them to the useless bin.

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If the last car you drove was a 1980 Datsun B210, possibly due to extended incarceration or maybe a lengthy coma, the 2008 Subaru Tribeca will likely be viewed as more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Same goes if you’re a high school kid and the Sub is the first vehicle over which you take control. If, however, you’ve been driving and experiencing cars for years, the Tribeca, while satisfying, comes up short on the fun meter. Remedying that situation would require a bit more power, improved handling, and more space to quiet the screams of anguish from the third row.

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Subaru has done an admirable job of building a comfortable cockpit. The driver and front passenger, in particular, are granted padded door and center armrests, narrow yet padded door sills, and plenty of overall room, especially overhead. The driver also enjoys a leather-wrapped shift knob and tilting steering wheel (no telescope function). Our only gripe focuses on the front bucket seats. They’re the right size and shape to be supportive, but our backs were left sore after enduring a 300-mile drive, despite the multiple power adjustments and manual lumbar. Slightly softer cushions would’ve likely helped.

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Ahh, you’ve gotta love compromises. Or in the case of the Tribeca, maybe you don’t. To make room for the third row, the second row split bench seat becomes tight and confined. Slid as far back as possible, our five-foot-eight-inch tall editor had barely enough leg room, though plenty of head and foot room. The stiff and flat seat cushions, not to mention the hard front seatbacks, didn’t help. At least the second row seatbacks recline and the armrests are padded. Head restraints adjust for tall people who are presumably all torso with iddy-biddy legs.

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We sure hope there are people out there who actually appreciate this – otherwise, we’re stuffing ourselves into hopelessly cramped third-row seats for nothing. Count the Tribeca’s rear most “seat” among that group, offering barely enough room for a pre-growth-spurt child; it’s a total joke for an average-size adult. There is plenty of head room, but leg room is non-existent. Interestingly, you get decent foot room, but it’s hard to take advantage of when your femurs are in your chest and your feet are left hanging. Each of the second row sections tilt and slide forward for easier third-row entry, though it’s still a chore to get in.

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Shoppers who are interested in crossover vehicles in this price range expect a ride on the quiet side, and for the most part the 2008 Subaru Tribeca delivers. Engine noise, while not overly refined, is kept to a minimum unless the pedal is to the floor and revs are high. Wind noise is also well muted, as are road and tire noise.

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With the third-row seat raised, there’s a decent amount of trunk space near the cargo floor, but the sloping rear glass and D-pillars limit the height of any items you may wish to carry. The liftover height is a bit on the high side. Third-row seats fold easily from the rear, and when paired with the second row bench, create an extended flat load floor. For those times when cargo is being transported, the Tribeca offers multiple tie-down points.