Strengths

All-weather performance; good balance between ride and handling; 7-passenger capability; overall versatility; excellent safety record

 

Changes

There's a new Tribeca Touring model for 2010, offering even more features than than last year's Tribeca Limited model. HID headlamps, a power moonroof, a rear camera monitor and silver roof rails are now part of the upgrade. Limited and Touring models come with Bluetooth hands-free calling features.

All 2010 Tribeca models get heated seats and auxiliary air conditioning with second- and third-row headliner vents-features that were formerly optional. Seven-passenger capacity is now included on all Tribecas, with the 5-passenger configuration discontinued.

 

Value

The Tribeca is a car-based crossover vehicle, meaning that it's going to ride and handle better on the road than utility vehicles that emphasize off-roading. While it's at the small end of mid-size, the Tribeca manages three rows of seating, to fit up to seven, so it's a good choice if you have to occasionally haul several kids in back. Also, safety is a good reason to consider the Tribeca; its all-wheel-drive system can prove an asset on slick roads, and it's been a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

 

Overview

The Tribeca is now offered in Premium, Limited, and new Touring models. Across the lineup, a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed 'boxer' 6-cylinder engine powers the Tribeca, with all-wheel drive and a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The Tribeca has three rows of seating, to fit up to seven. First and second rows are quite comfortable, while the front seats afford a better view outward than most other crossovers. The second-row bench is split and slides forward or back to help optimize the balance of legroom with the third row; the third row is also split and folds flat to expand the cargo area when not in use.

All-wheel drive is included on the Tribeca, as it is on all Subarus; the Variable Torque Distribution system works with the electronic stability control and traction control to provide continuous traction for the wheels that can use it. During normal driving, it sends 55 percent of torque to the rear wheels to aid handling no matter what the road conditions. Anti-lock braking is also included.

Thanks to the relatively low center of mass and a suspension that's tuned more for road performance than off-road capability, the Tribeca handles quite well while offering an absorbent ride, with the 6-cylinder engine providing ample acceleration through the 5-speed automatic. While off-roading isn't one of the Tribeca's strong points, towing is quite respectable, with a 3,500-pound rating when properly equipped.

Limited models of the Tribeca get leather upholstery, a power memory driver's seat, additional ambient lighting inside, Bluetooth hands-free, and a 385-watt Harman-Kardon audio system with XM Satellite Radio. The new Touring trim adds HID headlamps, a power moonroof, and a rear camera monitor with auto-dimming mirror, plus some appearance enhcements such as silver-painted roof rails, a silver-painted chin guard in front, and upgraded 7-spoke alloy wheels.

Options on the Limited include the moonroof, while available on the Limited and Touring are a touch-screen navigation system and rear DVD entertainment system, including wireless headphones and a remote.