Driving the Subaru Tribeca

Subaru is treading on new ground with its smooth, new Tribeca SUV. While the brand may be famous for its WRC exploits and its fearsome Impreza WRX and STi turbocharged supersedans, car buyers in snowy climes have been singing its high-traction attributes with the more down-to-earth all-wheel-drive Legacy, Outback, and Forester models.

But with the vast majority of car buyers gravitating towards SUVs and MPVs, Subaru had to join the club. Hence the made-in-Indiana, USA Tribeca.

The 2008 Tribeca is actually a heavily restyled version of the original Tribeca that debuted worldwide in 2006. The new model loses the original model’s aircraft-inspired nose with its shield-like grille and replaces it with a smoother and more conventional grille treatment.

The ’08 sports a sleek bodyline and stylish front and rear profiles with a completely different rearmost pillar. It boasts xenon headlamps and front fog lamps as well as impressively large 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped by generously sized 255/55R-18 tires that give the Tribeca the sporty handling to match its looks.

A distinctive character line, power folding side mirrors and moonroof, roof rails, and a rear spoiler combine for a sporty, upscale look.

Inside, the sweeping curves of the ergonomically-designed dashboard give a luxurious and somewhat futuristic feel while the red-illuminated gauges are easy on the eyes, literally and figuratively.

The driver and front passenger enjoy power adjustable seats while the 5+2 seating configuration allow two additional passengers to be accommodated in comfort (as long as they are young or vertically challenged), aided by the independent front and rear air-conditioning and the iPod-ready audio system.

The third-row seat can be folded flat to make the Tribeca a strict five-seater with a cavernous cargo area.

Overall, I’d give the interior an “A” for aesthetics as well as fit and finish, a “B+” for functionality and versatility, and a “B” for overall space. The latter would’ve merited a “B+” or even an “A” had it not been for the cramped legroom for the third-row occupants.

The new Tribeca is powered by the largest motor in the Subaru lineup with a 258-hp (with 350Nm of torque) 3.6-liter DOHC flat-6 engine that impressed us with its low levels of noise and vibration.

Just don’t expect Impreza WRX-levels of scoot. The Tribeca’s horsepower numbers might be impressive, but this heavily equipped baby weighs close to two tons – a curb weight that does not make for ideal acceleration and fuel economy. Nonetheless, the Tribeca can easily satisfy a spirited driver, both in a straight line or when the going gets all curvy or slippery.

Subaru equipped the 2008 Tribeca with a new electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with SportShift manumatic mode (which work fine but didn’t seem as instantaneously responsive as some other manumatics I’ve tested).

A variable torque distribution system transfers 45 percent of torque to the front wheels and 55 percent to the rear, providing excellent traction in all driving conditions.

I particularly liked the Tribeca’s balance between ride and handling. Thanks to Subaru’s rally-proven Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, it sticks to the road like no heavy and large SUV is expected to.

But it achieves this without the usual penalty of a stiff ride. The Tribeca’s ride is every bit as supple and plush as that of much more expensive luxury SUVs like the ones from BMW, Mercedes or Volvo.

And as in every Subaru, there is a lengthy list of active and passive safety features: the symmetrical AWD system for outstanding roadholding, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), front seatbelts with pretensioners, automatic active headrests (which automatically move forward during rear collision to support the head area and avoid “whiplash” effect) and front, front-side, and curtain airbags.

And like most Japanese-designed vehicles, the Tribeca has lots of compartments, cubbyholes and cupholders for those long road trips.

Retailing at P2.648 mil, the Tribeca sees itself in the rarified company that includes the equally accomplished Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Vera Cruz, and Nissan Murano. That’s pretty stiff competition. Still, the Tribeca has all it takes to carve its own niche and stake its claim to the luxury Asian SUV crown.

THE GOOD

• Understatedly stylish looks, in and out

• High build quality

• Super-smooth and silent engine

• Plush ride, terrific traction

• Proven AWD hardware

THE BAD

• Tight legroom in the 3rd-row seat

• Fuel economy only an oil company exec would love

• Pricey

THE VERDICT

• A capable 7-seat SUV that reeks of smoothness, style, and sophistication.