The Subaru Tribeca is one of those cars that garner three reactions. 1. Surprise; “I didn’t know Subaru made a SUV”. 2. Disdain; “Wow, that is one funny looking car”. and 3. Confusion; “Yeah, I don’t know how I feel about it. It’s kind of weird.” While, only 1/3 the responses were outright negative, it’s hard to find people who just love this vehicle.
To look at it, you’re going to either love it or hate it. It’s incredibly unique shape, curves, and features make it stand out like few other $30,000 cars do right now. However, that uniqueness is the main problem people have with this car. Personally, I’m not a big fan of the rear 1/3 of the car. The front is pretty unassuming, but from behind it always has reminded me of an alien head. I think that Subaru would have had a real winner on it’s hand if they hadn’t handicapped themselves by giving it such unusual styling which people could disagree with. However, the 2008 model addresses these issues and it looks much better. But this review is about the 2007, so let’s get back to that.
The interior of the car brings in some of those alien notes, as it looks as much like a cockpit as any other interior I’ve ever seen. Almost every dial and button was easy to reach, and was in a logical place. Yet the separation between the driver and passenger through the center console, and the large readouts and dials and jog wheels give a definite sense of aeronautics (which I actually really like). I think there are better looking interiors for sure, but the Tribeca provided a very functional one, with enough buttons to make even a die-hard geek happy. Taking advantage of the in-dash GPS, the drop down DVD player, and the satellite radio, I definitely had a few moments of geek-bliss myself.
I had the 7-passenger model, which at first glance gave almost no room for those in the 3rd row, however, Subaru introduced a novel feature that allows the 2nd row seats to have two settings, each a different distance from the 1st row. Meaning, when there were no passengers in the 3rd row, the 2nd row slid back to provide more room; and obviously, also scooted forward to provide the occasional 3rd row passenger somewhere to put their legs. The 3rd row also folded down very easily and left a completely flat surface which became the luggage area.
As for driving the Tribeca, it was great. It carries much more bulk than its smaller siblings in the Subaru lineup, yet it didn’t have much more in terms of horsepower or torque. I found that it was a bit underpowered at times, which was only surprising considering how much popularity Subaru has gotten as a result of its very sporty WRX line. However, in the end, the car held four passengers, a trunk filled with luggage, and got all of us up and over a mountain pass without a problem, even passing along the way, which in the end, is all I would really want from a mid-sized crossover vehicle.
I’m not sure I would buy this car, but I definitely had a good time driving it, and it provided a great value and a truck-load of usability. To me, it’s as practical as a mini-van, but with a Subaru badge, four doors, and a little extra spice. It’s up to you if you like the spice. 3.5 stars on the outside, 4.5 on the inside.
