Cabin styling and handling impress ahead of materials selection and mileage
Tribeca is an abbreviation for a neighbourhood in Manhattan called the Triangle Below Canal Street that's famous for art and design. It's also the name of what was, at a time, one of the most hideous-looking SUVs on the road.
The original Tribeca was relatively popular with Subaru crossover fans, but it was ugly enough to make you feel sorry for its parents. We're talking Chrysler PT Cruiser ugly, folks. Pontiac Aztec ugly, even. For its latest facelift back in 2008, Subaru canned the confusing ‘B9’ prefix in the Tribeca's name badge and, more importantly, axed the 'what-the-heck-were-they-thinking' fascia that drew unbecoming comments from most. Restyled, thankfully Today, the restyled Tribeca and its now-digestible looks play in a sea of 'me too' crossovers that all have a three-point-something-litre six-cylinder under the hood, seating for up to 7 under the roof and some form of AWD system under the floor. Virtually every automaker offers a machine cross-shoppable with the Tribeca to some degree, though several attributes help Subaru's contender to stand apart. Standard 6-cylinder and AWD All models get a flat-six engine, five-speed automatic and Subaru's self-titled “Symmetrical AWD” system. Not only do these standard components make for a simplified shopping process, but they have several benefits to performance, enjoyment and even safety. Oh, and you can tell your buddies that your ‘Scoobie’ ute has the same engine layout as a Porsche 911 and the same brand of AWD system as the WRX STI. Extra envy points, if you're so inclined. Relatively agile and sporty But seriously, that flat, wide six-cylinder mounted deep in the engine compartment lowers the Tribeca's centre of gravity, benefiting handling during sporty driving and emergency manoeuvrings where the Tribeca proves surprisingly capable and eager. It's no WRX, but it doesn't make a lot of fuss about being thrown around a little.
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