2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Trims and Specs

The base model of the brand new SUV from Subaru is the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca 5-Passenger, featuring two rows of seats, with a second row that moves eight inches forward or aft to adjust for more leg or more storage room. It is longer, taller, and wider than the Outback, though it shares the same platform. The 2006 B9 Tribeca 5-Passenger features a 3.0-liter, 250-hp flat-six engine and 5-speed shiftable automatic. AWD is standard and comes with a limited slip differential. ABS brakes, 18-inch wheels, stability control, a tire monitor, foglights, turn signal mirrors, and six airbags in the front and side are some of the safety features.

The 2006 B9 Tribeca 5-Passenger is rugged as well as comfortable, with standard 8-way and 4-way power front seats, cruise control (on the steering wheel), a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, CD/MP3 player, trip computer, garage opener, leather trim, keyless entry, and intermittent front and rear wipers. The cargo area has tie-downs and grocery bag hooks and compartments, holding up to 74 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Options add a roof rack, cargo cover, and a trailer hitch for up to 3500 pounds of towing. Owners say the 2006 B9 Tribeca 5-Passenger is comfortable, handles easily, and the interior is well laid out. They wish it had better fuel economy and fewer blind spots.

The 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Limited 5-Passenger is Subaru's new all-wheel drive SUV, available with two rows of seats for five people. The Limited adds a few more amenities to the regular 5-Passenger, with heated leather seats, heated mirrors, and a 6-CD changer with MP3 playback. A navigation system is also optional on the Limited. The 2006 B9 Tribeca Limited 5-Passenger carries the same 3.0-liter, 250-hp DOHC V6 engine with 5-speed automatic transmission. It sits on 18-inch wheels and comes standard with a rear spoiler, ABS brakes, stability and traction control, dual front-side and side airbags, foglights, a tire monitor, mirror turn signals, and daytime running lights.

The second row folds flat and also moves back and forth eight inches for longer legs or more storage. Standard equipment includes manual sliding doors, power accessories, a sunroof, 8-way and 4-way power front seats, a trip computer, dual-zone climate control, leather trim, intermittent front and rear wipers, and cruise control. There is front and overhead storage, tie-downs, and grocery hooks in the cargo area. A cargo cover, roof rack, and trailer hitch is extra. Drivers like the interior layout of the 2006 B9 Tribeca Limited 5-Passenger, as well as the handling, AWD, and overall style. Biggest complaint was blind spots caused by the rear headrests.

The new 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca 7-Passenger is a 3-row, seven-seater version of the all-wheel drive SUV. It is the same dimensions as the-passenger, but adds in a 50/50 third row bench. The extra seating is the biggest difference from the 5-Passenger, as well as an optional DVD system for the rear seats. A 3.0-liter, 250-hp DOHC V6 engine and 5-speed automatic power the 2006 B9 Tribeca 7-Passenger. Safety features include traction and stability control, ABS brakes, six airbags, foglights, mirror turn signals, a security system, and 18-inch all-season tires.

As for interior comfort and driving convenience, the 7-Passenger packs in heated power front seats, leather upholstery, a 6-CD changer with MP3 compatibility, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, heated mirrors, leather trim, garage opener, dual-zone climate control, rear spoiler, and intermittent front and rear wipers. The trunk features tie-downs, compartments, and hooks and holds up to 74 cubic feet. Gas mileage runs around 18/23 mpg. Extras include a roof rack and trailer hitch. Good storage versatility, good handling, good AWD performance, and overall style score high with drivers. Rear blind spots and a tiny third row unsuitable for adults are the low points.

The most fully packed and versatile of the new B9 Tribeca lineup is the 2006 Limited 7-Passenger. Three rows of seats (the second row folds 20/40/20 and the third row bench splits 50/50) fit seven, though the third row is pretty cramped. A 3.0-liter, 250-hp V6 engine sits under the hood, driven by a 5-speed automatic. 18-inch all-season tires, all-wheel drive, ABS brakes, and traction and stability control are all standard. The 2006 B9 Tribeca Limited 7-Passenger has dual front-side and side curtain airbags, a rear spoiler, mirror turn signals, a security system, foglights, and daytime running lights.

The Limited 7-Passenger adds a navigation system as an option. Other standard features include heated leather seats, power front seats, heated mirrors, a trip computer, 6-CD changer with MP3 capability, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, compass, and intermittent front and rear wipers. Some available options are a DVD player with remote, a roof rack, cargo cover, and electrochromatic mirror. Tight handling, a quiet ride, and interior layout all rate well with drivers of 2006 B9 Tribeca Limited 7-Passenger. A tiny backseat, limited rear visibility, and a small gas tank make up many of the gripes.