Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Premium
Road Test
Price Guide (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges): $56,990 Options fitted (not included in above price): nil Crash rating: Five-star (ANCAP)Fuel: 91 RON ULP Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 11.6 CO2 emissions (g/km): 275 Also consider: Ford Territory, Toyota Kluger, Holden Captiva 7, Mazda CX-9 It's been a rocky road for Subaru's first, large SUV since its local launch in late 2006. Instantly polarising opinions with its startling, aero-style snout, Subaru quickly went back to the drawing board and released a less controversial, restyle within 12 months, only then to be criticised for being too bland!Add in a couple of safety recalls; lack of a diesel variant; and ongoing doubt about its future, and it's no real surprise Subaru's only seven-seater has barely caused a ripple Down Under.As Subaru's flagship model, the US-built Tribeca continues to trickle out of Aussie showrooms at a steady rate of about a 100 a month. This volume figure puts it firmly in the bottom half of the medium SUV sales charts, with just 1.7 per cent of the market to July this year.Not helping the now ageing Tribeca's cause is lack of choice: buyers currently have only one variant from which to choose -- the previously top-spec 3.6R Premium. Priced at $56,990, it puts the AWD seven-seater firmly at the top end of the 'mainstream' SUV market, up against some serious competition including range-topping versions of the Ford Territory, Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9.For the money, you still get a good (if no longer class-leading) amount of luxury kit. Standard equipment includes a six-CD Harmon Kardon nine-speaker audio system, multi-function touchscreen display with satnav and reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, heated eight-way, electrically-adjustable front seats, sunroof and a rear DVD system with wireless headphones.Although Bluetooth telephony has been added one notable omission is Bluetooth audio streaming, a feature now available on Territory et al. There's an Aux plug for an iPod, but no USB connection. Full marks for the number of 12V outlets, though -- we counted three up front and two at the rear which puts the Tribeca at the head of the pack in this regard.The biggest Subaru also makes do with a five-speed auto, whereas many of its (often cheaper) rivals benefit from more efficient six-speeders. While this isn't necessarily a deal breaker, as the five-speed combines well with the mostly refined 3.6-litre 'flat six' boxer engine, the lack of an extra cog and almost two-tonne mass means it doesn't feel as sprightly as some of its petrol rivals.With maximum torque of 350Nm not arriving until 4000rpm (and 190kW at 6000rpm) the engine often needs a good rev for push-on driving. The automatic gearbox is also quick to kick down to a lower gear, which doesn't do much for quiet progression or fuel economy. As a result, we couldn't hit the official fuel figure of under 12L/100km, although the 14.2L/100km (mostly around town), was still respectable. The Tribeca doesn't challenge the car-like Territory in the handling or ride stakes, but it's by no means a slouch in the corners. While reluctant to change direction in a hurry and exhibiting some body roll when pushed, it rides nonchalently over smaller bumps, with only the odd large pothole causing any consternation. Steering is mostly light but firms up nicely at speed. The Tribeca's relatively tight turning circle makes it easy to maneouvre in busy carparks.
Inside Tribeca lags behind some of its (more spacious) medium SUV rivals despite similar external dimensions. There's nothing wrong with the cockpit-style, wrap-around dash and protruding centre stack, and ergonomically it works fine but along with the generous door pockets the design intrudes on valuable front passenger knee room.
While reasonably comfortable, the leather-covered seats are fairly flat so it can get a bit slippery in corners. The lack of 'rake' adjustment on the steering wheel, also meant I couldn't find the perfect position despite the multi-adjustable seats.
Although vision from the driver's seat was generally good, the thick, two-pronged A-pillar and large side mirrors did block vision to the side, particularly when turning.
Finding a comfortable position was also an issue in the second and third seating rows. Subaru markets the Tribeca as suitable for 'growing families', but I suspect you wouldn't want them to be growing up too fast, given the amount of room available back there.
Whereas in the Territory or Captiva for example, you can fit two 182cm-plus adults back to back (first and second row) in reasonable comfort, limited legroom makes this a struggle in the Tribeca -- despite the split-fold second row's ability to slide back on rails.
I also found headroom restricted; at 192cm tall, my head was jammed uncomfortably against the headlining while seated in the second row, perhaps due to sunroof fitted.
The story wasn't any better in the third row, although to be fair this is an issue in most seven-seat SUVs. Access to the two seats in the third row is tight, despite a handy lever that drops the front seat rest and moves the seat forward in one convenient action.
With very little legroom, the third row is really only suitable for small children, and once back there they're likely to complain of claustrophobia, with restricted vision outside, thanks to a very low seating position and tiny, high set rear three quarter windows.
Interestingly, there's more headroom here than the second row, but elbow room is restricted thanks to protruding cup holders on each side. The third row also misses out on curtain airbags.
The third (and second) row seating folds flat to open up a decent load space, but even when operating as a five seater, the Tribeca is on the small side compared to some other mid-sized family haulers. With seven seats in operation, there's only enough room for a few shopping bags, which is par for the course in this segment.
At around $60,000 on the road, it's not unfair to expect more from Subaru's high-riding wagon. Despite an impressive list of standard features, solid build quality and decent driving dynamics, packaging and practicality issues means the Tribeca lacks the ammunition to take on the big guns in the cut-throat seven-seat SUV segment.
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