2006 Midsize SUV : SUBARU B9 Tribeca

Positioned above the company’s Legacy and Outback and exhibiting a fresh design theme, it is Subaru’s largest model. The B9 Tribeca is manufactured in Indiana. Subaru has never offered a model in the United States that could hold more than five occupants. But the new flagship B9 Tribeca, launched at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is the first-ever Subaru model with five- or seven-passenger seating. The B9 Tribeca went on sale in late May and is equipped with standard symmetrical Variable Torque Distribution all-wheel drive.

The all-aluminum horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine generates 250 horsepower, and the five-speed-automatic transmission incorporates a Sport-shift provision for manual gear changes. Seating for either five or seven passengers is available. The appearance of the twin-cockpit interior echoes the front grille, and aluminum-look trim decorates the sculpted shapes of the dashboard. Large electroluminescent dials and a 7-inch navigation/information touch-screen are installed.

An optional backseat entertainment system includes a DVD player and a 9-inch screen. Indirect floor lighting is installed. Rear air conditioning is standard in the seven-passenger model. Standard equipment includes a moon-roof, heated front seats, keyless entry and a 100-watt CD stereo with MP3 compatibility. Side-impact and first- and second-row side curtain-type airbags are standard. Antilock brakes incorporate electronic brake-force distribution, and a tire-pressure monitoring system and the Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability system are installed. Like the driving experience in general, automatic-transmission behavior is refined and satisfying.