2008 Subaru Tribeca Review
2008 Subaru Tribeca Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Serene ride quality, smaller size adds to maneuverability, handsome interior design.
Cons
- Cramped second- and third-row seats, low cargo capacity, modest handling limits, high price.
What’s new
The Subaru Tribeca (sorry, bingo fans, "B9" is no longer in the model name) receives some significant updates for 2008. Mechanically, the Tribeca now features an enlarged 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine for more power and torque and a revised five-speed automatic transmission said to offer smoother shifting. The rear suspension has also been softened for better ride comfort. Inside, Subaru has improved access to the third-row seat via a new design of the second-row seat release. The '08 model also has a restyled front end, abandoning last year's adventurous-but-awkward look in favor of a more conservative face.
Edmunds says
Thanks to its new engine, the 2008 Subaru Tribeca has become a fine-driving, four-seasons SUV. However, its higher price and tight rear seats remain prominent drawbacks in the midsize crossover crowd.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Subaru Tribeca 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.26 per gallon for regular unleaded in Minnesota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Minnesota
$223/mo for Tribeca 5-Passenger
Tribeca 5-Passenger
vs
$187/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Upon its debut two years ago, the Subaru Tribeca got everyone talking but few people buying. While it followed the proven formula of a midsize, seven-seat crossover SUV, the details weren't in sync with buyer preferences. It was slow on the highway, awkward around corners and cramped in the cabin. Its name was a curiosity, its looks an anomaly.
The heavily revised 2008 Subaru Tribeca marks a major shift toward the mainstream. While its more conservative front-end styling is the most obvious difference, the new engine and revised automatic transmission underneath are what grab our attention. Increased size and improved technology have boosted the 3.6-liter six-cylinder's output to 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, and the once-laggardly Tribeca is now as quick as most of its peers.
Other driving attributes are mostly unchanged, and this is pretty much a good thing. Smaller than most other midsize crossover SUVs, the Tribeca maneuvers with ease, and Subaru's standard all-wheel drive provides ample grip in any weather. However, the Tribeca, especially this year's model with its softer rear suspension, is definitely tuned for comfort, as evidenced by its slow steering and noticeable body roll around corners. The payoff comes in the form of its smooth, serene ride quality.
We still think the Tribeca could use some improvement in passenger accommodations. Our first complaint involves the second-row seat, which although fine for kids, lacks the legroom and hip room that larger, taller adults need. Even worse is the tiny third-row seat, as it's only large enough to accommodate the smallest of children. Subaru has improved access to the third row in the 2008 Tribeca, but for families who plan to make everyday use of all three rows, the Tribeca is still not our top recommendation. To make matters worse, Subaru's SUV carries a base price over 30 grand -- despite its modest interior space and practicality. That price is supported by plenty of standard features, but it's certainly a consideration for midsize SUV shoppers trying to stay within a household budget.
Overall, we think the 2008 Subaru Tribeca is of sound design and a solid performer. But with so many desirable choices in this segment, it's probably best to look around. In particular, families who need a functional third row on a regular basis will be better served by competitors like the GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook twins, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander. All of these rivals offer more expansive interiors, and many of them cost less and handle better as well.
Performance & mpg
The 2008 Subaru Tribeca's 3.6-liter, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine produces 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque -- an increase of 11 hp and 32 lb-ft over last year. Performance is up significantly, with the Tribeca's 0-60-mph acceleration times dropping from 9.5 seconds to 7.8. Better yet, the new engine matches the old one for gas mileage and now runs on regular fuel. The sole transmission is a five-speed automatic with a manual shift mode. All Tribecas use an all-wheel-drive system that sends 55 percent of the power to the rear wheels in normal driving.
Safety
Every 2008 Subaru Tribeca comes with antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control and a rollover-sensing program that redirects power and braking efforts if a rollover is imminent. Front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints round out the safety features. In government crash tests, the Tribeca scored five out of five stars for both front- and side-impact protection. In addition, it received the top rating of "Good" in frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Driving
In contrast to the rugged, fun-to-drive character found in most Subarus, the Tribeca's personality is more subdued and maybe even a little disappointing. Handling limits are low due to the Tribeca's softly tuned suspension and ride-biased all-season tires, and the steering, although accurate, is slow to respond and low on feedback. For these reasons, Tribeca drivers will likely prefer to take corners at a modest pace. The upside, however, is that Subaru's SUV delivers a very smooth and quiet ride. And thanks to its new engine and revised five-speed automatic transmission, the 2008 Subaru Tribeca also provides sufficiently quick acceleration for a midsize crossover SUV.
Interior
The Tribeca's interior has an upscale look that's high on style. We like the central display screen that shows climate control and audio information, a feature found on the Tribeca whether or not the navigation system is ordered. However, the arrangement of some controls is awkward and the air-conditioner struggles to keep the cabin cool, even in seven-passenger models with the auxiliary rear blower. Although the Tribeca's front seats offer great comfort, it's downhill from there. The second-row seats slide fore and aft nearly 8 inches, but even then they lack the legroom and hiproom needed by larger, taller adults, or even teenagers. The third row is just too cramped for anyone but very small children -- most competitors in this price range offer superior accommodations. Folding all the rear seats results in 74 cubic feet of cargo space, which is below average for the midsize crossover segment.
2008 Subaru Tribeca models
A midsize crossover SUV, the 2008 Subaru Tribeca comes in base and Limited trim lines, each available in five- or seven-passenger versions. Base five-passenger models are well equipped and come with 18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, power front seats, full power accessories, cruise control, a CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input jack, a 7-inch display screen and keyless entry. Stepping up to the Limited grants you a moonroof, roof rails, leather seating, upgraded speakers, an in-dash CD changer, HomeLink, front seat heaters and memory for the driver seat. Seven-passenger versions add a 50/50-split third-row seat (cloth on base, vinyl on Limited) and rear climate controls. Notable options include satellite radio, a remote start system, a navigation system with rear parking camera, and on seven-passenger models only, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#31 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Subaru Tribeca from 2008-2022.$478/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.45x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).20.5%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Subaru Tribeca.
5 star(60%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(0%)
83 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.13 out of 5 stars
New Subaru Tribeca owner
Brenda, 05/23/2008
2008 Subaru Tribeca 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
I recently purchased the Tribeca. I previously owned a Mercedes SUV and a Toyota Highlander. I love the interior and features but I don't care for the ride. It is very bumpy and I am sensitive to motion. The Toyota gave a much much better ride and I am sorry I didn't buy it out of the lease. I was swayed by the features I didn't have in the Highlander like heated seats, memory seats, … outside temp reading, etc. The insurance is a fortune-my bad for not checking. They say it is because it costs so much to fix and the excise tax is very high which I didn't factor in. Factor in all your costs before making this purchase!
4 out of 5 stars
Great car for the money
Tim O, 12/28/2008
2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Have 12,000 on my Tribeca, and have been very happy. I was shopping for an SUV w/ 4WD/AWD, good reliability and resale, and wanted some luxury appointments (leather, 6 CD, etc) for not much over $30k. I chose the Subaru over all others in class as I was able to get most everything I wanted without having to compromise too much. The inside and exterior styling are very unique, and the … interior is more luxurious and sharp looking that the other cars in class. I've had the car for close to a year and have been very impressed. The AWD system is fantastic in the Iowa winters. After having ridden in all of them, I'm happy I chose this over Pilot, Highlander, 4Runner and Edge.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Nice but with some quality reliability issues
jimsimp3, 01/18/2012
2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD w/Nav (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
I have owned the car for 40 months now and honestly say I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER TRIBECA and maybe not another Subaru.
LIKES:
purchase price including factory incentives was $6,000 under MSRP.
It has plenty of nice standard features.
I like the styling (except the Chrysler-like grill).
I really like the size and cargo capacity with the seats folded.
DISLIKES: fuel economy, small fuel … tank, cheap and non-durable plastic cargo area material, forward blind spots caused by thick posts.
Last but not least ........ I have it back to the dealer too many times for issues like rough transmission shifting, replacement of brake master cylinder, headlight bulbs are frequently blown
3.63 out of 5 stars
Did not meet expecations
Briofny, 07/23/2009
2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited 7-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
I purchased the car in April of 08, and just hit 27k miles. Small gas tank, but mileage not bad for an SUV. The fit of the interior of the car is disappointing, loose pieces every where, & the rear hatch is not designed to strategically close when packing. Also, what is the point of the rear blower if I can't control it from the front, my kids cant reach it. The look of the car is great, … but I can't justify the looks versus the quality I expect for the prices. A+ on the handling and engine (although Subaru wants me to change the tranny fluid already)! C on interior quality and pointing out as another post did, who scans on the radio any more, let me change my presets from the steering wheel
2008 Tribeca Highlights
5-Passenger
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $29,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $223/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 37.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Tribeca include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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