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Used 2012 Subaru Tribeca Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
27 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Tribeca, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tribeca since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
4.75 out of 5 stars

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South Dakota, 04/20/2010
2010 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
29 of 29 people found this review helpful

I read everything on line about the Tribeca. It was frustrating as many of the reviews contradict each other (e.g. one says there is very little body roll, the brakes are great while another says there is too much body roll and the breaks are spongy). You have to drive it yourself to judge. I was a Chevy Trail Blazer owner (LTZ) and I have to say the Tribeca drives way better, is more responsive, and stops quicker than the trailblazer. Yes, a lot of reviewers say gas mileage is poor on the Tribeca. Indeed, but measure it against any other all wheel drive and none of them are any better (the reviewers seem to compare the all wheel drive of the Tribeca with the 2 wheel drive of other make

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3.75 out of 5 stars

1000 km Review

Michael S., 04/29/2010
2010 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

My family have been loyal Volvo owners for the last 12 years. Given Volvo's current lack of a value proposition we decided to expand our horizons before purchasing a car this year. My checkpoints for our decision were a. needed to be real AWD; b. must accommodate 2 6 ft+ boys comfortably in the back seats; and c. it need to fit our budget. Point A eliminated a bunch of vehicles very quickly. Point B narrowed the list down even further. After looking at Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, VW, Toyota and Nissan's offerings we went off to look at Subaru's offerings on a friends recommendation. We took a 60 minute test drive of the car and came back thrilled with the drive, the space and the value.

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5 out of 5 stars

2000 miles of joy

Alex K., 09/16/2010
2010 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

I was looking for 7-seat SUV as well as for luxury, safety and reliability. First I tested Audi Q7, then Acura MDX, Lexus. Then looked at Volvo XC90 and BMW X5. Not decided. Then I went to the dealership for my Forester's regular service and tested Tribeca. I felt just as comfortable in it as in the previous cars. Price was much less so it was done deal. Some complain about fuel economy of Tribeca. But guys, this is not your old little Subaru! This is almost a truck! After about 1200 miles I started getting about 16 mpg in Brooklyn and more than 21 mpg on highway. Just as promised. In line with other vehicles in the class. Also it speeds up really well in sport shift mode.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Excellent quality; average look

olegs, 04/20/2011
2011 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
31 of 35 people found this review helpful

This is our second Tribeca. The first 2006 was an attractive looker with distinctive Alfa Romeo front but was lacking the performance. The new 2011 is a complete opposite. Average Pacifica like look with improved power and excellent track on quality and reliability. This is the only SUV that we'll trust on our trips to skiing resorts. Nobody can bit Tribeca’s handling in a nasty winter storm, especially with a set of dedicated winter tires. We also like the fact that it is Japanese made but assembled in USA. You have both: Japanese superior engineering and outstanding American quality.

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4 out of 5 stars

The big persons Subaru

The DayWaster, 05/24/2018
2011 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Legroom in the back two rows are limited. Third row seating is a joke. I've had 7 Subarus and this is the first one that I fit in. Great vehicle overall. 160,000 miles and drives and looks like it did the day I got it.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

2011 Tribeca Still Rocks in 2019

Tom, 08/17/2019
2011 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Here in 2019 we still can't find a reason to trade this beauty in. Granted ours only has 41,000 miles and runs like new, but it still offers us everything we want; and we don't have to deal with a bunch of unwanted "millennial tech" gadgets. Very powerful, extremely comfortable, and always reliable. Has all the options we would want.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
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Performance
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Interior
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Comfort
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Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.25 out of 5 stars

Safety and 7 passengers at a value price

Nick, 09/11/2010
2010 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful

We purchased a Tribeca because it's the smallest and cheapest seven passenger vehicle with a perfect safety rating from both the federal government and IIHS. It's easy to drive and handles well on city streets, freeways, and winding mountain roads. Engine power and acceleration are more than adequate, although it's certainly no sports car. We've never taken it off road but the ride quality is good on rough pavement. The interior is comfortable on long trips. Climate controls are easy to use. The second row seat is wide enough to actually hold three people in reasonable comfort. Overall I am very happy with the Tribeca. There's nothing else which gives you so many features at the same price.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great reliable car!

Alex D, 11/29/2019
2010 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I do not remember writing a review before but I kind of feel that I have to now. We purchased this car new in 2010 and wanted to keep it. No disappointment whatsoever. It is a great reliable car. 200km+ and it still runs like it should. The only repair was this year and it was a bulb change. It is fun to drive and invincible in snow (we live in Toronto, Canada). It is not perfect but I guess, nothing is. I average 13 liters per 100km, about equal mix of highways and city. By the way we also have Subaru Legacy, great car as well:)

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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Performance
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Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Comfortable and safe

Robson Braga, 05/06/2020
2011 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I just bought a 2011 Subaru Tribeca Premium, with 100k miles. This one is very proper, all the maintenance was did right and the vehicle is very sharp. I find it very comfortable, stylish and safe, because of the Subaru's AWD System. I love the fact that even having a third row, there's still some considerable cargo room. The engine is very powerful, although it has poor gas mileage. Actually, that's the only thing I have to complain about the car, poor gas mileage, but, come on, it's a 6 cylinder engine with continuous AWD. In terms of style, for me, it's far pleasant than the 2011 Honda Pilot or the 2011 Toyota Highlander. Anyways, I have no idea why people don't like this mid-size crossover.

Safety
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Interior
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Comfort
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Reliability
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Value
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2.25 out of 5 stars

My 1st Subaru is disappointing

bob636, 08/08/2014
2010 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

I recently purchased a used 2010 Tribeca 3.6 L engine , my first Subaru, and am rather pleased except for a 'howl' in my automatic transmission. The sound changes as goes up through gears and especially noticeable from start through 2nd. Dealer has determined it is the alternator since engine speed also changes as gears change. Cannot believe any auto manufacturer would make their top of the line 'touring' vehicle with this howl or whine as I have been told by others. Either way a defective alternator OR transmission needs to be replaced.

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