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Comments
see 360 interior view
This vehicle gets Subaru out of the gates, and into this market segment. There is plenty here to build upon, down the road.
Bob
This car truly has everything my wife wanted.
3 passenger 2nd row
Nav
DVD
AWD with VDC
H6 & NOT turbo.
dual climate control
This will please more women with kids than men.
A good sign, y'all think?
-Dave
- The second row of seats slides back as far as 200 mm, providing outstanding roominess.
In order of importance:
1) how much it costs
2) how it drives
3) what it looks like in person
#1 is make or break, because I'm not shopping near-luxury, I'm shopping near-cheapskate!
#2 is also essential, I will not buy a pig no matter the price or beauty. If there's no grin, I'm not in.
#3 would be a bonus if I like the looks, but it's not essential so long as I don't find it ugly, and the Tribeca is far from.
Personality - really, so you've driven one? C'mon, gimme a break...
225 lbs lighter than the MDX, that's great. It has a chance of actually handling decently. I haven't driven an MDX lately but the Pilot leaves room for improvement, that's for sure.
-juice
I didn't see anybody mentioning this but... no RE-92s!!! It seems to have Good Year LS tires.
Sly
Just imagine you're looking at Stitch.
I think he's cute
-Dave
If I could get that sporty driving feel in a vehicle that was roomier and more flexible than my Outback, and only slightly more expensive, then it would be in my radar for sure. My only complaint about my Outback and our former Forester is the lack of backseat room and the general tight fit (moreso in the Outback than the Forester). More interior space would be welcome.
Craig
The more I look at this Tribeca—and even though it has the profile of a SUV-crossover—I really see more Legacy in many ways.
The tires, Goodyear Eagle LS, are hardly what one would consider for even mild off-roading. The towing is mediocre at best. SOA talks about how good a "road car" this is, and nowhere have I seen any "outdoorsy/woodsy" imagery. All the photos show it in an urban environment. I really see this being marketed more as a 7-passenger Murano, than a Pilot/MDX competitor.
I'm also really curious as to whether it comes with a full-size spare, or a temp spare.
Bob
taking a look at those subdriven pics i believe i saw a full size spare under back part of the car
the vehicle’s profile is more akin to that of a Lexus RX 300 or a Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
The upscale styling isn’t accidental, as the B9 Tribeca’s interior is upscale, too.
the vehicle’s profile is more akin to that of a Lexus RX 300 or a Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
The upscale styling isn’t accidental, as the B9 Tribeca’s interior is upscale, too.
http://automobilemag.com/auto_shows/naias_2005/0501_subaru_b9_tri- beca/
At one point Subaru said this would be the most off road capable Subie ever - I kinda doubt that now. Like Bob said it seems biased for pavement, a la X5.
$37k base is TOO HIGH, I hope that's wrong. That's Touareg pricing, and where's the 6 speed auto and the air suspension?
Ugh, I'll cry if that's true.
-juice
Tourag, fully loaded is at mid-40s
MDX starts from 37k(base) to 45k(fully loaded - without all accessories)
Toureag starts from 38k(base) to 45k(fully loaded) - without all accessories.
If tribeca is priced at 37-38k fully loaded & if we can buy for 35k, it would be a screaming deal !!!!!
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
1. overall quality
2. AWD with VDC
3. 7inch Nav, 9in DVD
4. Flexible 2nd row seating
5. 18inch wheels
6. features like 3-stage heater, front/rear defrost, front/rear deicer
7. MP3 player etc
i think it will be priced just between Pilot and MDX, which is where it should be & it would be winner.
1. totally opinion. many Honda owners (like millions of them) would have to disagree.
2. Both have AWD. What's VDC again? Pilot has tractions and stability, is that different? Does Tribeca have traction and stability control?
3. I have no idea the screen sizes of these in the Pilot. As far as NAV, give or take an inch really doesn't matter much. DVD is a very cheap aftermarket item these days. Not being able to get both NAV and DVD from the factory in the Pilot is the one negative.
4. Pilot is also adjustable 3rd row with split fold-down.
5. Great. A harsher ride and more bling.
6. I can't remember the last car I had that DIDN'T have front and rear defrost.
7. MP3. OK, the one nice and useful addition, in my mind, but not worth that much of a price hike.
You gotta remember an important point, a manufacturer like Subaru can only chase after customers at this stage in the game. If you are going to pull people from the big sellers like Exploder, Pilot, Highlander, Tahoe, etc, etc, you have to beat them with quality, features, AND price.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
AND The Pilot does not have ALL WHEEL DRIVE. Honda even states it's Electronic 4 Wheel Drive. This means a wheel must slip for another to grip. This is not True AWD. As a matter of fact the few millisecondds that it take for the wheel to slip is to many for me and my family if I'm on a slippery surface of any sort. By the way this is how about 95% of AWD systems out there work.
As for VDC. It is so much more awesome then plain stability control. VDC can actually just brake on inner tire to get you through a turn based on sensors that mesure not only speed and braking but YAW of the vehicle. It can then put you back in the intended direction. This would be like a basketball player pivoting, or a Tank.
Oh yeah and what aboout the Boxer engine and the low center of gravity...So much safer for not tipping over.
Ok here is most engines V and here is Boxer _.
Again V vs _ You decide
True
-Dennis
Hence the Tribeca name. One article/press release yesterday even alluded to the "trendy" NYC neighborhood as the customers they were trying to lure.
Sorry I couldn't resist. BTW, I'm warming up to the overall design and even the grill. The headlights will take a while.
Craig
~Colin
As far as Mitsu...Full Time 4WD is not AWD. I wish more would understand why Subaru's really is so superior over all...
Mine worked flawlessly which is when i decided that no other AWD works as good as Sub's. When i parked, there was 3.5 ft of snow, everyone had to plough before they parked. my OB just zoomed in & parked.
My wife & I since then agreed that we would never buy a car other than a Sub.
Full time 4WD is better at not getting you stuck than AWD (or getting you unstuck). Just not good for higher speeds or handling.
As for the Toureg- you can get them heavily discounted here- Subaru has it's work cut out for them. The average consumer is not going to see why it's better- if it costs the same, why should they switch from their Honda or Toyota?
If it's not nice to look at, doesn't perform as well because the engine is too small, and just as expensive- it's not going to be popular. The Pilot was so popular because it has a lot plus is relatively inexpensive.
Juice/Bob- hope you bring back a report that it's a lot better than it looks on paper (or in pixels) ;-)
tom
that's exactly the uphill battle Subaru has to face. And, in this case, we're talking about it possibly costing even MORE.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
it is a computer controlled transfer case with a multiplate clutch. it has four user selectable modes: road, dirt, snow, low range (might not be the labels used, but those are the functions).
I'm pretty familiar with the Subaru systems and only two are really standouts from a technical perspective: WRX STi and Outback H6 VDC. The others are fairly simple but unquestionably effective. And Subaru's implementation of AWD with ABS is not what I'd call 'class leading'.
~Colin
The boxer engine layout and compact AWD mechanism allows Subaru to place it's engine, transfer case and driveshaft all along one axis. The resulting halfshafts are of all equal length and the system is "symmetrical". In contrast, most other manufacturers add AWD as an modification to a FWD/RWD design.
The VDC AWD system used in the B9X and OB VDC wagon is arguably better than a typical AWD+stability system since it will try to manage the center differential before applying power-robbing brakes to correct under/oversteer.
Ken
Listen it's simple..Cars/SUVs/Trucks/etc... don't have eyes...That's why:
PRO-ACTIVE/SYMET AWD = Subaru
RE-ACTIVE = 95% others
That's why other car companies have traction control with WHAT THEY like to call AWD even though it's really not trueAWD. They need to cover the fact that it's not always working...start, driving, slow down, stopping, etc... No waiting for slipping (well except for the manual trans). I had the same story last week...big snow storm and the city streets were covered. I park my OB on the street. Tons of people's vehicles were stuck in there spots, explorers, and jeeps, and volvos, etc.. and I just drove right out. They were all looking at the beauty of "True" All Wheel Drive.
Later....
Significant differences: Tribeca is sportier (18" rims for instance), better equipped (heated seats/mirrors and de-icers std), more stylish, and has rear-bias AWD (German style) instead of a part-time system that is primarily FWD.
Is sporty is just bling, than you might also not understand why a 350Z costs more than an Elantra. There is substance in sportiness.
-juice
Ok, it sounds like it comes with a lot. Maybe I could put a bra on it and it will look better with the grille covered up! ;-)
Have fun Juice! Try to get a pic so that it looks appealing. Can you get a pic of the cargo area too? I'd like to know how much cargo space it has with the full 7 seats up (can I take my whole family and their stuff, or do I have to leave a kid behind? )
tom
Now, I don't really like that fact, because it pushes prices beyond what I wanted.
But c'mon folks, these are improvements of substance. Perhaps you don't want them, but there is value in a superior AWD system and sportier behavior. Not to mention a 67% longer powertain warranty and 3 years of roadside assistance.
I guess my thinking is if ANYONE should understand the difference, it's a well-informed Subaru Crew member. You guys should know this stuff...
-juice
We also got a press kit, but it seems to have nothing new.
-juice
I don't think subaru is aiming for generic honda/toyota crowd. They are aiming for subaru loyalists, those who like german, lexus, high-end suvs but don't want to strech their wallets as much & some new crowd
* heated seats
* heated mirrors
* wiper de-icer front and rear
* VDC/VTD 45/55 rear bias full-time AWD
* 18"x8" rims with 255/55 tires
* fog lights
* 2nd row 40/20/40 back rest split (center folds)
* 9" DVD
* Moonroof standard
* timing chain
* Deep tinted windows
* turn signal in mirror
* MP3 capability
* Aux input
* projector beam headlights
* electro-luminescent gauges
* Sport Shift
* Subaru has a longer wheelbase (surprise)
* 3rd row can fold without removing head rests
* dual zone ACC
* dual A/C (does Pilot have this?)
That's before I've even seen the car. Sheesh.
Significant is the Sportshift, VDC+VTD, and the rims and tires. If you think about it that would cost several grand to upgrade on the Pilot.
If I've made errors please correct me, I drove a Pilot back in '04 and my main complaint was that it just didn't feel one bit sporty, not even a little.
-juice
I'm not falling for that juice!
the only system that subaru has that is anything close to proactive is the VDC with its additional sensors (especially yaw) and direct ABS integration for stability management.
the rest are reactive-- even if some of them are faster/better than competitors.
the system used in a manual transmission regular WRX or Forester is nothing fancy at all, in fact it's quite crude yet effective.
~Colin
Excellent points about AWD, I hope everybody took notes. Aaron hit the nail on the head. Unfortunately, many buyers don't understand the differences in AWD systems. As far as I know, only Subaru and Audi offer true AWD systems (though some of Audi's models now come with the part time systems used in VW models)."
That's because most SUV buyers only care about not getting stuck in the snow. They do not understand the safety advantages of a true AWD, so the Subaru won't lure them with that.
My Highlander has a true AWD system to. It is biased 60% front 40% rear, which actually works very well because it matches the car's weight bias. My Highlander was actually more steady on my icy dirt road then the OBXT is. But the tires are different, so I will reserve judgement, but I certainly didn't feel the Highlander's AWD was in any way inferior.
I would also question if the Tribeca will have better quality then the Highlander. More luxury, perhaps, but quality? The Highlander is extrememly well built and dependable. It has the same drivetrain as the RX-330 and it is built side-by-side in the same factory (at least it was in 2001).
Sly
But most people don't care! The only ones that know and care already own a Subaru!
Sly