2009 Subaru Tribeca
So, I'm trading my 05 OB XTL in for an SUV this fall, and seriously considering the Tribeca, Highlander, Veracruz.
Sent a comment to Subaru Canada regarding the Tribeca as follows:
Hi. I plan on replacing my 2005 Subaru Outback XT later this fall. I am looking for an SUV and currently considering the Tribeca, the Toyota Highlander and the Veracruz. Some drawbacks of the Tribeca: 1. New front grill looks much too much like a Chrysler...a real shame for Subaru to lose its uniqueness. 2. Tilt telescoping steering is an absolute must. 3. Back up camera, a safety item, should be offered separately from NAV as it is in the Highlander. Because this improves safety, many people would be willing to pay for this option if it was available on its own, without the full NAV package. I certainly hope that these are incorporated into the 2009 Tribeca.
Response back:
Thank you for contacting Subaru Canada, Inc. We truly regret the delay in our reply.
Your email was forwarded to our Product Planning Department. We are very proud of the enhancements made to this model based on the feedback we have received from customers such as you. Most of the comments received about the 2009 Subaru Tribeca, especially from auto journalists, have been very positive. We are confident that the styling of the 2009 Subaru Tribeca will appeal to a great number of shoppers looking at a new car purchase.
Regrettably, telescopic steering was not developed for the 2009 Subaru Tribeca.
With regards to the back up camera, this feature is available on the 2009 Subaru Tribeca Ltd. without Navigation.
We always appreciate feedback, both positive and negative. Your comments will be forwarded to our related departments. Once again, thank your for taking the time to advise us of your viewpoint on this matter.
___
So, not sure what this means, but I am absolutely amazed that the 09 Tribeca has no telescoping steering column!!!
Hello? Why is it Subaru is always years behind other manufacturers in incorporating such basic elements in their vehicles, especially when it is avail on the Outback?
At 6'4", this is an issue with my Outback, and may be the deciding factor when I choose an SUV. So it may be bye-bye Subaru. Sucks, because I do like their vehicles.
Anyone see any pictures or info on the 2009 model?
Cheers.
Sent a comment to Subaru Canada regarding the Tribeca as follows:
Hi. I plan on replacing my 2005 Subaru Outback XT later this fall. I am looking for an SUV and currently considering the Tribeca, the Toyota Highlander and the Veracruz. Some drawbacks of the Tribeca: 1. New front grill looks much too much like a Chrysler...a real shame for Subaru to lose its uniqueness. 2. Tilt telescoping steering is an absolute must. 3. Back up camera, a safety item, should be offered separately from NAV as it is in the Highlander. Because this improves safety, many people would be willing to pay for this option if it was available on its own, without the full NAV package. I certainly hope that these are incorporated into the 2009 Tribeca.
Response back:
Thank you for contacting Subaru Canada, Inc. We truly regret the delay in our reply.
Your email was forwarded to our Product Planning Department. We are very proud of the enhancements made to this model based on the feedback we have received from customers such as you. Most of the comments received about the 2009 Subaru Tribeca, especially from auto journalists, have been very positive. We are confident that the styling of the 2009 Subaru Tribeca will appeal to a great number of shoppers looking at a new car purchase.
Regrettably, telescopic steering was not developed for the 2009 Subaru Tribeca.
With regards to the back up camera, this feature is available on the 2009 Subaru Tribeca Ltd. without Navigation.
We always appreciate feedback, both positive and negative. Your comments will be forwarded to our related departments. Once again, thank your for taking the time to advise us of your viewpoint on this matter.
___
So, not sure what this means, but I am absolutely amazed that the 09 Tribeca has no telescoping steering column!!!
Hello? Why is it Subaru is always years behind other manufacturers in incorporating such basic elements in their vehicles, especially when it is avail on the Outback?
At 6'4", this is an issue with my Outback, and may be the deciding factor when I choose an SUV. So it may be bye-bye Subaru. Sucks, because I do like their vehicles.
Anyone see any pictures or info on the 2009 model?
Cheers.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
2009 Subaru Tribeca: Exceptional features, competitive pricing
TORONTO, May 7 /CNW/ - Just one year after the totally redesigned Subaru
Tribeca was introduced to critical and consumer praise, Subaru is pleased to
announce that the 2009 Tribeca will go on sale on May 7th. The new Tribeca
features the outstanding new design and larger engine that have had the 2008
model flying out of showrooms, plus a range of thoughtful new equipment and
aggressive new pricing.
The 2009 Tribeca is offered in three versions: the 5-passenger Tribeca,
the 7-passenger Tribeca Limited Package with leather interior, and the
7-passenger Tribeca Premier Package with leather, third-row seating,
navigation system and rear-seat DVD entertainment. The base Tribeca remains an
extremely well-equipped luxury SUV, and the only major change is the price: at
$39,995, the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is a full $2,000
less than the 2008 model. The Tribeca Limited Package, which now offers an
enhanced range of standard equipment such as third row seating, DVD
entertainment system, and a new monitor system with a backup camera, will sell
for the same price as the 2008 model - $45,195. The 2009 Premier Package, with
the same outstanding standard amenities as its predecessor, will decrease a
significant $4,300 in price, to $48,195.
"The new-generation Tribeca has set new sales records almost every month
since its introduction, thanks to the enhanced features and striking new
design," said Katsuhiro Yokoyama, president, chairman and CEO of Subaru
Canada, Inc. "The 2009 version builds on that momentum by retaining all the
qualities consumers appreciate, and adding an extra level of the luxurious
appointments that are the hallmark of SUVs in this segment - all at very
aggressive prices."
Tribeca is Stylish and Convenient
An exceptional level of standard equipment on every Tribeca includes a
power tilt-and-slide glass moonroof, automatic dual-zone climate control with
air filtration, AM/FM/CD/MP3 6-speaker audio system with auxiliary audio input
and pre-wiring for XM and Sirius satellite radio, a leather-wrapped steering
wheel with integrated audio controls, power-adjustable heated front seats with
lumbar support, roof rails, driver and front passenger front and side-impact
airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor (first and second row),
power-adjustable heated body-colour door mirrors with integrated LED turn
signals, Xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights with manual
levelizer, multi-reflector halogen fog lights, splash guards, and more.
Controlled Performance
Tribeca's 3.6-litre 24-valve DOHC Subaru Boxer engine produces 247
lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm, and 256 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The engine
delivers excellent emission levels, good fuel efficiency in real world driving
situations, and outstanding torque in low- to mid-range engine speeds. At a
time when gas prices are rising dramatically, owners will be pleased to know
that, unlike many competitors, Tribeca requires only regular-grade fuel.
The 3.6-litre engine features Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable
valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves and is connected to a
5-speed automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT. The result is quick gearshifts
with minimal lag time and smooth, linear acceleration.
The shift control system uses the car speed and accelerator opening to
determine available driving power while simultaneously calculating the optimum
gear position for the road gradient. To further enhance smooth performance,
Subaru's 'blipping control' matches the transmission to engine speed while
downshifting. The total effect is fewer unnecessary gear shifts when climbing
or descending grades and improved fuel economy.
The transmission drives through the Subaru Variable Torque Distribution
(VTD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Enhancing the AWD system are
standard Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability control and four-wheel
traction control system (TCS).
Occupant Safety a Top Priority
The new 2009 Tribeca was designed to achieve the highest ratings in the
auto industry. The 2008 Tribeca, with which the 2009 model shares its
structure, achieved top honours in the U.S. Department of Transportation's
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment
Program (NCAP) crash tests with 5 stars in both the frontal and side-impact
crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions. These results
are in addition to the 4 star rating in the NHTSA tests for rollover
resistance. (No SUV to date has earned 5-stars in the rollover test.) The
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2008 Tribeca a Top
Safety Pick for achieving its highest rating (Good) in front offset, side
impact, and rear crash protection tests.
The Subaru Tribeca features a Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Structure,
occupant-sensing, dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, seat-mounted side
impact air bags, and standard curtain side air bags (front and second rows). A
Roll Sensor system that detects a potential vehicle rollover and deploys the
standard side curtain airbags is also standard. In addition, the Tribeca
features Brake Assist on its standard ABS brake system, Vehicle Dynamics
Control and four-wheel traction control. Brake Assist analyzes the force and
stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced
emergency braking, also activating the ABS system early if needed.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries
Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and
distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 95
authorized dealers across Canada.
What I have been told: Exterior is essentially the same. Now come with privacy glass in the rear (I thought the 08s had this as well), and the Limited versions come with Harmon Kardon stereo. Nothing to suggest that telescoping steering has been incorporated. :mad:
Hope to take my OB in for an oil change in the next few weeks. Will hopefully have some time to check out an 09 Tribeca and report back.
Alicia, as the host, is there anyway for you to attach the PDF doc so others can access it if I send it to you via e-mail?
Thx.
Cheers.
http://www.subaru.ca/Content/7907/media/en-ca/download/Tribeca2009_Brochure.pdf
Bob
or the Ford Edge?
Nothing new except new colors. Notable miss is telescoping steering wheel. Legacy and Outback have it on 2008 model. Isn't Tribeca supposed to be top-of-line model from Subaru?
Or... they give up on improvements given poor sales and now are just waiting to kill it? Especially with Exiga coming with seating for 7 too.
What is Exiga? As far as I'm concerned, the third seat is pretty much of a joke anyway. I might have used it for the grandkids car seats on occasion but that's about all it's good for. Thanks for the update. I'm glad I bought American this time and hope I'm not sorry.
Also there is no mention this year of the ground clearance on the spec pages. Both towing and ground clearance have been mentioned in past Tribeca brochures.
It should also be noted that Subaru makes no reference of towing; or ground clearance; on current Impreza, WRX, STI and Legacy brochures as well. Now these items are only noted in the Forester and Outback brochures.
So do these very subtle omissions signal an equally subtle shift in marketing of this vehicle—away from being a CUV, to perhaps more towards the minivan area? Might the next generation Tribeca be even more minivan-ish than the current model?
Bob
I'd say the shift from attracting the SUV set towards attracting the minivan set happened with the design softening going from the radical '06/'07 design, to the '08.
Bob
I guess they are just honing the marketing a bit.
-mike
Anyone have a link to a US brochure? I'm interested in the model line up (and pricing), more specifically, if a 5-passenger Ltd is still available this year.
Thx.
Bob
Cheers.
Bob
I ask, because in Cda, we can only get limiteds in 7 pass, and today I stopped by a local dealership with my son to look at an '09 Beca.
Disappointment. When I had the seat to a comfortable driving position, similar to my current O5 OB XTL, my son had LESS leg room than our OB....yes LESS. He told me the Beca is on the same platform as Outback.
Terrible, if the 5 passenger is the same, I'm sorry to say that the Tribeca will be officially scratched from my short list when I trade in my OB this Fall, and will shift focus to the Veracruz, Highlander and CX-7 or CX-9.
We also stopped by to see the 08 VC and the space difference is unbelievable, even in the 3rd row.
Funny thing is, even as useless as I know the 3rd row in the Beca is, the salesman said on his own accord, that my 9 yr old has outgrown 3rd row of the Beca. Nice.
Cheers.
1. the rear leg room is the same between the 5 and 7 pass, however
2. you didn't push the rear seat all the way back.
3. there's a safety catch that prevents it from going all the way back at once to protect the legs of the 3rd row passengers.
The 2nd row seat is movable. It slides fore and aft. Plus, to get it to go all the way back, you need to grab a second little orange handle to release the lock. As the average car salesman seems to have a shelf life of about 3 weeks, most don't ever learn about how to move the seat on a tribeca, and how to release it so it goes all the way back.
Oh- once all the way back- there is a tremendous amount of leg room. It's rather huge. But, then no room for the 3rd row. The 7 passenger is really a 5+2, but for me, that's perfect. On the rare occasion that use the 3rd row, even my 5'2" wife has no problem fitting. Guess it all depends on how big your family is, but yes, it's a kids and small person 3rd row.
Your other choices are good vehicles as well, but each has its pros and cons. I got the Beca for its better AWD system (much better). All AWD is not created equal.
As much as AWD is important and as much I have enjoyed 8 yrs of Subie ownership, I'm looking to upgrade in interior space. Subaru may have a superior AWD in some cases, but as long as I have AWD of some sort, Subies AWD superiority will not make up for lack of space given this is a priority for me.
My aftermarket Jenson DVD player has one, meant for wired headphones, like you'd have on a walkman.
Well, I used a computer speaker wire and connected that output so my car audio's aux input, and it worked like a charm. Put the car radio on Aux and listen to the movie over the car speakers.
Looking at the 2009 Tribeca --any words of advice ? We have been Honda dedicated and were not making it anywhere with the pricing --and opted to try
Subaru --the Forester / OB --while nice and better gas mileage ~~certainly didn't
match the Tribeca for ride ...
Any personal ownership stories would be great ~! ?
The only real negative of the Tribeca is the small 3rd-row seat area. Also, Bluetooth will be available on some 2010 Tribecas. It's not available on 2009 and earlier models.
Bob
Thanks for your input ~~! We have only on occasion used the 3rd row of the Pilot, and were primarily looking for the 5 seat. We were amazed at the test drive --after taking the Forrester and the Out Back --we were "wowed". I started the test drive and
found myself going -ut-oh" and chuckling within the first mile or two. Funny how some cars choose you ~lol. We really wanted the Odyssey - but the Tribeca seems to out shine it ~! It sounds like the new 2010's come out in October- November. Our dealer said they can get us whatever we want of the 2009's --easily ordered ...interesting to see that dealers generally only have 1-3 on their lots. Seems odd~~not big sellers ?
Thanks again ~!!
ddarttr
Bob
The below speak to a couple of the competitors vs the Tribeca. Road tests for the Tribeca put it first or second on almost all comparison. The author mentions the roominess as the only down side.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4220226.html?page=3
If your are looking for an occasional use of the third row like me, Tribeca is a sure pick.
How is the Tribeca serving you? Is there any option you wish you would have included ??
We are in the midst of finalizing pricing and woola a third dealer ---pops up with yet another deal ~~LoL. It is the end of the month and the C4C is over --so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised....
I do understand that Subaru is very protective of their car line and guarentees ----related to customers adding equipment ---any added equipment -IS NOT covered by the Subaru warrenty.
Any surprises on your end ---?? :confuse:
ddarttr
I just went to the DC Auto Show and saw a loaded up Traverse that stickered for $48 grand. :surprise:
That's insane.
Tribeca is a bit smaller, but we're on our 3rd Subaru and I don't even have a favorite mechanic because they're never in the shop and I change my own oil. :shades:
My wife will change the Sienna, wants something fancier. I have not even mention Subaru, so when she picks a CX-9 or XC60 I could easily choose a sports car (STi?) when the lease is over in november.
Btw, Tribeca is 18 mpg, consistently.
We just went to the auto show and looked at all of these back-to-back, and the Mazdas left me a little disappointed. I don't know if it's that the 2010 models went through a bout of cost-cutting, or what. But look closely - none of the plastics are padded, the materials are cost conscious, and it didn't really stand out in any way vs. competitors.
They are value-priced, and the CX9 is large-ish and among the sportier models of the class, but it's a step down from my 2007 Sienna, which at least has a padded dash.
She decided (for good) that she needed the once a year used 3rd row seat, so our options were easy: The ones she didn't like (Highlander, Flex and GMs); the very expensive (Volvo, Audi), an the remainders: Pilot, Veracruz and CX-9.
Curiously, she didn't like the MDX (2 years ago she liked), and hated the new Sienna.
When she saw the Pilot, hated it (the exterior). Then she liked the Veracruz (because of the content) but disliked price. So at the end the CX-9 looks will be the option