2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Limited

Sex Appeal Meets Carpool Lane

Test drove: 6/20/2005 to 7/5/2005

Subaru has developed a cult-like following of "Subies," or Subaru owners who are passionate about their cars and their lives (in the interest of full disclosure, I am one of them). Equally at home on a college campus or in a suburban garage, Subaru's refined ruggedness and all wheel drive is attractive to many different lifestyles.

In the past, Subaru has only offered cars that carry up to five passengers. So what's a Subie to do when they — GASP — have 2.5 kids, plus those 2.5 kids' friends to lug around? If you're quickly doing the math in your head, remember that parents have to fit as well.

Now, there's an alternative. The 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca seats seven passengers in three rows of seats. It does all of this while strutting a sleek and modern body that looks nothing like the Subarus of yesteryear. Sweeping curves and lines were designed to echo Subaru's origins in the aircraft industry. Sitting in the driver's seat does feel a bit like sitting in an airplane cockpit. All right, I've never actually been in an airplane cockpit, but this is what I imagine sitting in one would feel like.

Loading children and their accoutrements in this car is easy-breezy thanks to the low stance and step-in height. The second row seats slide front and back to create an extra 8 inches in legroom when needed. This is great news for tall people who normally suffer through driving with their knees to their chin just so a rear-facing infant seat will fit properly behind them.

Climbing into the third row isn't quite as simple. The third row is only accessible from the right side of the vehicle, and I have to duck under the second row center seatbelt that extends from the ceiling (unless I take the key out of the ignition and use it to unlatch the seatbelt from its base so it can retract back up into the ceiling).

The size of the third row is best suited for children or small adults. The easy to buckle seatbelts mean that children can buckle themselves, saving parents the hassle. Heat and A/C vents in the second and third rows insure that passengers won't suffocate in the heat of summer.

Both the second and third rows fold flat very simply with a quick lever pull, although even with the third row up, I have plenty of space for my umbrella stroller and several grocery bags. Closing the cargo door requires a great amount of muscle strength — thank goodness I work out.

Driving the B9 Tribeca is mostly pleasurable. Its very smooth ride and quiet cabin are just lovely. However, the sloping hood makes parking difficult (as I can't see where the hood and hood corners end). A park assist system would help tremendously.

Storage within the car is mainly functional. The cupholders in front include an extra little spot next to each one which is great for holding a wallet or chapstick — and allowing me to enjoy my morning tea as well. Two 12-volt outlets inside the center console mean that my husband and I can both charge our cell phones simultaneously (although I'm not advocating for using them while driving!)

My biggest complaint about the B9 Tribeca concerns its navigation system (standard on the limited version). Although I typically like touch-screen navigation systems, this one is temperamental and not at all easy to use. It would appear that the maps included are simply ancient. When driving to my house, I fear I'm going to drop off the face of the planet, since the map doesn't show any of my neighborhood streets (some of which have been here for more the 15 years).

All in all, I'm thrilled that Subaru has finally realized that its Subie cult is growing up and having babies. The 2006 B9 Tribeca is less "crunchy granola Boulderite" and more "crunchy granola Boulderite has grown up, moved to a trendy city, secured a profession and has a growing family". This car is equally comfortable in the carpool lane and on a rare child-free date night with my husband. Sex appeal meets carpool lane.

*For more information on the Subaru B9 Tribeca and its safety features visit Cars.com. For questions or comments regarding this review write to Kristin Varela at MotherProof@msn.com.

LET'S TALK NUMBERS
LATCH Connectors: 2
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 7

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Groove-On

Mother Proof

Specs
Base price:	37,695
Price as tested:	38,320
Engine:	3.0 Liter, 250 HP, AWD
Fuel:	18/23 MPG
Length:	189.8
Width:	73.9
Step-in height:	8.4
Cargo space:	8.3 — 74.4 cu ft

NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings
Frontal Impact
Driver's side:	Not Tested
Passenger's side:	Not Tested
Side Impact
Front occupant:	Not Tested
Rear occupant:	Not Tested
Rollover resistance:	Not Rated