Tribeca Needs More High-End Features

2009 Subaru Tribeca Limited

model as tested $37,081

Test Drove 10/24/08 – 10/31/08
reviewed by Sherrice Gilsbach

Oh Subaru Tribeca, I so want to love you, but something holds me back. Maybe it’s your lack of space for my booster seats, how hard you make it for my babes to buckle their seat belts or your lackluster lumbar support. While your Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, dependable reputation and super-fun puddle lights do excite me, I just don’t see this relationship going anywhere long-term.

Just typing these words gave me a guilty feeling in my gut. Why? Any of my complaints about the less-than-essential features of the 2009 Subaru Tribeca seem petty and superficial. The Tribeca provided nimble and capable handling at various speeds. It was quick when I needed it to be and left me with no fear of passing on the highway. When turning corners, it does seem as though the whole car bends toward the turn. Can the Tribeca do yoga? I think so. See, guilt! The Tribeca is willing to literally bend over backward to please me and my passengers, and we still aren’t ready to return the favor.

This whole up and down “loves me, loves me not” relationship that I have with Subarus of all models is annoying, I know. I came close to purchasing a Subaru about a year ago, but I ended up with cold feet. I have to wonder what keeps me from committing to a Subaru. They’re very practical cars with superior all-wheel-drive systems and rugged reputations. But there seems to be something that keeps me from becoming a full-fledged, card-carrying Subie groupie. The 2009 Tribeca left me with the same, “So, what’s new?” feeling that I’ve felt about other Subarus in the past (pre-MotherProof.com days included).

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): Fair
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): None

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