Subaru Tribeca

For:

Feels well built and is spacious in five-seater guide, while it proves refined and comfortable on the road too.

Against:

The unconventional design that is more loathe than love, the sole, thirsty engine option, the steep running costs and the disappointing driving experience.

Overview

The word Tribeca will have little meaning to those living in the UK. Rather like, Mondeo, or Vectra, or the curiously named Qashqai, Tribeca seems to be a concocted moniker tagged onto the back of a vehicle to give Subaru’s SUV a suitably rugged demeanour.

In reality, Tribeca does have a pretty logical origin. A suburb in New York, it is an abbreviation of ‘Triangle Below Canal Street’ and is most famous for its film festival. Quite what a city suburb has to do with promoting Subaru’s ‘butchest’ offering is beyond us, but it does reveal how much it has been angled towards an American audience for whom Tribeca does mean something.

Nonetheless, despite the fact it has an American name, is built in America and comes with a very American 3.0-litre petrol engine, the Tribeca is over here to snatch some sales from the BMW X5 and Lexus RX.

Whether or not its abilities get lost in translation remains to be seen..

Design – 6/10

When deciding whether the Tribeca is a design success, it is important to look at it from certain angles.

Indeed, with its sculpted flanks, reverse angle C-Pillar and neatly styled rump, the Tribeca looks rather athletic in profile and, dare we say, is quite coupe-like. It’s certainly nicer than the rather awkward looking Lexus.

Then it happens. You make your way to the front-end and all of that hard work elsewhere is unravelled in a mass of ugly grilles and slats of chrome. In short, the Tribeca has a face only a mother – in this case ex-Subaru designer Andreas Zapatinas – could love.

With its pronounced snout, flanked by a pair of ‘wings’, the design was intended to pay tribute to Subaru’s aviation heritage, but the Tribeca proves to be the latest victim in a long line of cars that have been designed with ‘aero’ influences in mind.

Together with high-set headlights, the Tribeca doesn’t have a pretty appearance, something Subaru have already come to realise as they have since rushed out a revised model in the US – with a more sober front-end – after just two years. For the moment though, UK buyers will have to make do with the current version for now. Shame…

Behind the Wheel – 8/10

There is far more to commend from behind the wheel, where Subaru’s insistence to be on a par with BMW and Lexus ensures that build quality is considerably better than in their other offerings.

The dashboard itself is a triumph in the way it wraps around the driver, while the attention to detail on the instrument cowls and the heating controls shows that Subaru have the capability to rival Lexus in this area.

Unfortunately, we are not too enamoured with the swathe of silver paint that covers the fascia, the transmission tunnel and even the door linings, as too much of it simply lowers the interior’s prestige. Furthermore, the layout is confusing once on the move.

Still, it is comfortable and justifies its premium price tag better than similar rivals.

On the Road – 6/10

The Tribeca engine range is one of simplicity. You can have a 3.0-litre V6 or.. well that’s it actually. Realising the low demand for large engines in the UK, we make do without the 3.6-litre variant they offer in the US.

Either way, neither is really a viable option in a nation where diesel is king and, until the much mooted Boxer-configured unit arrives later this year, the Tribeca will remain hamstrung by its limited choices.

Still, if you must pick the V6 engine you will at least be treated to a smooth drive, even if the automatic gearbox is not the most refined around. However, at 219bhp, the Tribeca does give up several ponies to its closest rivals and feels that way on the move where its 1.9 tonne weight slows it down.

The handling is also a disappointment. Given Subaru’s experience at fettling four-wheel drive systems to provide an involving driving experience and the fact it's based on the Legacy saloon, the Tribeca feels surprisingly soft and doesn’t make good use of the fact that it is lower to the ground than most competitors.

Stick to the straight and narrow and the Tribeca makes more sense, with the lazy gearbox, quiet engine and impressive refinement ensuring that most journeys are painless.

Running Costs – 5/10

With no diesel engine to speak of, the Tribeca is far from cheap to run.

In fact, with economy figures of just 23mpg and an engine that emits 291g/km of CO2, you are looking at being placed in the highest tax band with this vehicle.

Depending on whether you are considering the Tribeca against its petrol-only counterparts, the Nissan Murano and Mazda CX-7, there is little reason to purchase a petrol SUV in the current climate.

Still, low demand should ensure that the Tribeca holds its value well come resale time.

Value for Money – 7/10

With prices starting at £29,097 for the entry-level 3.0-litre S, the Tribeca comfortably undercuts most of its rivals, including the Murano. It is equipped to the hilt too, missing out on just the leather upholstery and free DVD player of the more expensive top of the range SE.

Practicality – 7/10

Quite unique in that it has the option of seven seats – albeit only on the flagship £34,097 SE7 – that fact ensures the Tribeca has a quirk over most of its rivals.

It is a shame then that the rearmost chairs aren’t particularly comfortable or spacious and should be limited to children’s use only.

Stick to the five seater though and the large dimensions ensure that all passengers get a decent amount of room, while the boot also becomes a good size as a result.

VERDICT – 6/10

In order to succeed in the US, an SUV is crucial to boost sales. In order to succeed in the UK, an SUV is crucial to boost image.

Sadly, neither of these concepts goes hand in hand. As such, the Tribeca panders to the US state of mind where bigger is better, meaning its soft dynamics, thirsty engine and startling looks seem out of place here, particularly next to the far more rounded X5 or Discovery.

A diesel would make more sense, but the Tribeca still wouldn’t be a class leader. Nonetheless, it does bring some character to the table and should please the handful of those (Subaru are hoping for 1000 people) that just want to stand out from the crowd.

Best Model: 3.0V6 S5 £29,097