When it debuted three years ago, the Subaru B9 Tribeca seemed like your typical offbeat Subaru. Oftentimes, being different is good — nothing wrong with a little individuality, right? But this midsize crossover’s styling was heavily criticized, and its sluggish performance and relatively cramped cabin didn’t help matters, either. The 2009 Subaru Tribeca (the “B9″ part of the name was dropped for 2008), however, carries over last year’s well-advised changes that included new front and rear styling, a more powerful engine and revised suspension tuning. But the Tribeca still has many inherent faults that make it a lackluster choice for a midsize crossover.
Subaru’s Tribeca isn’t without some charm. With class-competitive performance and a somewhat smaller size than most of its midsize rivals, the Tribeca is peppy enough and fairly easy to maneuver in crowded parking lots and on city streets. Of course, the standard all-wheel drive also provides confidence when driving in foul weather. And though its slow steering and soft suspension mean the Tribeca is no athlete, it compensates with a smooth and quiet ride.
