First Drive: 2008 Subaru Tribeca

Collingwood, Ontario - After two years on the market, the 2008 Subaru Tribeca returns in July with a modified name, a new face, a more substantial rear-end and some additional muscle.

It's been to the gym; then stopped in to see a stylist.

Subaru thinks the original B9 Tribeca didn't find enough favour with buyers because it looked a little delicate from behind, and a bit too inventive at the front. Some critics commented that the 3.0-litre V6 didn't have enough punch. All this has been addressed for the 2008 model.

Another issue, however, may have been that the original B9 Tribeca seemed somewhat pricey. Subaru hasn't announced pricing for the new version, so the jury is still out on that.
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chuck717 - 6/6/2007 12:16:23 PM

+1 Boost

Good solid machine and although the front end is not going to win awards it is just enough a pleasent change to push a client over the edge to buy it. This crossover should be on the shopping list.

mini22 - 6/6/2007 1:35:43 PM

+1 Boost

Yes-Te front end went from Ugly to bland. However it should help sales due to more power and fuel economy.

r_driver04 - 6/6/2007 2:07:02 PM

0 Boost

It's cool.

Caddyman07 - 6/6/2007 6:33:27 PM

+2 Boost

Wow. This is a step backwards when it comes to a re-design on the cosmetics side. They could have stayed unique without making it so ugly like it was in the first place. Now its pretty boring. The engine update is nice though...

Matthew1 - 6/6/2007 10:33:10 PM

+1 Boost

Even if the original Tribeca front end was loved, Subaru would have changed it anyway, because Subaru has moved away from the 'tri-grille' design.

Anyway, what's Subaru without a facelift program every couple of months?

S4cabriofoxone - 6/7/2007 1:13:11 AM

+1 Boost

They kind of overreacted to the criticism. BMW just gave its cars (7 Series, X3) a nip and a tuck, just enough to silence the critics. On the other hand, Subaru completely changed the Tribeca, and it doesn't look like the same car. I can't say I like it, but I don't hate it, either. I have to say a Toyota Highlander has a more curvaceous design now.