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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Subaru Tribeca

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Subaru Tribeca

Overview

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2010 Subaru Tribeca Review

By KBB.com Editors

There are a number of seven-passenger SUVs on the market, so what's so special about the 2010 Subaru Tribeca? For starters, every Tribeca is equipped with an advanced and capable all-wheel-drive system, a comforting thought for those whose daily commute sometimes includes deep snow and heavy rain. The Tribeca's unique boxer engine design lowers the vehicle's center of gravity and improves vehicle stability, and the Tribeca rates well in the government's front- and side-impact crash tests. Finally, the Tribeca's roomy interior coddles its passengers and stimulates its driver with loads of features, although the same enthusiasm is harder to generate when it comes to the Tribeca's exterior styling.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're a Subaru devotee whose family is too large for an Outback or Forester, the Tribeca is the logical choice. First-time Subaru buyers will find the Tribeca's good fuel economy, strong resale value and proven reliability very inviting.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need room for seven adults, the Tribeca's child-sized third-row seat falls short. Those who don't need all-wheel drive can save money by shopping one of the Tribeca's less-expensive front-wheel-drive competitors.

What's New for 2010

For 2010, the five-passenger model is dropped from the lineup, while heated seats and a new rear air conditioning unit are made standard on all models. Limited and Touring trims receive a new 385-watt harman/kardon 10-speaker audio system, with Touring trims additionally receiving HID headlamps, a power moonroof, a rear backup camera and seven-spoke alloy wheels.

Driving the Tribeca

Driving Impressions A few minutes behind the wheel and it's evident the Tribeca is not your run-of-the-mill SUV. The handling is responsive and the steering firm and linear. Driving into sharp curves...

yields some reasonable and expected body lean, but nothing that's surprising or uncomfortable. The all-wheel-drive system splits power in a 45/55 proportion that favors the rear wheels. In the event of tire slippage, power is immediately transferred to the wheels with better traction, helping the driver to maintain control. The new 3.6-liter engine delivers good performance, while improved shift points programmed into the automatic transmission lessen the number of gear changes required when climbing hills or moving through varying traffic.

Favorite Features

Rear Vision Camera
This optional feature allows the driver to see objects down low and directly behind the vehicle. It's available only on the Limited trim.

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
This safety feature works in conjunction with the all-wheel drive to help the driver maintain control. VDC senses the direction the driver intends to go and uses selective braking and engine power reduction to help maintain control.

2010 Subaru Tribeca Details

Interior

Excellent fit and finish, appealing materials and an uncommon dash design are the hallmarks of the 2010 Subaru Tribeca interior. The wave-shaped dashboard visually delights, but its severe curve places some radio and heating controls at odd angles from the driver. Digital readouts for the fuel, temperature and information screens look attractive, but can fade when viewed through polarized sunglasses. Convenient tilt-and-slide second-row seat controls allow for easy access to the third row. We applaud the ample distribution of cup holders and wide front seating, which also have adjustable lumbar support for both the driver and passenger. Useful features include in auxiliary audio input jack and optional GPS navigation and rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Exterior

The original Tribeca's face was unique, if not beautiful. A quick refresh brought about a more palatable, if somewhat generic, front end. The 2010 Subaru Tribeca's grille features horizontal slats below the familiar Subaru star cluster badge, flanked by large headlamps and front fenders that impart a strong road presence. Large side-view mirrors and rear windows, along with narrow D-pillars help with visibility. Around back, the Tribeca touts large, easily visible taillights and a sporty rear valance. A taut rear suspension carries over for 2010, helping to improve handling while yielding an impressive 8.4-inches of ground clearance.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2010 Subaru Tribeca features a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, five-speed automatic with SPORTSHIFT manual gear change function, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with traction control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), 18-inch alloy wheels, front side-impact and side-curtain airbags for the first and second row seats, tire pressure monitoring system, rear defroster, heated side mirrors, eight-way power driver's seat, four-way power passenger's seat, heated front seats, power windows, power door locks, 100-watt stereo with single-disc CD player with MP3 compatibility, cruise control, cloth seating, driver and passenger manual lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt steering wheel, seven passenger seating and a rear window wiper.

Optional Equipment

Options on the 2010 Subaru Tribeca include XM or Sirius Satellite Radio, Reverse Assist Sensors, auto-dimming mirror and remote start. Upgrading to the Limited trim adds leather seating, two-position driver memory, power glass moonroof, HomeLink remote control system and 10-speaker harmon/kardon audio. Options for the Limited and Touring trims include GPS navigation, rear-vision camera and rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Under the Hood

The Tribeca's 3.6-liter boxer engine produces 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, which is more than sufficient to move such a heavy vehicle while returning surprisingly good fuel economy.

3.6-liter Boxer-6
256 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
247 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Subaru Tribeca vehicles for sale near you.

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2010 Subaru Tribeca Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 180 Ratings for the 2006 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.0/10

Excellent vehicle overall

By SubownerNJ (NJ) on Tuesday, June 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "see above"

Cons: "see above"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"We have had this car since 2006. Positives: excellent vehicle overall. Very quick and powerful too. It has handled blizzards, storms etc. very well. The seven seater is very useful especially with small kids. Not for adults or grown up teenagers. Negatives: The aircon just does not seem to work well. I have taken it to the dealership several times and no one can fix it. So, I have to charge twice every summer. Fuel economy can be better (will be lucky if we get 19mpg highway)."

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Good value

By sinderz (WI) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "reliable"

Cons: "expensive, needs some tweaking"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"This car has been reliable - especially in our Wisconsin winters. The 3rd row seating is great for kids, but not comfortable for adults. Has held up well with the wear and tear that kids put on vehicles. The only gripe I have is that the bushings needed replacement at 40,000 miles. perhaps the never-end road construction caused it, however I never had to replace bushings on a car that "young" before. the other gripe is the heat shield keeps coming loose and causing a rattling sound. Dealership tightened it up, but another tightening will cause the screws to strip and will require a replacement at almost $400! Subaru, fix this and the bunk bushings and you have a really decent vehicle."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Feel so secure

By Bee (PA) on Tuesday, September 25, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my 6th Subaru and first Tiibeca. We chose this instead of the outback for the passenger seating, comfort and of course all wheel drive. It is a powerful, reliable vehicle and drives great in all kinds of weather. The only negative I would say is the gas mileage is not as good as the Outback but that is due to the powerful and very responsive engine. Would definitely buy another one."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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My 5th Subaru - wish I loved it more!

By RosieRu (SD) on Friday, August 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 62,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Comfortable front seat, looks"

Cons: "Low mpg, small 3rd row, AWD not as good as Outback"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Bought this vehicle new in 2009. This is the 5th Subaru I've owned (and the 7th I've driven) and I truly wanted to love it more, but there's a few things I don't like. I drive around 40 miles per day on average (20 miles gravel/dirt road, 20 miles pavement). Haven't had any major mechanical or electrical issues to date. One little thing with the auxillary jack but that was fixed under warrantee. - One of the biggest issues with how well your AWD works is what type if tires you have on the vehicle. Even with new all-season and/or winter tires on this Tribeca the AWD did not handle as well in the ice and snow as my previous Outback and Outback sedans did. Even with extra weight in the back cargo area, not much of a change. As AWD is a main feature of Subaru vehicles, I was disappointed with the performance. - Gas mileage is kind of sad for something of this size. You can get used to the 18 mpg but the size of the gas tank (only 16.4 gallons) tends to be the killer. It would be nice to have a bigger tank so you don't have to fill up as often out of paranoia alone. And/or better mpg. - Leg room in the 3rd row of seats is almost non-existent. I'm a 5'4" small adult and could not sit back there comfortably. Truly meant for kids only. - LOVE the A/C in the back rows coming from the top with the heat still coming from the floor for the back rows. Very smart on Subaru's part not to have hot air blasting on your face like other SUV's. - Seats are comfortable. Back row seats are a little stiff but still comfortable. Leather quality is outstanding. Doesn't wear or get shiny quickly like some Chevy/GMC/Ford vehicles. - Not much storage in this vehicle at all. Small consoles and jockey box areas (due to V6 engine for the jockey I'm sure). - Overall, I'm very confident driving this vehicle in dry or wet conditions. Don't trust it as much in the snow/ice and definitely not in the mud. The VDC is worthless in country mud. More of an annoyance really. I wouldn't buy another one of these again. I still love Subaru and wouldn't hesitate to purchase an Outback or even an Impreza. I just wish they would come out with a better 7-seater alternative."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Drives great, interior quality low

By tierramadre (CA) on Saturday, August 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "great value for price, drives great"

Cons: "plastics appointments break easily"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have had my Tribeca for 4 years and I love getting into it everyday, but... there are little things that have bugged me. The windshield cracked one day for no reason just after it passed the 3 year warranty mark. The seats are hard to clean (DO NOT GET THE TAN COLOR if you have kids!) and the leather is much cheaper than the XC90 and the Highlander we have had in the past. Also, some interior appointments (with plastic) broke easily. Overall, I enjoy the interior cabin and I like the nighttime light display. I like the exterior look much better than all other 7 seater cars in this price range. Even with all the little things that bug me, I am considering getting another one. It drives way better that the XC90 in my experience (more aerodynamic and responsive on the road)."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Just what we were looking for

By Darksun (MT) on Thursday, March 22, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "AWD, Saftey, nice look, seems roomy"

Cons: "Small gas tank, stiff suspension"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We finally outgrew our Plymonth Neon and decided on a mid size SUV for us and our 2 small kids. Living in Montana meant safety and road handling were important. We like the look and feel of the Tribeca and have been waiting for the right deal to come along. So far very happy with it. PS: On our first road trip we hit an unexpected blizzard on the way home and the vehicle did just as hoped."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 180 reviews