2011 Subaru Tribeca SUV Features & Specs

 

What's New for 2011

The 2011 Subaru Tribeca carries over unchanged from the previous year.

Introduction

People champion excellence, not mediocrity. After all, you won't see a bumper sticker touting, "My child is a C+ student at Middling Jr. High." So we find it hard to rally around the 2011 Subaru Tribeca. While there's nothing about this vehicle that makes us cringe, it simply pales in comparison to other SUVs, which seem to do everything just a little better.
From the outside, the Subaru Tribeca was originally styled to be bold and innovative, but indifferent customer reaction has led Subaru to make it less distinctive, so now it looks too much like an artist's rendition of a generic SUV -- neither inspiring nor offensive. Even the Tribeca's performance is simply middle-of-the-road. The interior shows some signs of life with a futuristic dash design, but it comes at the expense of some usability.
On the plus side, the Tribeca's all-wheel-drive system delivers the assurance of solid footing in a variety of climates, a feature that sets it apart from the usual front-wheel-drive crossovers. Maneuvering in tight city confines is made easier by the Subaru's smaller dimensions. At the same time, a certain lack of interior space is noticeable. The second-row seats slide fore and aft, but all the way back is the way you'll use them. The third-row seat is for part-time convenience, not long-distance trips. Most important, taller drivers will bemoan the lack of a telescoping steering wheel.
Since there are no truly awful midsize crossover SUVs, it might be that benign doesn't add up to a compelling proposition. The Tribeca compares in size to the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Edge, while it's a bit smaller than the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander. And when it comes to price, dynamics and overall appeal, the Tribeca gets lost between these vehicles.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Subaru Tribeca is a seven-passenger midsize crossover SUV that is offered in Premium, Limited and Touring trim levels.
The Premium trim starts with 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, a tilt (but not telescoping) steering wheel, heated power front seats, full power accessories, cruise control, a six-speaker CD/MP3 sound system with an auxiliary input jack, a 7-inch display screen and keyless entry.
Stepping up to the Limited adds leather upholstery (vinyl for the third row), heated front seats, driver-seat memory, Bluetooth, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a six-CD changer and satellite radio and additional interior ambient lighting for the console. The Touring will get you exclusive 18-inch wheels, a monotone exterior paint scheme, xenon headlamps, silver roof rails, a sunroof and a back-up camera with a small display in the auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The Touring's roof rails, back-up camera and sunroof are available on the Limited as the Moonroof package. Optional on both Limited (Moonroof package required) and Touring is a Navigation package that includes a navigation system, a back-up camera (with the camera display migrating to the navigation screen) and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. These models are also eligible for a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Subaru Tribeca is powered by a 3.6-liter, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that produces 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic with a manual shift mode is the only transmission offered. Every Tribeca features an all-wheel-drive system that sends 55 percent of the power to the rear wheels in normal driving.
In recent Edmunds testing, the Tribeca accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which is about average for this class. Fuel economy is below average, however, at an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.

Safety

Standard safety features for the 2011 Subaru Tribeca include antilock brakes (with brake assist), traction control, stability control with a rollover sensor, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
In recent Edmunds brake testing, a Subaru Tribeca required 121 feet to come to a stop from 60 mph, which is slightly shorter than its competitors.
The Subaru Tribeca has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedure. Its 2010 rating (which isn't comparable to 2011 ratings) shows that the Tribeca scored a perfect five stars for both front- and side-impact protection. It also received the top rating of "Good" in frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Subaru Tribeca's interior offers a taste of excitement, as the sweeping wraparound dash features complex organic shapes that blend smoothly into the center console. Unfortunately, most buttons on the dash are difficult to read and the curved panel shape hampers operation as the console bends away from the user. Most materials are either soft to the touch or well textured, and various panels are tightly fitted.
The Tribeca's front seats provide decent comfort for the average-sized driver, but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel compromises seating for taller adults.
The second-row seats offer nearly 8 inches of adjustable travel, but they don't slide far enough to the rear for us to get comfortable. Access to the third-row seats is hampered by a narrow opening and only the smallest passengers will feel comfortable once they get back there. Most competitors in this price range offer superior third-row accommodations. Maximum cargo capacity is just 74 cubic feet.

Driving Impressions

Unlike most other Subaru vehicles, which tend toward fun and lively, the Tribeca takes a step back. Though its all-wheel-drive system does impart a sense of confidence, this Subaru feels lethargic. The transmission is also a bit slow to react, but selecting Sport mode will sharpen things up.
Around town, the Tribeca is easily maneuvered into tight parking spots thanks to feather-light steering effort. Bumps and ruts in the road are readily absorbed, maintaining composure and delivering a calm and smooth ride quality. Once again, the 2011 Subaru Tribeca proves itself to be able-bodied, but lacking in spirit.

Colors

Exterior

Interior

Exterior

Tires and Wheels

• Alloy wheels
• 18 x 8.0 in. wheels
• Steel spare wheel
• 255/55R18 104H tires
• All season tires
• Underbody mounted spare tire
• Temporary spare tire

Roof and Glass

• Variable intermittent wipers
• Privacy glass
• Rear defogger
• Intermittent rear wiper

Doors

• Fixed lifgate window
• Rear liftgate door

Towing and Hauling

• Cargo tie downs

Measurements

• Width: 73.9 in.
• Height: 66.4 in.
• Length: 191.5 in.
• Ground clearance: 8.4 in.
• Front track: 62.2 in.
• Rear track: 62.1 in.
• Wheel base: 108.2 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 8.3 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 74.4 cu.ft.

• Maximum towing capacity: 3500 lbs.**
• Drag Coefficient: 0.38 Cd
• Curb weight: 4120 lbs.
• Angle of approach: 16.7 degrees
• Angle of departure: 21.1 degrees

Exterior Options

• Hood Protector
• Splash Guard Kit
• Rear Bumper Cover
• Fixed Position Aero Cross Bar Kit
• Front Bumper Underguard
• Puddle Lights
• Protection Group 1
• Wheel Locks
• Popular Equipment Group 2
• Trailer Hitch and Transmission Oil Cooler

Mechanical

Engine & Performance

• Base engine size: 3.6 L
• Cam type: Double overhead cam (DOHC)
• Cylinders: flat 6
• Valves: 24
• Valve timing: Variable
• Torque: 247 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm
• Horsepower: 256 hp @ 6000 rpm
• Turning circle: 37.4 ft.

• Base engine type: gas

DriveTrain

• Drive type: all wheel drive
• Mechanical center differential
• Transmission: 5-speed shiftable automatic
• Front, center and rear limited slip differential

Suspension

• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Double wishbone rear suspension
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• Front and rear stabilizer bar

Fuel

• Fuel type: gas
• Fuel type: regular unleaded
• Fuel tank capacity: 16.9 gal.
• Range in miles (cty/hwy): 270.4/354.9 mi.
• EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 16/21 mpg

Mechanical Options

• Remote Engine Starter

Safety

Safety & Security

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Remote anti-theft alarm system
• Emergency braking assist
• Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Daytime running lights
• Engine immobilizer
• Front fog/driving lights
• 2 front headrests
• 3 rear headrests
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Turn signal mirrors
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Front height adjustable headrests
• Rear height adjustable headrests
• Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
• Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
• Tire pressure monitoring

Safety & Security Options

• Reverse Assist Sensors

Warranty

• Basic: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
• Drivetrain: 5 yr./ 60000 mi.
• Roadside: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Interior

Front Seats

• Front head room: 40.3 in.
• Front hip room: 54.0 in.
• Front leg room: 42.3 in.
• Front shoulder room: 58.1 in.
• Multi-level heating passenger seat
• 4 -way power passenger seat
• 8 -way power driver seat
• Passenger seat with manual adjustable lumbar support
• Multi-level heating driver seat
• Driver seat with manual adjustable lumbar support
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Premium cloth
• Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 54.6 in.
• Rear head room: 38.2 in.
• Rear leg room: 34.3 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 57.5 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Reclining rear seats
• Folding with storage center armrest
• Manual folding split-bench third row seats
• Rear ventilation ducts with fan control

Power Features

• Remote power door locks
• Power mirrors
• Heated mirrors
• 1 one-touch power windows

Convenience

• Cruise control
• Front console with storage
• Front, rear and 3rd row cupholders
• Front and rear door pockets
• Overhead console with storage
• Front seatback storage
• Speed-proportional power steering
• 12V front, 12V rear and 12V cargo area power outlet(s)
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
• Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel

Comfort

• Interior air filtration
• Three zone climate control
• Cargo area light
• Simulated alloy trim on center console
• Simulated alloy trim on dash
• Simulated alloy trim on doors
• Front reading lights
• Leather trim on shift knob
• Leather and simulated alloy steering wheel
• Front and rear floor mats
• Turn signal in mirrors
• Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

Instrumentation

• Clock
• Tachometer
• Trip computer
• External temperature display
• Low fuel level warning

In Car Entertainment

• Element antenna
• 6 total speakers
• 100 watts stereo output
• AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo
• Auxiliary MP3 audio input

Telematics

• Pre-wired for phone

Interior Options

• Black Retractable Luggage Compartment Cover
• Gray Cargo Tray
• Gray Blue Connect Kit
• Sirius Satellite Radio
• Cargo Area Convenience Group 4D
• XM Satellite Radio Kit
• Subwoofer/Amplifier and Subwoofer Mounting Kit
• All-Weather Floormats
• All-Weather Floor Mats
• Popular Equipment Group 1A
• iPod Interface Kit
• Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass
• Security System Shock Sensor
• Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass and Homelink
• Popular Equipment Group 1
• Rear Cargo Net
• Rear Seatback Cargo Net
• Gray Luggage Compartment Cover

Packages

• Base Model