2012 Subaru Tribeca Overview
The Tribeca is Subaru's premium SUV. When first launched in 2006, stunned the automotive community. To say it was quirky styling was an understatement, and Subaru soon realized many peculiarities did not play well in the market. The last redesign was in 2008 and there are virtually no changes for 2012.
Under the hood is Subaru's potent 3.6-liter flat-6 engine. It's not as sporty feeling and the turbocharged 2.5-liter in the Legacy, but the segment prefers the smooth power delivery of a six-cylinder. Unfortunately, the rate is only 21 mpg on the highway, a figure far too low in its segment.
Inside there is room for seven or five seats with generous cargo space. The controls are well placed, and the materials are more premium feel than other Subaru models. On the dashboard, there is a dual climate control, navigation system and available back-up camera, Harman Kardon audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and six airbags.
2012 Subaru Tribeca The Range
Body: SUV
Engine: 3.6-liter flat-6
Transmission: five-speed automatic
Models: Limited, Premium, Touring
2012 Subaru Tribeca What's new
The only change for 2012 is a new active head restraint system.
2012 Subaru Tribeca Outside
When Subaru did away with the three-element grille, the Tribeca was a much more attractive vehicle. With its flowing lines and prominent wheel arches, it is a mature, yet sporty-looking crossover SUV.
2012 Subaru Tribeca Interior
Inside, the Tribeca has a number of attractive design qualities, including a curved dashboard and a clean and user-friendly central display. There are the usual audio and infotainment pieces, including Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and an available navigation system. As a seven passenger, most people are comfortable, but the third row of the Tribeca is tight and best suited for children or smaller adults.
2012 Subaru Tribeca Performance & Handling
You just need an engine and transmission choice for the 2012 Subaru Tribeca, a 256 horsepower 3.6-liter flat-6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Subaru's all-wheel-drive system routes 55 percent of engine power to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions, so it drives like a sporty SUV with a lot of power to give to the highway.
2012 Subaru Tribeca Key Safety
The Tribeca has four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, two front airbags, seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, traction control, stability control, rollover sensor, active front head restraints and full-time AWD.
2012 Subaru Tribeca EPA Fuel Economy
Limited: 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway
Premium: 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway
Touring: 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway
2012 Subaru Tribeca Prices
Premium Sport Utility
Sticker Price: $30,595
Limited Sport Utility
Sticker Price: $32,595
Touring Sport Utility
Sticker Price: $35,895
