The Subaru B9 Tribeca was positioned as a premium, three-row crossover SUV with a focus on Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and horizontally opposed engine layout. It aimed to capture families seeking a blend of SUV utility and refined handling.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, and Nissan Murano. Its unique styling and AWD system were key differentiators, though its relatively high price point and less potent engine compared to some rivals presented challenges.
Key Features
Key Features:
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• 3.0L Boxer 6-Cylinder Engine (EZ30D)
• 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Three-Row Seating
• Distinctive "Nose Cone" grille design
• Available luxury and technology features for its time
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Areas:
• General Information
• Transmission
• Wiring System
• Engine
• Chassis
• Body
Page Count
Page Count:
Not Specified (Typical for PDF manuals to not list exact page count, but coverage is comprehensive)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)
Language
Language:
English (Assumed based on product description and target market)
Format
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Systems Covered:
• Engine Mechanical (EZ30D)
• Engine Control System (MPI-NA)
• Fuel System
• Ignition System
• Exhaust System
• Cooling System
• Lubrication System
• Automatic Transmission (5AT)
• Drivetrain (Full-time AWD)
• Suspension System (Front and Rear)
• Braking System
• Steering System
• Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams Included)
• HVAC System
• Body and Frame
• Interior and Exterior Trim
• Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Procedures Included
Procedures Included:
• Scheduled Maintenance
• Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
• Component Removal and Installation
• Adjustment Procedures
• Repair and Overhaul
• Wiring Harness Repair
• Component Specifications
• Torque Specifications
• Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
• Service Bulletins (Implied by OEM FSM)
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive OEM-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Includes diagnostic flowcharts, detailed component descriptions, and repair procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Portable Document Format (.pdf)
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High resolution, suitable for clear printing of text and diagrams.
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
89.2 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
245 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
219 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Performance
Redline:
7000 rpm (Approximate)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) - Sequential
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Management
Engine Control Unit:
ECU with integrated diagnostics
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Code:
5AT
Features
Drive System:
Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
AWD System Type:
Viscous coupling center differential with an open front and rear differential.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance)
Fluid Capacities
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.8 Liters (Pan Drop and Fill)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
191.1 inches (4854 mm)
Width:
73.0 inches (1854 mm)
Height:
66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches (2746 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches (206 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
4190-4290 lbs (1900-1946 kg), depending on trim and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
5600 lbs (2540 kg)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
10.0 cu ft (Approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
37.9 cu ft (Approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
84.9 cu ft (Approx.)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
5 Stars (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Rating:
5 Stars (Front and Rear Passengers)
IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Test:
Good
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
• Vehicle Stability Control (VDC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
• Driver and front passenger front airbags
• Front side-impact airbags
• Side curtain airbags (front and second row)
• Active front head restraints
• Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Available touch-screen navigation system, premium audio systems (e.g., Harman Kardon), CD player, auxiliary audio input.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Rearview parking camera (on some trims), cruise control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling (on later models/trims), USB ports (on some models).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe driving), or 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving). Refer to manual for specific conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (severe driving) or 45,000 miles (normal driving). Highly recommended to service regularly for longevity.
Coolant Flush:
Initial service at 30,000 miles or 36 months, then every 30,000 miles or 24 months thereafter.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30, API SM or SN, ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.9 US quarts (7.5 Liters) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON ATF.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent Subaru Long Life Coolant (Green)
Known Issues
Common Issues:
• Head gasket leaks (though less common on the EZ30D compared to earlier Subaru engines)
• Catalytic converter issues
• Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil cooler seals
• Transmission shifting issues or reluctance
• HVAC system blower motor or control panel failures
• Rattles or squeaks from interior trim
• Wiper washer fluid pump failure
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of producing vehicles known for their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems and horizontally opposed 'boxer' engines. This engineering philosophy often results in enhanced stability, handling, and traction in various driving conditions.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The B9 Tribeca was Subaru's first foray into the mid-size, three-row crossover SUV segment. Introduced for the 2006 model year, it featured a distinctive design, including Subaru's controversial 'nose cone' grille, and was built on a platform shared with other Subaru models. It received minor updates for 2008, including a refresh of the grille and interior enhancements, and was renamed simply 'Tribeca' starting with the 2008 model year in some markets, dropping the 'B9' designation.
Production
Production Location:
Lafayette, Indiana, USA (Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. - SIA)
Total Production Run:
Production was discontinued after the 2014 model year due to slow sales.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
While the B9 Tribeca did not receive widespread major awards, it was praised by some reviewers for its comfortable ride and capable AWD system. Its design was polarizing, and sales figures did not reflect significant market acclaim compared to its competitors.
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