2008, diamond gray shown
Quartz Silver	satin white, and diamond gray
2008 Tribeca, newport blue (standard model shown, note no roof rails)	New tail lights, higher license plate recess shown with optional rear bumper cover
redesigned 2008 5 split-spoke 18" alloy wheels (above)	View through the back-up camera, standard with Navigation. Yes that's a Tribeca, app 8 feet away.
2008 Tribeca safety sticker and crash test ratings	new 2008 rear side window minimizes blind spots

optional retractable and removable cargo cover. There is a also optional stretch-to-fit vinyl cargo cover  (see photo page)	2 position power memory driver's seat is standard on Limiteds ********* Aero cross bars, optional on Limited models only	Lower windshield heats up to defrost the front wipers. Outback shown, but it's the same on the Tribeca. the front wiper de-icer heating element (see above)
dual zone climate control  and heated seats on the Limited models	new larger for 2008 rear side window really minimizes blind spots. Note the center middle row seatbelt is detached and retracted out of the way into the roof, and the new for 08 roof mounted stereo tweeters.	steering wheel stereo controls
new for 2008 Fin roof antenna is standard only with factory installed XM satellite radio (includes with Navigation). Dealer installed Sirius and XM radios will have the antenna in the upper passenger windshield like 07s.	new for 2008, Limiteds have roof rails. Cross bars are optional. Standard models use 2006/7 fixed position racks	Headlights side-by-side, 2007 left, 2008 right

Updates,  Notes, Comments
Tribeca homepage

December 10, 2008- new accessory iPod-iPhone interface for for Legacy, Outback, Tribeca.  iPod interface controls your iPod and iPhone through the factory stereo. Also recharges it except for 4th gen Nano and 2nd gen iPhone. Applicable on all Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca 2009-2008-2007 without Satellite radio or DVD system. Available factory or dealer installed
 

December 4, 2008 Tribeca hold for VDC G sensor inspection on app 5,130 late 2008 and early 2009 model years that -may- be installed backwards. Inspect the VDC 'G Sensor' to be sure it's pointing forward. The sensor is in the center console and if it's installed backwards, re-install it to point forward as indicated by the arrow on the sensor. The 2009 Tribeca VIN range for vehicles that -may- be affected is 94400001- 94406703. Owner Notification letters are expected to be mailed during the week of 12/15/08, and recommends the driver “turn off” the Traction Control System until the inspection. The VDC 'off' button is above the drivers left knee. See recalls for more info and photos note 12/20/08 Subaru incorrectly sent all 07-08 Tribeca owners using MySubaru.com a recall notice only intended for some 08-09 model owners.  A 2nd email was sent to folks who shouldn't have gotten it.

VDC button

February 4, 2008 A Block Heater is now available for the 2008. Cold weather folks will appreciate it.

May 23. Prices, colors, specs officially announced.

May 16, 2007 Crash test: The 2008 Tribeca gets 5 Star rating from NHTSA.gov on front and rear driver and passenger crash tests, plus a 'no-tip'  rollover test! full report
11/20/2006 crash test result:  Tribeca, Legacy GT sedan with Navigation, Forester XT Sports are on the list of only 13 cars that earned the top rating from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
10/2005 Public consumer testing magazine rates the 2006 Tribeca and other SUVs (November issue). The Tribeca is a suggested buy.
9/12/2005 First Crash test results are in. The  2006 Tribeca gets 5 stars...

Canada 08 Tribecas will not have a price increase and will include Xenon HID headlights and manintenance for 3yr/36,000 miles. These features are not included with US spec models. Tribeca 5 passenger, list price  $41,995 5 passenger Limited package, list price, list price $45,195 7 passenger Premier package with XM satellite radio, Navigation and DVD, list price $52,495 Includes 36-month/60,000 km scheduled maintenance plan at no-charge end Canada spec. everything else on this site is US spec

2008 SPECIFICATIONS subject to change, correction as available. Always double check and confirm all information before buying or driving Basics: a mid-size, uni-body SUV with optional 7 passenger. Subject to change, correction.
Location of Factory	Subaru of Indiana Automotive factory, Lafayette, Indiana. 2006 (1st model) Production starting April 1, 2005
Engine	3.60L  24 Valve  Camshaft timing chain Composite resin intake manifold DAVCS dual active variable valve control system, variable valve timing Sequential fuel injection Direct electronic distributorless ignition Spark Plugs: NGK SILFR6A Plug Firing Order 1-6-3-2-5-4 iGNITION TIMING 15* BTDC Compression 10.5:1 Oil, oil filter capacity 8.5US qt Idle speed, parked, 700rpm
Horsepower	256@6000rpm, torque 247@4400rpm
Transmission, gear ratios etc	2nd generation 5spd Automatic SportShift is standard. No manual is available. This transmission is 8 lbs lighter, has a new TCU (tranmission control unit) for better driving. A faster computer processer shift faster and also works with the engine ECU (elec contol unit) to blip engine speed when the driver manually downshifts. This briefly raises engine speed to match road speed in the lower gear for a smoother downshift. A nice feature. In Sport mode the transmission will automatically down shift when braking hard. The TCU also holds the gear when cornering, lateral g-forces are detected and when entering a corner in one gear, the transmission won't shift to the next higher one if the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal and when coming out of the turn, the driver can reapply the accelerator without causing a downshift. When going up or down a hill, the new TCU has improved functions to minimize hunting.  2008 models have a larger transmission cooler.  Ratios 1st gear: 3.54:1, 2nd: 2.264:1, 3rd: 1.471:1, 4th: 1.00:1, 5th: 0.834:1, Final drive 3.583:1 Reverse: 2.370 SportShift Manual mode max speeds will automatically upshift at: 1st gear 25mph, 2nd 59mph, 3rd 95mph When cool the engine will shift at higher RPMs to shorten the warm-up time.
All Wheel Drive	VTD (vehicle torque distribution) VDC (vehicle dynamics control), 45.7 / 54.3  front/rear power split,  TCS 4 wheel traction control and stability system.
New 2008 model fuel economy tests	New for 2008 Model Revised EPA Fuel economy testing methodswill result in lower but more realistic ratings for all manufacturers. New lower estimates (starting with 2008 models) more accurately reflect our current stop-and-go traffic and commute driving patterns, faster speeds and acceleration, air conditioner use, and colder outside temperatures. MPG estimates will also be adjusted downward to account for factors that are difficult to replicate in a laboratory, such as wind and road surface resistance. New fuel economy estimates will be lower for most vehicles. This is not because auto makers have designed the same vehicles to be less fuel efficient—it is because our new test methods take into account factors that have been missing or not fully accounted for in the current (2007 model)  tests. Because some vehicles are more sensitive to these factors than others, the impact of the proposed changes will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The city MPG estimates for conventional (non-hybrid) vehicles would drop on average by about 10-20 percent from (2007 model) labels, while the highway estimates would drop by about 5-15 percent, depending on the vehicle.  Hybrid vehicles, city MPG estimates would drop 20-30 percent from (2007 model) labels. highway MPG estimates, the change is about the same as for conventional vehicles. More from the EPA
Fuel economy, Fuel type	city/highway 18/23 MPG
Fuel tank capacity	16.9 US gallons. Tank is safely located under middle seat. Low fuel light comes on with app 3-3.5 US gallons remaining
Brakes	4 channel, 4 sensor Anti-lock Electronic Brake Force Distribution Dual Piston Front, Single Piston Rear 12.3" front vented disc, 12.4" rear vented disc
Wheels	18 x 8.0"  5 dual-spoke alloy, Offset 55 (2.17)
Steering	speed sensitive variable assist rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio	18.0:1
Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock	3.44
Turning Circle	37.4ft
Tires	Goodyear Eagle LS2 255/55 R18 104H all weather MS, Raised Black Letter, with Tire pressure monitoring system. Tire Pressure Front 33psi, Rear 32psi Tire chains: Ok to use spring chains on the standard 225/560R18 all weather tires, front wheels only, and keep speeds below 19mph. Chains should not be used on other tires such as snow tires etc due to slightly increased size.
Spare Tire	temporary, mounted under rear of car. Tools in cargo area and there a small storage bin as well
Curb Weight	4,150-4,250
Towing	Tow 3,500 pounds with transmission cooler. 2000 pounds without transmission cooler. Tongue weight: 200 pounds, 300 pounds with transmission cooler Trailer brakes are required when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs. Note: You can't flat tow a Subaru automatic transmission behind a motorhome, you have to use a flatbed.
Ground Clearance	8.4" at exhaust pipe
Angle of Approach, Departure	Approach angle: 17* Departure angle: 21* Ramp breakover angle 19*
SAFETY Subject to change, correction. May 16, 2007 The 2008 Tribeca gets 5 Star crash rating from NHTSA.gov on front & rear driver and passenger crash tests, plus a 'no-tip'  in the rollover test  the full report 11/20/2006 crash test result:  Tribeca is on the list of 13 cars that earned the top rating from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.   3 middle row child seat tethers are on the back of the seats 2008 Subaru Tribeca crash test window sticker arrow points at the 3rd row child seat tether  in rear gate sill. The cover comes off.  There are no 3rd child seat anchors. subject to change, correction, additional info as available. Always double check and confirm all information before buying or driving
Brake Assist	senses panic stops and boosts brake pressure, new for 2007
Roll-Over Sensor	when a roll-over is detected deploys side-curtain airbags and cinches front seatbelts. new for 2007
Back-up warning sensor	Beeps faster as the vehicle gets closer to an object while backing up, starts beeping at 4-5 ft. With high-low-off' volume switch
Auto-off headlights, off with igntion	S, auto off with ignition. (daytime running lights are also standard)
Airbags	Dual front occupant sensing airbags, dual stage deployment.  Driver's front airbag knows where the seat is positioned,  Passenger front seat senses occupant and deploys at app 80+ pounds Roll-Over Sensor pre-deploys curtain airbags and tightens front seatbelts. Dual front seat-mounted side airbags Front and rear side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts	7 lap and shoulder belts. 2 front, 3 middle, 2 rear (opt). Outside shoulder harnesses are height adjustable
Child seat LATCH system	Tethers 3 for middle row, and 2 in optional 3rd row Anchors,  2 in middle row.
Childproof door locks.	S
Tire pressure monitoring system	Measures tire pressure, a dashboard warning light illuminates when under 27.2psi. See more below
Daytime Running Lights	S
5 mph Impact Bumpers	S
Side Impact beams in doors	S
Front and Rear crumple zones	S
Active front headrests	S
Rear headrests for all seats, adjustable	S
Safety pedals	the pedals are designed to minimize foot injury in a front end accident
Break-away engine	designed to drop under passenger compartment in an accident
Dead battery and rear gate locked?	Note: there is no key access to unlock the rear gate (ie no key in the rear gate), and if the car's battery is dead the only way to open the gate is to climb in the back and to get to a small lever on the inside of the gate, and then it can be opened from the outside. Or jump-start the car of course and then use either the remote or the power door locks.

2008, 2007, 2006 Cargo Capacity, Folding Seats All seats folded flat- 74.4cf behind 2nd row- 37.6cf behind 3rd row- 8.3cf Maximum Payload 1,464-1,560 pounds Seats fold down- middle row 40/20/40, rear row 50/50 Cargo Dimensions: unofficial and hand measured Subject to change, correction.
	A 40" wide at bottom of gate, 44" at center B 16.5" C 44" to top of 3rd row headrests. D 67-78" the middle row slides app 8" so it's a range E 32" floor to roof F 21.5" G 43" H 18.5" I 13" J 18.5" K 56" many more interior photos

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start options 

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Slate Gray, Desert Beige interior, both have dark carpeting
(leather shown, non-perforated)

color chips
color availability by model and interior colors below
Subject to change, correction.

Newport Blue Pearl	2008 Tribeca color sample chips. Actual colors will vary
quartz silver metallic	Diamond Gray Metallic  a rich, metallic dark gray	Deep Bronze Metallic
satin white pearl looks much whiter than this	Harvest Gold Metallic

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Emergency: towing, dashboard warning lights, jump starts, flat tires
Always call a professional like Subaru's Roadside Asistance 800 261-2155 or your own emergency service folks. And read the owner's manual.
Information here is unofficial and subject to change and correction, and a Subaru trained mechanic should repair or diagnose any and all issues!

Towing your Tribeca:Tow on a flat bed truck only. However if you have no choice but to tow on the ground there's potential transmission damage, keep the speed under 20mph and the distance under 31 miles, and any damage probably won't be covered by the warranty!

Low fuel light comes on with app 2.6 US gallons left.

Low tire pressure light TPMS- steady illumination when a tire is low, flashes there's a problem with the system. Take to mechanic.

VDC off light comes on when you have temporarily disabled the VDC system or when there's a problem with the system. Take to mechanic.

AWD light (AWD = all wheel drive) flashes if the vehicle is driven with mismatched or low tires which is always bad on an all-wheel-drive.

Indicates the transmission fluid is too hot. Slow down and avoid hard driving, hills, stop-go traffic etc. Take to mechanic.

Indicates rear differential fluid is too hot. Park, let it cool down and if the light goes out it's ok. Take to mechanic.

Indicates that there is a problem. Or a loose gas cap. Anyway, slow down and take to mechanic.

Jump starting
1.Connect one jumper to the positive (+) terminal on the dead battery and connect the other end to the positive (+) terminal of the good booster battery.
2. Connect one end of the other cable to the negative terminal of the good battery and clamp the other end of the cable to the strut mounting nut.

Flat tires
The Tribeca has TPMS Tire pressure monitoring. When a tire's pressure drop below appr. 27psi a dashboard warning light goes on. It doesn' t say which tire so check all of them.  Using compressed tire inflator sealant may help get you home etc but will damage the TPMS sensor. When a tire or wheel is replaced, the sensor has to be programmed.
The spare is outside under the back.
To lower the spare, remove the subfloor storage lid in the cargo area, take out the jack and remove an access cover and cap. Get the hex-headed hoist shaft tool in the tool kit and fit it into the hole and put the wheel lug nut wrench onto it and turn it counter clockwise. Be sure to remove (not simply keep it open) the subfloor storage lid before turning the wheel nut wrench, otherwise the lid may be damaged. To replace the spare just wind it back up until you hear a few clicks and make sure the tire is tight.

Interested in getting a Tribeca in Seattle or the greater NW? Contact Joe Spitz

Articles more Tribeca news, links and articles

2008 Subaru Tribeca  speed test
from trunktrend.com
0-60 mph  8.2 sec
Quarter mile 16.3 sec @ 85.3 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 126 ft
Lateral acceleration 0.76 g (avg)

2008 Tribeca reviews, June 2006. The redesigned 2008 Tribeca has a new larger engine that takes regular gas (not premium), has a new front end, better rear visibilty, much larger outside mirror and etc. It getting a lot of good, positive press, see below
autos.canada '..what hasn't changed is Subaru's brilliant symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive system, which works in harmony with an electronic stability-control system..'
post-gazette '..Altogether,Subaru has managed to make the Tribeca more conventional where it needs to be, while increasing its sportiness potential and appearance..'
SearchChicago, again  'New Subaru Tribeca is more than just a pretty face', 'less distinctive, but it gets mainstream styling..'
edmunds.com 'You might accuse Subaru of having an identity crisis. Though it's built by a company that long ago established a tough-as-nails reputation among the inhabitants of wintry climes, the 2008 Subaru Tribeca dares to be stylish. It's kind of like wearing a tuxedo, only keeping your snow boots on....'  sportiness potential and appearance...'
caranddriver ..'Better.. is the torque peak of at 247pf @ 4400 rpm vs 219@4200, and 180 pf at engine speeds as low as 1200 rpm.
auto123  The Tribeca shines in the handling department thanks to its full-time all-wheel drive system.
Motortrend  'Now that's more like it: Minor surgery puts Tribeca back in action'
Scrippsnews  'Tribeca looks slicker on city streets..  with all that and a reasonably low center of gravity, you would have to work pretty hard to lose control on a slick surface or turn this vehicle topsy-turvy.'
Businessweek.com '08 Tribeca is a very attractive vehicle, especially for anyone with kids and carpooling responsibilities.
Detroit News  '...Updated Tribeca beautifully blends form and function.. '
carconnection.com   '... it's good move for the Tribeca, which in every other way already was an interesting alternative to the Pilots and Muranos of the world..
automobilemag.com 'The crossover segment is hotter than a kitchen fire at Buffalo Wild Wings, so Subaru could ill afford to wait to update its Tribeca..'
cars.com 'For 2008, Subaru has replaced the controversial grille that became the crossover SUV's defining characteristic, tweaked its overall appearance and increased the size and power of its horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine.'

5/12/2007  2008 Tribeca review, 'Subaru has dramatically altered its 2008 Tribeca in this crossover SUV's third model year, clearly responding to criticism over styling that polarized faithful Subaru fans and other prospective buyers.'  more

5/16/2006 Cobb Tuning supercharges a 2006 Tribeca with the 3.0L, gets 320 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque, plus adds bigger brakes, upgraded suspension and more! Cobb (of SLC, Utah) performance upgrades are available for a number of Subaru models. In the Seattle area, Mike Corbin's Smart Service is a local independent Subaru service dealer who not only provides everyday mechanical expertise but is also the total performance specialist!

Notes and comments from yours truly

on the 2008
The all new grill is conventional and will appeal to more folks
The rear end is all new, a bit more squared off and better looking
The new headlights are different, no feeling either way, just different
New 3.6 L engine that uses regular fuel is a strong improvement!
Rear side windows are significantly easier to see out of!
Outside mirrors are 50% larger and this really improves visibility!
One piece key and remote is a lot better to carry around. Ths is overdue.

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Tips, comments welcomed.
homepage, contact

Many thanks, Joe

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