2013 Subaru Tribeca Review
2013 Subaru Tribeca Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive
- stylish cabin design.
Cons
- Cramped third-row seat
- limited cargo capacity
- steering wheel doesn't telescope
- unimpressive fuel economy
- aged design
- pricey.
What’s new
The 2013 Subaru Tribeca returns with a slimmed-down lineup consisting of just the Limited trim level and a handful of option packages.
Edmunds says
The 2013 Subaru Tribeca has a few things going for it, but in the end most other midsize crossover SUVs will be better choices.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$230/mo for Tribeca 3.6R Limited
Tribeca 3.6R Limited
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Let's get this out of the way. There's nothing really wrong with the midsize 2013 Subaru Tribeca. The problem is that there isn't anything it does particularly well enough to make it stand out among the multitude of excellent crossover-SUV alternatives.
True, Subaru's largest crossover is attractive enough and benefits from the automaker's trademark horizontally opposed engine and capable all-wheel-drive system. The fact that for 2013 it's offered only in the well-equipped Limited trim level with seven-passenger seating could be considered another plus, as it simplifies the buying process.
Unfortunately, these positives are outweighed by the Tribeca's cramped third-row seat and limited cargo capacity, as well as its subpar fuel economy and aging overall design. Its relatively high sticker price doesn't help much either.
The list of the Tribeca's more desirable competitors is long, but some of our favorites include the 2013 Dodge Durango, 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. Any of these models should prove to be a more rewarding and worthwhile choice for a seven-passenger crossover SUV.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 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 is the only transmission offered. Every Tribeca features standard all-wheel drive.
In Edmunds performance 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 2013 Subaru Tribeca include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side-impact airbags, 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. In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Tribeca earned the top rating of "Good" in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.
Driving
In everyday driving the 2013 Subaru Tribeca is pleasant enough, with decent if unexciting handling and a light steering feel that aids maneuverability at low speeds. The suspension tuning is clearly tilted toward the comfort end of the spectrum and manages to provide a nice ride quality.
The 3.6-liter engine delivers acceptable acceleration, though it never feels particularly gutsy and sounds noisy when pushed hard. Fuel economy is subpar.
Interior
The 2013 Subaru Tribeca's interior has its strong points, including appealing styling, excellent visibility and a relative lack of wind and road noise. Front seats offer good comfort, but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel may make it hard for some folks to find an ideal driving position. The design and layout of the buttons and controls located on the center stack is also not particularly user-friendly.
The 40/20/40-split second-row seats get points for their ability to slide up and back up to 8 inches, but legroom ends up being just adequate and the center position is really only usable in a pinch. The same goes for the 50/50-split third-row seat, which is only suitable for occasional use by small children. Behind that third row you'll find a mere 8.3 cubic feet of cargo room. That number grows to 74.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down.
2013 Subaru Tribeca models
The 2013 Subaru Tribeca is a seven-passenger midsize crossover SUV that's now offered in a single Limited trim level.
Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control with separate rear air-conditioning control, leather upholstery (vinyl for the third row), heated power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), driver seat memory functions, reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seats, 50/50-split third-row seats, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a Harman Kardon audio system with a six-CD changer, auxiliary audio input jack, satellite radio and 10 speakers.
The options list is short and includes a Moonroof package that adds a sunroof, along with an auto-dimming rearview mirror with built-in compass and rearview camera display. Both the Navigation package and the Navigation and Rear-Seat DVD Entertainment package also include rearview-camera functionality, but the image is shown on the nav screen's larger display.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#31 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Subaru Tribeca from 2008-2022.$478/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.45x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).20.5%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Subaru Tribeca.
5 star(64%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Read all the reviews
South Dakota, 04/20/2010
2010 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
I read everything on line about the Tribeca. It was frustrating as many of the reviews contradict each other (e.g. one says there is very little body roll, the brakes are great while another says there is too much body roll and the breaks are spongy). You have to drive it yourself to judge. I was a Chevy Trail Blazer owner (LTZ) and I have to say the Tribeca drives way better, is more … responsive, and stops quicker than the trailblazer. Yes, a lot of reviewers say gas mileage is poor on the Tribeca. Indeed, but measure it against any other all wheel drive and none of them are any better (the reviewers seem to compare the all wheel drive of the Tribeca with the 2 wheel drive of other make
3.75 out of 5 stars
1000 km Review
Michael S., 04/29/2010
2010 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
My family have been loyal Volvo owners for the last 12 years. Given Volvo's current lack of a value proposition we decided to expand our horizons before purchasing a car this year. My checkpoints for our decision were a. needed to be real AWD; b. must accommodate 2 6 ft+ boys comfortably in the back seats; and c. it need to fit our budget. Point A eliminated a bunch of vehicles very … quickly. Point B narrowed the list down even further. After looking at Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, VW, Toyota and Nissan's offerings we went off to look at Subaru's offerings on a friends recommendation. We took a 60 minute test drive of the car and came back thrilled with the drive, the space and the value.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Excellent quality; average look
olegs, 04/20/2011
2011 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
This is our second Tribeca.
The first 2006 was an attractive looker with distinctive Alfa Romeo front but was lacking the performance. The new 2011 is a complete opposite.
Average Pacifica like look with improved power and excellent track on quality and reliability.
This is the only SUV that we'll trust on our trips to skiing resorts.
Nobody can bit Tribecas handling in a nasty winter … storm, especially with a set of dedicated winter tires.
We also like the fact that it is Japanese made but assembled in USA.
You have both: Japanese superior engineering and outstanding American quality.
4 out of 5 stars
The big persons Subaru
The DayWaster, 05/24/2018
2011 Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
Legroom in the back two rows are limited. Third row seating is a joke. I've had 7 Subarus and this is the first one that I fit in. Great vehicle overall. 160,000 miles and drives and looks like it did the day I got it.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Subaru Tribeca, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tribeca since its last redesign.
2013 Tribeca Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $32,595 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $230/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 8.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Tribeca include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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