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Editor's Note: Subdriven asked contributors Bob Holland and AJ Teixeira if they'd be so kind as to report to us from the 2005 Detroit North American International Auto Show and tell us their impressions on the all-new Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV. This is their report...

AJ: So Bob, how did you like Detroit?

Bob: Except for the fact that it rained and was dreary all the while we were there; and the fact that our original return flight got canceled; and the fact that I caught a downright nasty cold from that (rescheduled) return flight - I had a great time, and wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Oh well, as they say: "It's a tough job but someone has to do it."

You know, Wednesday, when I woke up and looked out the window of my room on the 53rd floor of the Marriott at the Renaissance Center, I couldn't see a thing because I was literally "in the clouds." Not only was it cloudy, but I woke up about 4:30 AM – wide awake - and the show didn't open till noon. Okay, so what do I do with all this spare time? Go to the gym, I said to myself, and burn off some of those delicious calories from last night's dinner with our SOA host! GREAT PLAN, or so I thought…

When we missed the shuttle bus to the show because I was taking silly pictures of the foggy Detroit River, I figured no big deal. The rain had stopped and it was close to 50 degrees. We could walk to Cobo Hall as it was only a few blocks; and besides, 50 degrees in Detroit in January is pretty rare, so why not take advantage of it? Okay, so on to the show to meet the B9 Tribeca we march...

AJ: You could feel the excitement at the gate, as we all waited for the noon opening. I was actually nervous as we rushed to the Subaru stand to see the Tribeca in person for the first time.

First impression was quite surprising, I thought to myself, "that's it - that's the grille we've heard all this fuss about?” It seemed a lot less prominent in person, almost a non-issue. The vehicle is quite handsome, actually - very modern and striking in design. All I could do was smile.

Bob: Yep, I agree - in person the Tribeca looks very good. I really think it's been much ado about nothing. Once the Tribeca starts hitting the streets, the styling will be no big deal. A year from now most people will have forgotten all the controversy over the Zapatinas grille.

I gotta admit, I'm a little disappointed in Subaru's apparent shift away from their "outdoorsy" image with this vehicle. Hopefully they'll address that issue with either a specific "package" or "trim level." Someone on another web site mentioned of possibly offering a B9 Telluride model, which would be more Outback/Forester-like, to help alleviate the fears of those who feel the Tribeca, as it now stands, is too much of a "city-slicker." I hope it comes to pass, and I guess we'll see in due time...

It's interesting the Tribeca is sort of a combination of the Legacy, Outback and Forester, but in a larger package. It's Legacy-like in some of its styling subtleness, that and fact that the roof rack is optional, and that it has very street-oriented tires, as well as having a temporary spare tire. It's Outback-like in that there's a certain "machismo" about it with its BMW X5-sized tires and 8.4 inch ground clearance, as well as having Outback-inspired black lower cladding. Finally, it's Forester-like in that it has a bulky crossover body. It's like Subaru is trying to appeal to all those traditional Subaru marketing segments with one vehicle.

AJ: I'm not bothered by the urban style - it's more honest. Who really needs to take 6 passengers rock crawling? In my preview, I challenged Subaru on several points, let's look at how they did, shall we?

Value: The jury is still out in terms of value, because we don't have specific pricing yet. The estimates we've heard should make it competitive; a mainstream price with a luxury look and feel, especially inside.

Throne: I give them a mixed score. The seating position is still lower than most competitors, but it doesn't look like a raised wagon, either.

Performance: Still to be determined, but I like that it weighs some 225 lbs less than the Acura MDX - that's a good start.

Features: 3 out of 4 features I requested are offered - only HIDs are not available. The twin projector beam headlights are fine, so kudos for the features, I think they nailed it.

Space Efficiency: Excellent, I thought - great room for such a small exterior package.

Payload and Towing: Payload is over 1100 lbs, while towing is not quite up to our expectations. 3500 lbs with a tow package is still decent, however.

Premium Materials: Aces, aces, aces.

Safety: Once again they met my every challenge. Better yet, it's all standard.

Distinctive Style: Absolutely. The press introduction was standing room only and it got similar attention from the public. It looks better in person. Subaru only has to get people into showrooms, or better yet, sitting inside that gorgeous interior.

Surprises: Perhaps the one area that disappoints. We got pretty much what we expected, so no big surprises. Are our expectations a bit too high for a niche player?

How do you feel about the towing, and did it feel like a throne to you?

Bob: Well, as you might expect, I'm disappointed here. The standard tow rating is only 2000 pounds - which is less than the Outback and Forester - with an optional tow package with a 3500 rating. It should have a 3500-pound rating standard, with an optional 5000-pound rating.

I had mentioned to Dave Sullivan, the Tribeca Brand Manager at the show, that I would love to see either a 6EAT or a CVT, coupled to a dual-range transmission, for those times when retrieving a boat from a steep boat launching area, or for mild offroading - such as my county landfill where I go with my trailer to get rid of yard waste. I really do appreciate having the low range in my current SUV when towing a trailer over there, because there are often some very deep tire ruts. What I'm talking about is just some lower gearing for those "Harry Homeowners" out there like me, who occasionally would welcome that down-low extra grunt for those sometime difficult conditions - especially when you’re working with a relatively small (for this class) 3.0 liter engine. Not only that, but having that dual-range feature would help separate the Tribeca from the MDX, XC90, et al., in terms of marketing.

While we’re at it, I would have liked to see a height-adjustable suspension and a full-size spare tire. In fact, if they do offer a full-size spare, a height adjustable suspension might be mandatory, as the 255/55-18 tire will lower the rear ground clearance a fair bit, as well as reduce the angle of departure. So for any type of offroading you may have to raise the suspension.

If they ever do the "Telluride" model that I mentioned earlier, all these features could be part of that package.

As to the “throne,” you asked about… No problems for me. It’s fine as is.

All in all, I think Subaru did a very good job with the Tribeca. It’s not perfect, but it is an excellent vehicle in which Subaru can build upon, and/or create spin-offs from. Hopefully the long-rumored 3.6 H6 will soon make its way into production, as well as a hybrid version. Maybe even a low-boost turbo? All it takes is money and resources, right? …And as you know, I’m very good at spending FHI’s money.

One more thing: You and I spent about two and a half hours crawling all over the new Tribeca. A good deal of that time was spent talking with Dave Sullivan, the SOA Brand Manager for the B9 Tribeca. I can’t tell you how impressed I was with him. This is his baby and he’s very proud of it, and justifiably so. He is passionate about this vehicle and cares deeply about what other people feel and say about it. He said he spends the first hour of each day checking the various web site forums to get a read on what is being said out there. The fact that he knew my screen name (he mentioned it - I didn’t give it to him!) from all my posting says a lot, I think. I know I must have bent his ear for a good hour and half, if not more.

AJ: Yes, Mr. Sullivan impressed me too. And good point about the donut spare. SUVs deserve a real full-size spare. Any other thoughts about the show?

Bob: Well, this is our second year attending “Industry Day,” and for the life of me, I can’t figure out why they keep the food court closed!?!? It was the same way last year too! C’mon NAIAS, we “Industry” folks like to eat too! Oh, remember I said that I went to the gym early in the morning? Well that came back to haunt me big time. We were at the show from noon till 8:30 pm—and still didn’t get to see the lower level exhibits! I don’t know about you, but I was one tired puppy that evening! I’m convinced, this is a show that needs to be seen in two days. Cramming it all into one day is a bit much for these old bones. What is your most lasting NAIAS impression?

AJ: The Tribeca wowed me. It pushes the styling envelope inside and out. I'm looking forward to driving one and perhaps even owning one. No other vehicle at the show made me feel that way, so it gets my vote. Nice job, Subaru.

Bob: Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m beat, and am still nursing my Detroit-inspired cold… Still, I can’t wait for next year’s NAIAS!


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