Hardly the home-run hit it was hoping for, Subaru’s original B9 Tribeca was due for a minor makeover to get it into shape for the 2008 season. At the 2007 New York Auto Show, Subaru therefore introduced a new and tougher-looking Tribeca to the auto world. 

 
Changes for the 2008 model are more than just skin deep. Under the hood is a redesigned Flat-6; its been bored and stroked out to 3.6 liters to boost power slightly and change the fuel requirement to a thriftier Regular octane. The previous H6 required Premium, which undoubtedly miffed some American V6 cross-shoppers.  

Though it won’t set the world on fire, the boost in power is impressive from this new engine: 256 horsepower at 6000 rpm (small improvement from the original 250 at 6600), and 247 lb.-ft of torque 4400 rpm (a leap up from 219 at 4200). This should add a much-needed dose of “oomph” to the 7-seater, while at the same time increasing fuel economy through internal design improvements.

Subaru is still not offering anything other than a 5-speed automatic transmission, but this too has been improved. The torque converter and programming revisions should make it much more pleasant to drive. We’ll let you know soon, as a test drive of this new model is next on our list of evaluations.

Next page: 2008 Tribeca specifications

<