2012 Subaru Tribeca

Subaru is known for no-nonsense SUVs with standard full-time all-wheel drive. Its cars frequently rank near the top of Consumer Reports’ Owner Satisfaction and reliability ratings, making some used Subarus a good choice. Along with all-wheel drive, Subarus are known for using a “boxer” style four-cylinder engine with opposing pistons that move horizontally. The design reduces vibration and gives the vehicle a low center of gravity. No Subaru would be considered luxurious, but most have options like heated seats and leather upholstery. Unfortunately, blind spot warning (BSW) and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) are often optional, so buyers must pay extra for important safety features. Subaru hasn’t offered a hybrid since the plug-in hybrid Crosstrek was discontinued in 2024. The Solterra, a pure EV based on the Toyota bZ4x, charges slowly and has short range. Popular sports cars like the WRX and BR-Z show the brand’s wilder side.

Model years 2008 and newer Tribeca (B9 was dropped from the name) have revised styling, with a less controversial-looking front grille, as well as a revised transmission and a more powerful 256-hp, 3.6-liter engine that runs on regular fuel. It gets the same 16 mpg as the less-powerful engine; this is the version you want. The cabin is nicely finished, but the third-row is tiny, even for children. A hidden release lets the second-row seats slide back, giving them needed legroom when the third row is unoccupied. Most controls are easy to use, but buttons can be hard to read and it is a long reach to the navigation system's touch-screen monitor. Look for one with the optional backup camera; the small back window impairs rear visibility. The Tribeca soldiered on without changes for a number of years. 2014 was its last year.