2008 Subaru Tribeca facelift

Subaru will be introducing its redesigned Tribeca SUV at this week’s New York Auto Show, with sales set to start by the middle of the year. Designers have dropped the current model’s wing-shaped grille in favor of a more conservative rectangular unit matched with square shaped headlights.

Under the hood is a newly designed and more powerful 3.6-liter boxer engine, which replaces the current version’s 3.0L flat six. Despite the extra displacement and horsepower, the new motor delivers both improved performance and fuel efficiency in real world driving situations. New features include an upgraded cooling system that will allow owners to use regular unleaded fuel, as well as a Dual Active Valve Control System that allows timing for both the intake and exhaust valves to help improve low-end torque.

Other additions to the Tribeca include full tilt-and-slide control for the second row seats and a new assist spring that reduces the effort needed to slide it. Also new are molded grab handles on the lower C-pillar to assist in stepping into the third row. Ride and handling has also been improved thanks to the re-calibrated rear suspension with new bushings.