2016 Subaru Tribeca — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2016 Subaru Tribeca

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $28,610–$36,311
Fuel Economy 13 MPG
Seating 8 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $4,038/yr

Key Specifications — 2016 Subaru Tribeca

Seating Capacity8 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$28,610–$36,311

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2016 Subaru Tribeca

The 2016 Subaru Tribeca is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.0/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 7.8/10, while Technology at 5.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.8/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.5/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.3/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $28,610–$36,311, 13 MPG, seating 8, the Subaru Tribeca sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.3/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: The 2016 Subaru Tribeca sits in the middle of the field. Until its performance and technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2016 Subaru Tribeca ranks #2010 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $28,610 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 21%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Tribeca Year Should You Buy?

Across the Tribeca model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2017 6.9/10$29,739 Read review →
2016 (this review) 7.0/10$28,610
2015 7.0/10$27,480 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2016 Subaru Tribeca

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
  • Fuel economy at 13 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

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