Automotive
The Subaru Tribeca, launched in 2005 at the North American International Auto Show, was Subaru’s ambitious attempt to enter the mid-size SUV market. Known for its rugged all-wheel drive vehicles, Subaru’s shift to the larger Tribeca signaled a new direction for the brand, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. While Subaru’s vehicles were typically praised for their all-wheel drive prowess, the 2005 Tribeca was met with mixed reactions, particularly for its controversial exterior design. However, in terms of practicality, the Tribeca was a crossover that lived up to Subaru’s engineering standards, offering a comfortable three-row seating configuration for families.
The 2005 Tribeca featured a substantial engine/transmission setup, providing power and efficiency to meet the demands of its size. Despite this, fuel efficiency was a notable drawback, and the car's front fascia became the subject of many debates. Subaru explained that the trapezoidal grille, flanked by horizontal grilles, was inspired by the brand's aviation roots, but it didn’t quite resonate with most customers. The triangular headlights, with three individual lamps inside, added to the car's unconventional look, leaving many to question its design direction.
From a side profile, the Tribeca offered more attractive features. Its rounded bodywork included an ascending beltline and a crease that ran from the front to the back of the car, over the rear doors and quarter panels. The blackened B-pillars and the up-kick of the rear window design were highlights, adding a sporty touch to its otherwise bulky profile. Furthermore, the roof spoiler and side-mounted exhausts on the rear added a dash of flair that gave the Tribeca a more dynamic appearance.
Despite the unique design elements, the 2005 Tribeca faced harsh criticism, particularly for its bold and polarizing looks. Subaru responded quickly, bringing a facelift to the model in 2007, which proved to be a much more well-received version of the vehicle. The 2007 Tribeca debuted at the New York Auto Show with significant improvements to both its appearance and functionality.
At the front, Subaru replaced the odd-looking headlights with a more traditional design. The grille, once criticized for resembling an aircraft’s nose, was replaced with a wider, more conventional version, now adorned with three horizontal slats and a chromed slat at the top. The bumper was also redesigned with a more traditional, sporty look that included fog lamps and a split air intake, improving both the aesthetic and the vehicle’s functionality.
The 2007 Tribeca kept the same strong side profile with its signature ascending beltline and long crease from the front doors to the rear quarter panels. However, Subaru made a subtle but important improvement by enlarging the rearmost windows, which significantly improved rear visibility for drivers. The changes made the vehicle more user-friendly, practical, and pleasing to the eye.
The 2007 Tribeca also received updated, larger taillights that gave the rear of the vehicle a more balanced and modern appearance. Subaru successfully addressed many of the design flaws of the 2005 model, creating a more cohesive and attractive vehicle that resonated with a wider range of customers.
For Subaru Tribeca owners, SherlockLock certified Subaru locksmith services offer key solutions such as key fob programming, key duplication, and emergency key retrieval to ensure that their vehicles stay secure. Whether you own the 2005, 2007, or any other year of the Subaru Tribeca, our locksmith services provide the reliability and expertise needed to protect your vehicle’s security system.
