News

Take a pair of car-based crossover utility vehicles, or CUVs, mix in some boasting about all-wheel-drive systems, price them within a few bucks of each other and what you've got is a comparison between the Subaru B9 Tribeca and BMW's X3.

The Tribeca, of course, is an all-new entry from a small Japanese auto maker that in the words of Subaru Canada president and CEO Norio Osakabe aspires to challenge "the idea of a premium" crossover wagon. An absolutely loaded seven-passenger Tribeca Limited tops out at $47,995, about $2,000 less than the MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) of a X3 3.0i with seating for five.

Now, in terms of power, these two CUVs are very close. The Subaru's horizontally opposed or "boxer" six-cylinder engine is rated at 250 horsepower, while the Bimmer comes in at 225 hp. The torque numbers are virtually identical: 214 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm for the Tribeca, 219 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm for the X3.

The Tribeca has an edge in size, which isn't a surprise, given it seats seven at this price, while the X3 has room for only five. Over all, there's more total room inside the Subaru: 3,780 litres, compared with 2,721. The Tribeca is slightly longer, heavier and wider, while the X3 leads in towing capacity, 1,700 kg, compared with the Tribeca's 1,587 kg. Fuel economy is almost identical.

From here things get far more interesting. This is where the discussion turns to comparably equipped vehicles. When the X3 is loaded with options to match the standard fare in a Tribeca limited, the issue of dollars and cents comes to the fore.

Upgrade the X3 from a standard six-speed manual to a five-speed automatic with sport shift, add leather upholstery, a power sunroof, match up wheels and tires and a few other items, and the price comes in at $57,300. Include freight charges ($500 for the X3, $685 for the Tribeca) and the Tribeca prices out at $8,620 less.

Of course in the realm of cachet and market presence, few would argue the X3 does not have an edge over the new ute from Subaru.

Styling? This is always a subjective element, but I favour the X3's cleaner, lighter appearance. The Tribeca looks heavy in the flanks, as well as at the rear. And the new Subaru nose is generating plenty of discussion. The X3 has the standard, inoffensive twin kidney look up front.

Now once you open the doors, it's clear the Tribeca has a more modern, more handsome interior.

And then we have the two competing all-wheel-drive systems. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is excellent -- reliable, durable, nicely splitting torque or engine power front and rear depending on wheel spin. It is also well integrated into the whole vehicle, thanks to the low centre of gravity possible with a boxer engine.

The X3 has a tallish inline six-cylinder that gives the Bimmer a slightly higher centre of gravity and the AWD system is BMW's relatively new xDrive, which BMW launched with the arrival of the X3 in 2003 as a 2004 model. It works by instantly changing torque distribution from front to rear axles in an infinitely variable way.

So, xDrive feeds optimum torque to the required axle at any time, helping to counter under-steer and over-steer during cornering in road use. Off-road, it is designed to improve traction by distributing drive forces to the axle with the most grip. As soon as wheel spin threatens, the electro-hydraulic centre coupling transfers power to the axle with the greater traction.

This is very similar to Subaru's Symmetrical system, though BMW officials insist their technology is more advanced. In all driving conditions where I've tested both, the difference between the two is impossible to see or feel. Also, as with the Symmetrical system, xDrive combines with a stability control system to further improve traction and driving dynamics.

In BMW's case, its Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) comes into play to give what BMW says is optimum road handling. Off-road, the X3 has Hill Descent Control, which uses the brakes to control things on extreme downhill sections. The Tribeca comes standard with a stability control system called Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and it works in much the same fashion.

Both vehicles have standard anti-lock braking and driveline traction control. The Bimmer has a small edge in its more precise steering and braking responses, though the Tribeca has a tighter turning radius: 5.4 metres, compared with 5.9 for the X3.

In all honesty, though, with its engine closer to the ground, the Tribeca nicely hunkers down in corners, delivering very nice handling and cornering and limiting the potential for a rollover.

With its stiff tires and firm suspension the X3 is quicker in more aggressive driving manoeuvres, but less pleasing in everyday errand-hopping where the ride can jiggle and jump on relatively smooth pavement.

On the safety front, all of Subaru's current models -- the Legacy/Outback, Forester and Impreza -- are rated a "Best Pick" by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, though the Tribeca has yet to be crash tested and rated for rollovers. So based on the institute's strenuous crash testing, the X3 remains untested, also. But both manufacturers cherish their reputations for safety, so it is hard to imagine either vehicle performing badly in a crash test.

Furthermore, on the safety front, the Tribeca is fitted with not only ABS, but also front, side and curtain air bags. The vehicle's structure is designed to manage crash energy away from the passengers. The X3 also has a well-engineered safety cage, ABS and the full array of air bags -- front, side and overhead.

What about quality? This is a tricky area. For 2004, Subaru was the top-ranked brand for reliability by Consumer Reports magazine, well ahead of BMW. On the other hand, in J. D. Power and Associates' three-year Vehicle Dependability Survey, BMW was ranked above average, Subaru below average.

In Power's Initial Quality Survey of problems in the first 90 days of ownership, BMW finished third over all, while Subaru was again below average.

Neither really has a clear leadership position here.

Finally, the interiors. The Tribeca's cabin is spacious, with a futuristic twin-pod design up front, generous leg room in the second row and smallish seating at the very rear for third-row passengers. There is a clean and modern look to the controls and instruments, excellent use of soft overhead shower lighting and indirect floorboard lighting to lend a premium feel, and the materials are the best ever seen in a Subaru.

The X3's interior is business-like, not plush. My tester had loads of bland-looking plastic and it all looked very unimaginative.

In terms of function, the X3's instrument and control layout is well above average.

For instance, the tachometer and speedometer are housed in a binnacle ahead of the driver, the gearshift lever falls nicely to hand, wheel-mounted radio controls work well and all the usual controls are easy to operate.

The X3's seats are wonderfully supportive for the back and bum on long rides. In my view, better than the Tribeca's.

The verdict? The Tribeca presents a compelling value case, has a useful and attractive cabin design and the AWD system is not only proven but well integrated with the power train and especially the boxer engine's low centre of gravity. The X3 starts with BMW driving dynamics, the exterior styling hits the right notes, the seats are better and there is a certain cachet that comes with a Bimmer. In terms of safety and quality, the two CUVs are a wash.

Which would I pick for myself?

Despite reservations about the exterior styling and not being thrilled with seat comfort, the Tribeca's pricing and packaging combine to make a compelling case. It would be my choice with my own money.

jcato@globeandmail.ca

How it compares

	2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Limted 7-passenger	2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD
Wheelbase (mm)	2,749	2,795
Length (mm)	4,822	4,565
Width (mm)	1,878	1,853
Height (mm)	1,686	1,674
Base engine	3.0-litre H-6 DOHC	3.0-litre 1-6 DOHC
Output (hp) (torque)	250 at 6,600 rpm 219 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm	225 at 5,900 rpm 214 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm
Curb weight (kg)	1,906	1,825
Towing capacity (kg)	1,587	1,700
Fuel economy (L/100 km)	13.3 city/9.5 hwy	14.2 city/9.4 hwy
Base price	$47,995	$49,900