Neither trim package is lacking in function or comfort. All Tribecas, for instance, have Subaru's Vehicle Dynamics Control system, which joins forces with Variable Torque Distribution all-wheel drive and all-wheel traction control to help the driver maintain control. Standard wheels are 18-inch aluminum alloys with low-profile, all-season tires; a tire pressure monitoring system is standard, too. Brakes are vented discs with antilock and Electronic Brake-force Distribution systems.

Safety features include Subaru's unique auto-retracting brake pedal assembly designed to lessen exposure to crash-related injury for the driver's feet and lower legs. Front seat occupants are protected by dual-stage frontal airbags, seat-mounted side impact airbags and active head restraints, which automatically push forward and up in rear-impact collisions. Curtain airbags insulate the front and second row seats in side impacts. All seating positions get adjustable head restraints, and outboard seats have height-adjustable anchors for seatbelt shoulder straps. Child safety seat anchors (LATCH) are provided for the rear seat(s).

Inside, all Tribeca models give the driver an eight-way power adjustable seat and the front passenger a four-way power seat, both with manual lumbar. The second row of seats is almost as flexible as the two front seats, with a 40/20/40-split reclining seatback and a 60/40-split seat bottom adjustable fore and aft. Dual-zone automatic air conditioning is standard, as is a 100-watt, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers. Cruise control is standard. So are power windows, outside mirrors and door locks. The steering wheel, which also tilts, and shift knob are covered in leather. And there's an information center displaying audio settings, time, fuel economy and outside temperature.

The seven-passenger Tribeca gets that way via the addition of a third-row seat split 50/50. It also adds heated front seats and an auxiliary rear air conditioner fan control in the second seating row.

Moving up to the Limited in both the five-passenger ($32,295) and seven-passenger ($33,895) versions replaces the standard cloth upholstery with a choice of smooth or perforated leather seating surfaces. The stereo is upgraded to a 160-watt system with a six-disc, in-dash CD changer and nine speakers, including a sub-woofer in the rear cargo area.

Factory options are offered only on the seven-passenger model and include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1800) and a touch-screen, DVD-based, GPS navigation system ($2000). Subaru-approved options for both models and installed either at the port or by the dealer (installation costs are extra) number some 20 or so and include an assortment of features. Among them: an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror ($183), battery warmer ($30), engine block heater ($30), hood protector ($73), roof rack-mounted kayak carrier ($147), roof-rack mounted bike carrier ($140), and towing package with hitch and oil cooler ($514).