What is the fuel consumption of Subaru Tribeca 2008?
The 2008 Subaru Tribeca, powered by a 3.0-liter flat-six and all-wheel drive, typically achieves about 19 mpg combined (roughly 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway) according to EPA estimates. Real-world results vary with driving style and conditions.
Official EPA ratings for the 2008 Tribeca
Below are the EPA city/highway/combined estimates commonly cited for the 2008 Tribeca with the standard all-wheel drive and 3.0-liter H6 engine. These figures come from laboratory testing and may not match every trip.
- City: 17 mpg
- Highway: 23 mpg
- Combined: 19 mpg
In metric terms, this roughly translates to about 13.8 L/100 km in city driving, 10.2 L/100 km on the highway, and around 12.4 L/100 km combined.
EPA ratings versus real-world performance
Real-world mpg for the Tribeca can differ from EPA figures due to factors such as driving habits, payload, and weather. While highway trips can approach the EPA highway figure, city driving or heavy loads often yield lower results.
Factors that influence fuel consumption
Several real-world factors can push fuel economy above or below the EPA numbers. The list below highlights common influences for the Tribeca.
- Vehicle condition: tire pressure, air filters, spark plugs, and engine maintenance—low tire pressure or worn components reduce efficiency.
- Driving style: rapid acceleration, high speeds, and frequent braking lower mpg; smooth, steady driving improves it.
- Payload and aerodynamics: heavy loads and roof cargo increase drag and reduce efficiency.
- Weather and terrain: cold weather, hills, and headwinds can worsen mpg.
- Maintenance history: regular oil changes and proper maintenance of the transmission, fuel system, and exhaust help preserve efficiency.
Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations and highlights ways to optimize fuel use without compromising safety.
Tips to maximize fuel economy on a 2008 Tribeca
Adopt best practices that are known to improve fuel economy in large, AWD SUVs like the Tribeca.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure (often around 32–35 psi, per the door jamb placard) to reduce rolling resistance.
- Maintain the engine and use the recommended fuel grade; perform regular maintenance on filters, spark plugs, and fluids.
- Lighten the load: remove unnecessary cargo and minimize roof racks when not in use.
- Plan efficient routes and minimize stop-and-go driving; use cruise control on highways when safe and appropriate.
- Drive at moderate speeds; higher speeds significantly reduce highway mpg for heavier SUVs.
Small, consistent changes can yield noticeable gains in efficiency without sacrificing safety or comfort.
Real-world owner experience and caveats
Owners report that actual fuel economy varies widely based on the model year, maintenance history, and regional driving patterns. Common observations include:
- Early Tribecas (2006–2008) often demonstrate mpg near EPA estimates when on long highway trips with light payloads.
- Short trips with cold engines tend to lower mpg compared with sustained highway driving.
- Fuel economy can drop into the mid-teens in heavy city traffic or when the AWD system is actively engaged for extended periods.
In sum, the Tribeca’s fuel usage aligns with the expectations for a midsize, all-wheel-drive SUV from its era, with real-world numbers heavily influenced by how it’s driven and maintained.
Summary
The 2008 Subaru Tribeca’s official EPA fuel economy figures are 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. Real-world numbers vary with driving style, payload, maintenance, and conditions. By following maintenance best practices and mindful driving, owners can approach the EPA estimates, though experiences will differ across trips and environments.
Bottom line: If maximizing fuel economy is essential, plan trips with steady speeds, keep up with maintenance, and minimize weight and aerodynamic drag where possible.
Is the Subaru Tribeca fuel efficient?
The only draw back is the gas milage-average 18 mpg.
How many miles can a 2008 Subaru Tribeca last?
The Subaru Tribeca has an average lifespan of 136,889 miles or about 9.4 years. The Tribeca's predicted lifespan is derived from over 300 million data points iSeeCars analyzed to determine this model's average lifespan.
Is the Subaru Tribeca a reliable car?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 13% for the Subaru Tribeca, compared to an average of 13% for midsize SUVs and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
How big is the gas tank on a 2008 Subaru Tribeca?
16.9 gal.Fuel & MPG
| EPA combined MPG | 18 MPG |
|---|---|
| Range in miles (city/hwy) | 270.4/354.9 mi. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 16.9 gal. |
| CO2 Emissions | 8.1 tons |
