Last updated August 4, 2026
The Subaru Tribeca’s trim names changed over time, but the hierarchy is simple. The 2009 base is the straightforward version, with standard AWD and a flexible cabin. For 2010–2012, the 3.6R Premium is the family-focused starting point, with heated front seats and seven-passenger seating. The Limited and 3.6R Limited form the luxury branch, adding leather, a moonroof, driver-seat memory, and premium audio. The 2010–2012 3.6R Touring is the top equipment level, distinguished by a rearview camera, HID headlights, and extra convenience details rather than more power.
The Base Model trim level, sold simply as base, is the straightforward 2009 Tribeca with the model’s core all-weather and family-friendly equipment but fewer luxury touches.
Best for: Shoppers who want AWD, a flexible cabin, and useful everyday comfort without prioritizing leather or upscale extras.
Highlights
The Premium Comfort trim level, sold as 3.6R Premium, is the well-equipped family-use starting point for 2010–2012.
Best for: Families who want seven seats, heated front seats, and standard AWD without moving into leather and premium audio.
Highlights
Compared with the earlier base level, the 3.6R Premium emphasizes family comfort with heated front seats, rear cabin airflow controls, and a folding third row for seven-passenger seating.
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The Luxury Features trim level — Limited and 3.6R Limited — is the comfort-focused Tribeca with leather, a moonroof, seat memory, and upgraded audio.
Best for: Shoppers who want the Tribeca’s family space and AWD with a more upscale cabin and added convenience features.
Highlights
Over the 3.6R Premium, the Limited level adds leather upholstery, driver-seat memory, a power moonroof, and premium audio; the later 3.6R Limited also includes Bluetooth hands-free calling.
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The Fully Loaded trim level, sold as 3.6R Touring, is the most comprehensively equipped Tribeca, focused on visibility, convenience, and upscale details rather than extra performance.
Best for: Shoppers seeking a 2010–2012 Tribeca with the highest factory equipment level.
Highlights
Over the Limited of the same era, the 3.6R Touring makes the moonroof package part of its top-trim formula and adds a rearview camera, HID headlights, and an auto-dimming mirror with a compass.
0 in stock| Feature | Base Model | Fully Loaded | Luxury Features | Premium Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | base0 in stock | 3.6R Touring0 in stock | 3.6R Limited, Limited0 in stock | 3.6R Premium0 in stock |
| Front seats | Power-adjustable | Heated and power-adjustable | Heated and power-adjustable; driver memory | Heated and power-adjustable |
| Upholstery | Non-leather | Leather-trimmed first and second rows | Leather-trimmed | Non-leather |
| Audio | Standard system | 10-speaker Harman Kardon system | Premium 9- or 10-speaker system, depending on year | Six speakers |
| Power moonroof | — | Standard | Standard | — |
| Rearview camera | — | Standard | Included on later 3.6R Limited | — |
| HID headlights | — | Standard | — | — |
| Rear-seat flexibility | Sliding 40/20/40 second row | Limited-based three-row cabin | Sliding second row and folding third row | Sliding second row and folding third row |
For 2009, the base trim is the straightforward version. It keeps the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, standard all-wheel drive, dual-zone climate control, power front seats, and flexible second row while skipping the Limited’s luxury upgrades.
In the 2010–2012 lineup, the 3.6R Premium is the practical starting trim. It has the same six-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, seven-seat layout, heated power front seats, and rear climate controls as the higher versions.
The Limited is the more comfort-focused Tribeca. Depending on the year, it brings features such as leather trim, heated front seats, driver-seat memory, upgraded audio, roof rails, and a moonroof while keeping the standard engine and all-wheel drive.
The 3.6R Touring is the top trim in the 2010–2012 lineup. It builds on the Limited with a moonroof, rearview camera, brighter high-intensity headlights, an auto-dimming mirror, and extra exterior details rather than more power.
In the 2009 lineup, both have the same basic six-cylinder and all-wheel-drive formula. The Limited adds the comfort items: leather trim, heated front seats, a moonroof, roof rails, driver-seat memory, a garage-door transmitter, and upgraded audio.
In the 2010–2012 lineup, the Limited adds a more upscale cabin to the Premium’s core family equipment. Key upgrades include leather-trimmed seating, driver-seat memory, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and a stronger 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
For 2010–2012, the Touring adds equipment rather than performance. Its defining upgrades include the power moonroof, rearview camera, brighter high-intensity headlights, auto-dimming mirror with compass, and more upscale exterior trim.
The lower trim is the practical choice when extra luxury equipment is not important. That means the base trim for 2009 or the 3.6R Premium for 2010–2012. For 2013–2014, Subaru sold only the well-equipped 3.6R Limited.
For 2010–2012, the 3.6R Touring has the fullest factory equipment list. In 2013 and 2014 there is no trim ladder to climb because the 3.6R Limited is the only version, with the 2014 also receiving the moonroof package as standard.
In the 2010–2012 three-trim lineup, no. Premium, Limited, and Touring all use the same 256-horsepower 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, five-speed automatic, and full-time all-wheel drive. The trim changes are mainly equipment upgrades.
The 3.6R Touring includes a rearview camera in the 2010–2012 lineup. The sole 2014 3.6R Limited also has a camera display built into its auto-dimming rearview mirror. Equipment on other years should be checked individually.
No. Moonroof fitment depends on the year and trim. It is included on the 2010–2012 Touring and became standard on the sole 2014 Limited. Lower trims generally focus on the Tribeca’s core family equipment instead.
No. Limited is an upscale trim in the earlier multi-trim lineups, and it sits below Touring for 2010–2012. Subaru then made 3.6R Limited the only trim for 2013–2014, so the name represents the whole lineup in those final years.