2016 Subaru Forester Review

Subaru of America, Inc. has further strengthened the outstanding safety credentials of the 2016 Forester by offering new SUBARU STARLINK™ Safety and Security features. The newly available technologies employ connected services to provide Forester owners with the added peace of mind from such benefits as SOS Emergency Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts. Remote Lock/Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service.

Also for 2016, new STARLINK Multimedia systems provide Forester owners with more sources of entertainment and information through seamless smartphone integration. The Forester exemplifies Subaru’s renown for safety by earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. Equipped with the available EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning, the Forester earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.

New for 2016, Forester models with EyeSight® now also include Steering-Responsive Fog Lights, which use the pre-aimed fog lights to individually provide enhanced illumination in the direction of a turn. The EyeSight® system, which uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology to provide a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems, earned a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention from the IIHS.

For added nighttime security, Welcome Lighting is added as standard on the 2.5i Limited and Touring and both 2.0XT trims; it automatically activates cabin illumination and exterior lights as the driver approaches or departs the vehicle. The Touring trims also add PIN Code Access to their standard Keyless Access with Push-Button Start system. A revised Multi-function display adds a new performance screen showing turbo boost pressure and accelerator position for the 2.0XT models.

Wide Choice of Models and Equipment

The 2016 Forester 2.5i model is available in base, Premium, Limited and top-line Touring trims. The Forester 2.5i, powered by a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine, achieves EPA fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg city/ 32 mpg highway/ 27 mpg combined (with Lineartronic® CVT). Those figures compare well with front-wheel drive competitors and smaller crossovers. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard for the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium, with the CVT an option.

The Forester 2.0XT, offered in Premium and Touring trims, is powered by a 250-hp 2.0-liter intercooled, turbocharged 4-cylinder BOXER engine. All 2016 Forester models come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a distinction from competitive models that come with front-wheel drive as standard and offer all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option.

New SUBARU STARLINK™ Safety & Security

For 2016, the Forester Premium, Limited and Touring trims now offer the new SUBARU STARLINK® Safety and Security features. Two STARLINK packages are available and are among the most affordable in the industry. The STARLINK Safety Plus package, included with a one-year complimentary subscription and $99 per year after that, includes SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle

Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts

For even greater peace of mind, the STARLINK Safety Plus & Security Plus Package adds Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights and Remote Vehicle Locator.

New STARLINK Multimedia Systems

All Forester trim lines for 2016 feature STARLINK, Subaru’s in-vehicle platform that provides hands-free connectivity and entertainment services. STARLINK is designed to work seamlessly with the in-car head unit to provide smartphone integration and tap into nearly unlimited entertainment through apps such as Pandora®, iHeart® Radio, Aha™, and Stitcher™. The technology can deliver live traffic alerts and also help reduce driver distraction by displaying texts and allowing the driver to use voice commands for music and navigation (when equipped).

The Forester 2.5i base model features the STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia system with a 6.2-inch single-touch gesture display, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, Radio Data Broadcast System, single-disc CD player, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod® control, iTunes® Tagging, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack. Smartphone integration features Aha™ and Pandora®, along with STARLINK cloud applications iHeart® Radio, Stitcher™, Calendar, Music Player, News and Weather. The screen also provides the display for the standard rear vision camera.

The Premium, Limited and Touring trims have a standard STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Plus system with a high-resolution 7-inch LCD screen featuring multi-touch gesture controls, much like a smartphone or tablet. In addition, STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia includes Bluetooth® hands-free SMS text messaging and dual USB ports and adds SiriusXM® All Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link®. The optional STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system features voice-activated controls and also adds SiriusXM Traffic® (subscriptions required for SiriusXM® products). Navigation-equipped models come with three years of complimentary map updates.

Subaru BOXER Performance and Economy

The 2.5-liter, Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), BOXER engine in the Forester 2.5i models produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of peak torque. Matched to either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the Lineartronic® CVT, the 2.5-liter engine’s emphasis on low and mid-range torque gives the Forester excellent response in everyday driving.

The CVT is standard on 2.5i Limited and Touring, and the 2.0XT models are equipped with a high-torque version featuring manual shift modes with steering wheel paddle shifters. High-line CVT-equipped Forester models also feature standard Hill Descent Control and X-Mode, which provides extra control in certain driving conditions.

The 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder BOXER engine in 2.0XT models uses a combination of direct fuel injection, high compression, Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) and turbocharging with an intercooler to achieve both high performance and high efficiency. The engine produces 250 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, accompanied by a broad torque curve that peaks at 258 lb-ft over a 2,000-4,800 rpm engine speed range.

Both versions of the Lineartronic® CVT use adaptive cruise control. System ratios are continually optimized based on driving preferences and road conditions. A driver-selectable low shift mode in the 2.5i models with the CVT can provide additional engine braking when traveling down a grade, to enhance vehicle control.

SI-DRIVE: More Control over Performance

In the Forester 2.0XT models, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) is a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle’s driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes – Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp – using a switch on the steering wheel.

With Intelligent mode selected, SI-DRIVE provides a more relaxed throttle response curve, making it useful for commuting in traffic, for example. “Sport” mode provides quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration and also accesses a 6-speed manual mode for the CVT, via steering wheel paddle shift control switches. In “Sport Sharp” mode, SI-DRIVE modifies the engine’s electronic throttle mapping to deliver even quicker throttle response and provides an 8-speed manual mode.

Big Capability in a Compact SUV

The Forester preserves the optimal blend of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling that have made this compact SUV popular. The Forester’s four-wheel independent suspension system endows the vehicle with agile handling and compliant ride quality. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance for all models is greater than for many crossovers and SUVs, yet the Forester maintains a comfortably low step-in height.

All Forester models feature black side cladding and body-color door handles, and all use an aluminum hood. The 2.0XT features an exclusive sport design front bumper, along with a one-piece mesh style grille and, on the 2.0XT Touring, chrome-rimmed fog light bezels. The Forester, which retains the model’s hallmark maneuverability with a tight 34.8-ft. turning circle, is exceptionally roomy, offering exemplary three-across rear seating comfort. The wide-opening rear doors aid ingress/egress, and also help make it easier to install a child seat, a task also eased by installing the tether anchors on the rear of the seatback. Maximum rear cargo area capacity with the standard 60/40 split rear seats folded is 74.7 cu-ft, which is large for the segment.

The Foundation of Subaru Safety

The Forester is built around the company’s proven Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure. Safety features that debuted on the new-generation model include anti-whiplash front seats, a driver’s knee airbag, Brake Override and an impact-sensing fuel system cutoff. The Brake Override System cuts engine power if the driver applies both the brake and accelerator beyond a certain threshold.

All Forester models feature as standard equipment front seat side impact airbags and side curtain airbags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front airbags use sensors to determine airbag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection. A rollover sensor activates the seat belt pre-tensioners and deploys the curtain airbags if it detects potential vehicle rollover.

Agile Handling, Smooth Ride

The Subaru Forester builds on the reputation for agility and smooth ride quality firmly established by the previous-generation models. The 2.0XT models deliver even sharper handling responses from a sport-tuned suspension, with front springs that are 10-percent stiffer and rear springs 20-percent stiffer than those on the 2.5i models, along with exclusive chassis reinforcements. In addition, the 2.0XT models use larger brakes than the 2.5i models, with ventilated rotors front and rear.

An electric power assisted steering system contributes to fuel efficiency and also provides excellent feedback. The Forester 2.5i rides on standard 17-inch steel wheels, with alloy wheels available. High-line trims have 17- or 18-in. alloy wheels.

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Off-Pavement Control Systems

The 2016 Forester line offers two versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, each of which continuously powers all four wheels and can transfer more torque to the wheels with the best grip. Both versions integrate Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) to further enhance all-weather stability and traction but do not rely on VDC to distribute torque.

Forester 2.5i models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission utilize a viscous-coupling locking center differential that distributes torque 50:50 and transfers more torque to the wheels with the best traction should slippage occur.

In Forester models with the Lineartronic® CVT, an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch – proprietary Subaru technology — actively manages torque distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, cornering and available traction. This Active All-Wheel Drive system automatically transfers more torque to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. Taking input signals for steering wheel angle, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration from the VDC system, Active AWD responds to the vehicle’s slip angle when turning.

In the Forester 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring and the 2.0XT models, driver-selectable X-Mode engages optimized control of the engine, transmission shift pattern, Active AWD front/rear clutch force, brakes, VDC and other critical systems to provide better wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. Also in those models, Hill Descent Control, which is automatically engaged with X-Mode, uses the VDC system to help maintain a constant vehicle speed when the Forester is travelling downhill off-road, which helps enhance control.

Renowned Subaru Value

The Forester 2.5i comes equipped as standard with a tilt/telescopic steering column, STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia system, rear vision camera, Incline Start Assist, security system with engine immobilizer, carpeted floor mats, multi-function display, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming with steering wheel control switches and more.

The 2.5i Premium adds the STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia system, 17-in. alloy wheels, 10-way power driver’s seat, reclining rear seatback, dark tint privacy rear glass, panoramic power moonroof and more. The All-Weather Package, which includes heated front seats, heated side mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer, comes standard with the 2.5i Premium with 6-speed manual transmission and is optional for the CVT-equipped model.

The 2.5i Limited makes the CVT standard and also includes the All-Weather Package, perforated leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, fog lights, automatic climate control system, Welcome Lighting, power liftgate, and more. In addition to including all the Limited content, the Touring includes the Harman Kardon 440-watt premium audio system, HID headlights, electroluminescent instrument cluster with LCD display, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start, a one-touch folding rear seatback and more.

Subaru of America, Inc. offers a full line of all-wheel drive sedans, crossovers and SUVs, along with the rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car.

All 2.5i models are Partial Zero Emissions (PZEV) certified
Destination & Delivery (D&D) is $850 and includes handling and inland freight charges to dealer’s location and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, & VT. D&D to dealers in Alaska is $1,000.