Sure-footed
Symmetrical AWD sets 2016 Subaru Forester apart
The Subaru Forester continues to be a pleasing choice in the compact-SUV segment for its roomy cabin, comfortable ride, ample cargo space and outstanding all-wheel drive system.
Two things that separate the Forester from the competition are its “Boxer” engine and a standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
The Boxer engine features a horizontal cylinder configuration with its pistons moving horizontally instead of vertically (inline engine) or angularly (V-type engine). This horizontal engine design helps the Forester achieve a lower center of gravity than others in this segment. The benefit of a lower center of gravity is improved handling attributes, especially when cornering.
The Subaru Forester provides sure-footed traction regardless of road conditions thanks to its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system. While many systems only send power to two of the wheels until slippage occurs, Subaru’s symmetrical system is always sending power to all four wheels so that it provides better traction.
The 2016 Subaru Forester is offered in six trim levels: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring.
All models with the 2.5i designation feature a 170-horsepower, naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Models with the 2.0XT designation feature a 250-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
The 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). All higher trim levels of the 2.5i feature a CVT, and the two 2.0XT models feature a highercapacity CVT.
The 2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i (with a starting price of $22,395) features a new 6.2-inch touchscreen multimedia interface with iPod control capability, iTunes tagging, USB port, Aha, Pandora and iHeart Radio.
All other trim levels feature a new 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia interface with higher resolution, voice-activated controls, SMS text messaging, Starlink Cloud Apps (Stitcher, calendar, music player, news, weather), vehicle information display and dual USB ports.
Additionally, all trims except the base include emergency assistance, automatic collision notification, enhanced roadside assistance, maintenance notification, monthly vehicle health report and diagnostic alerts.
Forester’s cabin is deceptively larger than it looks from the outside, and passengers will enjoy the massive panoramic moonroof that comes standard in all trim levels but the base.
The cabin easily accommodates a family of five and still offers plenty of room for cargo. With the rear seat backs upright, cargo volume is 34.4 cubic feet (31.5 cubic feet with moonroof). With the rear seat backs folded down, cargo volume is 74.7 cubic feet (68.5 cubic feet with moonroof).
My 2016 Subaru Forester tester featured the 2.5-liter engine and CVT. While the 2.5-liter delivers adequate power when lightly loaded, it does feel anemic when loaded down with passengers and cargo. I would recommend the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine for those who will drive it with a full load more frequently.
Models with the six-speed manual are rated at 22/29 mpg city/highway, while those with the 2.5-liter and CVT are rated at 24/32 mpg. Models with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine are rated at 23/28 mpg. Forester is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds. If you need a compact SUV with a roomy cabin, car-like handling and all-weather traction, the Forester is a pleasing choice.