Used 2016 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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Five Star Car!
Nikki R., 03/31/2016
updated 04/02/2018
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
36 of 37 people found this review helpful
Update: I still do love the car, however the A/C system leaves much to be desired. I often have to crank it up to 3 or 4 in the summer to cool down which is LOUD and still isn’t even that great. If you have it on head / feet mood, it tends to be inadequate. Would be tough for someone living in a really hot or cold climate. I absolutely love my new Subaru Forester. I will be driving this car until I just can't drive it anymore. I've been shopping for a crossover SUV for about a month now. I bought my Forester two days ago after much hesitancy. EVERYONE in the state of Oregon drives a Subaru and I didn't want to be just another Subaru driver. Sometimes it's fun to stand out! But now that I've owned one, I totally get the hype. The car handles well, it's fun to drive and so far it has been good on gas. I've done mainly city driving and it's been between 25 - 30 mpg. There are a lot of choices in the world of crossover SUVs, and I feel as though I drove most of them. This one (for me) had the best driving experience and the best value by far. The mid-trim level (Premium) gets you a lot (heated seats, a beautiful moonroof) and I'm happy that I stepped up to it. If you're in the throes of crossover suv car selection like I was for a month, give the Forester a try. Some like it, some don't but the quality, value and driving experience are really top notch. Update: 3/31/17: The air-conditioning system leaves a bit to be desired. Even if you have it going on full blast it's not really that adequate, especially on a very hot day. The same goes for the heat. I often need to turn on my heated seats, and the heat to stay warm when it's cold out.
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Take a deep breath!
Bill.Tarkulich, 09/27/2016
updated 09/27/2018
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
107 of 113 people found this review helpful
This is the "utility" review. I've now owned this vehicle for two years and 35,000 miles. I no longer have a daily commute, but we get thousands of miles going to and fro the wilderness. I volunteer hundreds of hours annually for the U.S. Forest Service. In the spring, summer and fall am regularly on forest roads, gravel, grass and mud. I am usually getting somewhere for a work project in the back country. I navigated around a downed tree blocking the road by driving down and into the muddied ditch alongside the roadway. The car handles superbly on steep dirt roads. I am 5'6" so having the seat able to get up high allows me even better visibility. Muddy roads and crossing small brooks are regular events. It's also great at getting in and around tight spaces where the road (if you call it that) is narrow and not well tended to. Last spring, I came upon a 3' high, heavy spring snow and ice pile a plow left across the road. I didn't feel like walking the last 1/4 mile, so I pushed my way through it quite handily. Might not have been the brightest move, since it did break loose some of the plastic ski guard under the engine. The ground clearance is really what gives me the flexibility to go over things, especially protruding rocks in the road. 360 degree driver visibility is wonderful. Add to that the large sunroof and I always feel like I'm outside. I rarely have passengers any more, but you always will find my car loaded with dirty tools, emergency supplies, blankets, paint, ropes, packs, food, tents, and even the trusty old yoga mat. Admittedly the car does not get cleaned much inside and out. The rubber mats are a life saver. I do wish the cargo space was a tad bit longer. Some things have to go in diagonally or down over the center console. But a big reason I bought this The roof racks have hauled 2-bys and pipes with ease. I do wish there were more little storage spaces to put things I use now and then. Replacing the cabin and air filters (which I need to do more than most) is a snap. Its a easy,clean, five minute job and probably saves me $50. I would agree that the seats are not as plushy as my old Audi, but I knew that going in and it doesn't bother me. Got plenty of USB ports and I use them mostly to play memory sticks full of tunes. They really gotta work on playlist features when the music is on usb. I use bluetooth always for phone. Callers still say the car cabin sounds very noisy. this is another thing they can fix in software. I get amazing gas mileage. In the summer, it's 32-34 mpg. I keep the highway speeds down to 65-60. That includes forest road and mountain steeps. In the winter, I have winter tires all around , that takes it down to 28mph. I could care less about this lame metric of needing more power for passing. I do just fine. Just don't don't attempt dangerous passing folks; chill. Handling in the winter with snows is the only way to go. Just chugs along the steep road and bend to our ski lodge. It's nice and warm in the winter, clears the windows great on those snowy, sleet, hail days. I swear by winter tires here in New England. Not had any issues with the CVT that I've been reading about. I find that frightening since I plan to keep this vehicle for 200,000 miles or 10 years as I do all my cars. I no longer try to punch the gas pedal immediately after I shift into drive. If I do that I experience what seems to be hesitancy. It's just the car not having "shifted into gear". Wait a couple seconds until you hear the load go on the engine and a slight change in pedal pressure. Then go. I really hate touch screens. I always end up touching things I don't want changed. I would prefer having more programmable physical knobs. Speaking of hate, I never liked the toy sounding horns, so I replaced mine with a 300/500 electric horn. Doesn't sound like and 18 wheeler, but it does sound like something big! Original Review was done in 2016, 3,500 miles
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Scooby DO
Luzbel, 02/02/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
59 of 62 people found this review helpful
I believe this car is for the person who is focused on having a reliable, functional, simple yet user friendly, safe SUV. If you want a car that will change and powder you, this isn't it. This a car for someone who wants some of the luxuries of what is expected in modern cars but not really super fancy. When I set out to find a new vehicle, I looked for, reliability, power, all terrain capabilities, handling, decent looks, space, economy, and comfort. All of these have been met and surpassed. <br><br> The car looks well built and symmetrical. No weird chattering or shaking, no cheap plastics, no seemingly loose parts, and according to my research on engine and trans, they are bullet proof (figuratively speaking). That's to be expected from Subaru though. 5th on the best quality cars in 2015. <br><br> I was afraid that the 170hp 2.5 Boxer would not be enough for an suv but I have never been more wrong. It has ample power and moves briskly. Its not the turbo version by any means but definitely gets out of its own way and, not that I recommend it but, it has enough power and torque for spirited driving, off-roading, and hills. I've never liked a car that cant react quickly to the throttle, and the throttle response is great. I believe Having power is just as important as good breaks and handling to get out of dangerous situations and the forester has it all. I'm also a manual transmission kind of guy and I went with the CVT because of my Girlfriend and the economy. I'm blown away by the performance of this thing. Die hard, traditionalist, Manual trans folks, it ok to trust the CVT its nothing like the laggy ATX's of the past. <br><br> I have not done much off-road driving but what little I have done, I can hardly tell the difference between tarmac and gravel. This car likes to grip the road and not let go. Im newish to AWD and the level of command this car has on less-that-desirable road conditions is outstanding. Compared to something like the RAV4 this is true AWD and behaves as such. <br><br> As stated above the handling is great, you point the steering wheel and there it goes. At first I was a little turned off by the lack of steering feedback but the comfort it provides when driving down bad roads is a blessing. You don't have to fight this car, it is under your command and will do your bidding. The body roll is minimal. It has less body roll than many sports cars I have driven, coupled with the symmetrical AWD, its fun on the twisties, for an SUV that is. The braking is also very responsive and I have already had experiences with people cutting me off and it just digs in to the ground but doesn't take away your control. If you want to test a cars brakes, come to Florida during season. This car is Florida season approved, if there was such a thing. <br><br> Looks are great, much preferred over the past models Subaru has put out, but then again that's a matter of opinion. The forester doesn't brandish fake scoops or anything to augment its looks and thats how I like it. I like simple and it looks great while being simple. <br><br> The space is ample inside. I traded my crew cab chevy 3500 for this and I am happy with the space. Nowhere near a large SUV but I keep thinking its larger on the inside. Might have to name it Tardis but its not blue. <br><br> For the power and space the 2016 Forester offers is really economic. It has enough get-up-and-go but also has superb gas millage and if you find the sweet spot and hit the cruise control you can easily surpass the EPA rating. <br><br> The way I define comfort is that the car does what it needs to do when it needs to do it while making the experience a positive one. It doesn't have temperpedic seats with butt warmer and a coffee maker, but as previously stated this is not what Subaru had in mind with this car, or so I think. This does not mean its uncomfortable, I like the seats (great lumbar suport), tilt and telescopic steering wheel is really nice to get that perfect "in control" feel. The leg room is ample and the storage is great. Getting in feels like a large car, and looking out of the windshield feels like an suv. The windows are big and there is virtually no blind spot to speak off. a quick glance to the side, after looking out of the mirrors, is more than suited for merging. Batman could drive this and not worry about raising his insurance premiums due to his limited neck rotation. <br><br> Overall, I couldn't be happier with the car, Its what I wanted, something nice, comfortable, reliable, strong, with excellent off-road capability and economy that matches that of cars. Very well rounded vehicle.
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Overall impressed
Forester Loaner, 10/17/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
I own a Highlander ('08 & driven '13 my g/f owns) and also currently driving the '16 Forester to get my '13 WRX serviced. It's the first time I've driven a Forester and after Subaru really designed these cars including the Outback to be a crossover than the old wagon. I was pleasantly surprised at the visibility of the Forester as soon as I got in. The sunroof is HUGE! It's almost too bright (not a bad thing) without any sort of tinted window but felt both very naked but comfortable as I felt as though blind spots were almost non-existent. While it's narrower than the Highlander I was surprised the ride height felt very similar; maybe couple inches or so lower but also didn't feel like the Forester was an enormous car having to be extra careful when parking. Highlander sometimes can be tricky in that sense. I buckled my daughters' car seat & a booster and it was very easy to install. They both sit nice and flat on the seat so the adjustment was easy to do. The cargo space was also great hauling a cart of groceries without any issue. The height of the trunk was also perfect as it doesn't sit as high as most SUV's. I do feel for a family of four this would be the perfect vehicle. If packing extra load for camping I'm sure you can get a cargo carrier and strap them on top. Considering the price of the Forester I didn't expect a ton of technology built in but also was surprised. Bluetooth pairing was I hate to admit x10 easier than my WRX. The touch screen and all the bells & whistles that's built in are far better than what's in my g/f's '13 Highlander. While I don't care too much for the Nanny devices like the lane drifting alert and EyeSight, if you're looking for added safety features it's not a bad thing to have. It has the emergency SOS (Starlink) button which I do feel is a good feature in case of an emergency and need assistance. While I wasn't impressed with the overall control and design of the interior, I guess for the price you would pay it's not horrible. The dial knobs for the temp controls felt stiff and very generic. Back up camera is a very nice touch with the great display for the fuel economy. And speaking of which this car has been getting 28 mpg with mix of city & highway driving. I've yet to see the gas gauge (all digital) go down by a mark. Not a bad thing as my WRX with a turbo get a gas mileage that of a Highlander. Now onto the driving experience, I have a mixed review. It's not race car or V6 power and does have decent power band for the most part. If you have the car packed and need to get out quick, the Forest may not be the fastest car to pull out. It's not terrible either but I felt like it could use a little bit of boost. The ride overall is very comfortable. It's not too noisy and can still have normal conversation. I felt that the Highlander did better in terms of lower frequency noise like the road noise itself. Suspension isn't stiff nor too plush. Cornering and braking was predictable. The brakes are awesome in this car by the way. I almost nose dived not being used to driving this vehicle on the first day. One thing I thought it was odd is the Forester I'm renting after backing out in reverse then shifting back to Drive, there's a weird 2-3 second delay before the drive engages to move forward. And then there was this odd 'pocket' where if you don't have gas going in, the car seems to almost stall like it was a manual car. I had to sort of punch it to get the car going again. It may have been a fluke but considering this vehicle at the time of rental only has 3,400 miles total it may just be the way this car is perhaps. So there's a little bit of lag on the power/drivetrain front but the car excels at the overall ride comfort, visibility, excellent fuel economy and what it offers. Of course if you want more power, I would get either the turbo version or a different model with a 6-cylinder (which I haven't driven like the Outback 3.6R). Headlight is halogen and the high beam was very bright. I felt it was brighter than my '13 WRX. Sitting up higher may have helped also. Overall I would recommend this car; for a small family but not for a family of 5+ (Outback then?). I would love to try this car in the snow but know with Subaru's AWD you can't go wrong (as long as you're not trying to push through heavy unplowed snow.
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Kids are gone, and wife wanted out of her minivan.
Peter, 07/25/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
24 of 25 people found this review helpful
We are recent empty nesters, and my wife wanted to downsize from her Honda Odyssey. We really liked the Odyssey, but at 170,000 miles and 14 years, my wife started to doubt its durability. I think it was more perception than reality, but if you feel nervous driving your ride and you can afford a new one, its time to upgrade. We test "sitted" many of the competitors in the small SUV/CUV segment, and my wife was attracted to the Forester for its 1) outward visibility, 2) Subaru Eyesight, 3) practicability, 4) no-nonsense styling, 5) durability, and 6) ruggedness. What is up with other brands using tiny windows? I guess Gen X and Gen Y likes to hide under hoodies and baseball caps. Maybe they should just cover their eyes with their hands. The Forester was the only vehicle that she didn't feel as though she was looking out of a cave. My wife is a blue jeans/track shoes type of gal (she doesn't buy or use makeup!), and the Subaru brand image fits her perfectly. Subaru Eyesight clinched the deal for us. It is driver assistance technology that includes lane departure, forward collision warning, emergency braking, and adaptive cruse control. Its pricing was very reasonable and did not require expensive and unwanted upgrades. Because we are entering our senior years, we felt that these driver aids will come in handy over the coming years. We wish that it also had blind spot monitoring. However, the windows on the Forester are really large, so you don't really need it. I'm a mild car enthusiast and had my doubts about the CVT transmission, but it works pretty well with the engine. There is a little lag with hard acceleration from a stop, and you may think twice about passing a car at 50 mph, but it really is not noticeable in puttering around town or shleping along the interstate. After all, you don't buy a Forester to drag race. We have only owned it for 2,000 miles, but so far so good: no discernible defects or issues. How about me? Well, being ancient, I wanted really comfortable seats, like the zero gravity seats in the Nissan Murano. They are a dream. The Forester seats are comfortable, but not stellar. I would pay more for better seats. Also, the ride could be more compliant. The suspension is a little stiff. Maybe it will soften a bit with more miles. When driving over expansion joints on the highway, there can be a bucking motion that is particularly noticeable for back seat passengers. How about technology? The infotainment screen could be better, but it is acceptable, unless you get your undies in a knot over anything less than iPod ease of use. Come on people. You have a really blessed life if your biggest complaint is hitting the correct station on your touch screen. In summary, we love our Subaru. I hope we don't become those tedious Subaru zombies who rattle on about how great their car is, but I may have gotten the virus. With a little luck, my Subaru will see me out!
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Last of the Manual Transmission AWD Crossovers
Justin T. Dix, 01/06/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
33 of 35 people found this review helpful
I have owned 3 other new Subaru vehicles including the WRX, Outback, and the Impreza. The 2016 Forester is the only AWD in its class that can be equipped with a tow package and a manual transmission. This is one of the main reasons for purchasing. I am a die hard manual transmission guy and automotive enthusiast. I like the room, fuel economy, and overall versatility of the forester. I do not like the slow throttle response when accelerating and when releasing the accelerator between gear shifts. This is a byproduct of electronic throttle control calibration. I do not like the inability to turn off stability control. There is a mystery button on the gauge cluster left over from another model that does nothing when pressed. My main dislike is that I cant buy a new manual transmission forester with navigation. this makes no sense. I would have purchased the XT if it came with a manual transmission. The climate control in the Premium Forester has very clunky rotary dials that have course graduations making it difficult to find a comfortable setting. The handsfree phone microphone system is very bad. Everyone that I call using either my I phone or Android say that I have an echo.This is a common problem on all three of my late model Subarus. The LCD display between the tachometer and speedometer looks like it is from the 1980s. My other Subarus have color LCD screens with gear indication and cruise set points displayed as information here. Even my 2015 base model WRX has many more tech features than this higher trim level forester. Since the instrument panel for the Forester, WRX and Impreza is basically the same, I do not understand why they don't have the same features. The Dealer Service network is small for Subaru which makes some things aggravating. Also, most labor rates at Subaru shops are 20-30% higher than the GM and Ford shops. This does not make sense to me either.
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Best in class
Ken, 09/22/2015
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
42 of 45 people found this review helpful
Tried the honda crv which has engine vibration at idle. Tried the rav 4 which was more expensive, cheap paper thin leather seats, and an annoying lip on the lower side of front passenger side. Rav 4 did have a super smooth transmission. The Forester had a quiet engine, a semi smooth transmission, and superior cabin noise insulating properties in which road sounds were muted and you can have a conversation inside without raising your voice. They are priced below competition, so not too much price reduction due to high demand and low supply.
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Absolute best bang for your buck
Kevin Spacey, 03/06/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful
I have spent nearly 100 hours over the past several months reading/watching everything I can about midsize suv's and trucks. I test drove a number as well. I had shyed away from Subaru mostly because I was never a fan of their appearance which is why it took me so long to start researching them and eventually test driving. I was blown away at how much you get for the price. The quality is obvious the minute you see one in person and take it for a drive. The standard AWD is unbeatable. It feels heavy yet has this velvety smooth acceleration that makes you feel one with the pavement. The outward appearance is deceiving. It doesn't look huge but when you step inside its like an entirely different vehicle. It's extremely roomy inside and the oversized windows open it up even more. I test drove a RAV4 with comparable features and it felt like a large Corolla and was way pricier. If you're even thinking about a vehicle in this class you need to test drive the Forester. It'll sell itself.
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Exciting time in the Premium
Kenneth L. Weaver, 03/03/2016
updated 03/06/2017
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
40 of 43 people found this review helpful
I came from a 2007 Honda Civic LX, I looked, and test drove most of the main players. I tried the CRV, Rogue, Tiguan, CX-5, and the Outlander. I had it narrowed down to these. I had previously owned Ford, KIA, and Hyundai products..never down that road again. They all had their strong points, but after you take all those and combine them, you end up with the Forester. I love the styling, and the ride. The only downside is the poor OEM tires. The Yokohama Geolanders, well they just suck. Besides the tires, I love the layout and the functionality inside. I find the seats are comfortable (I've had back surgery). No excess noises or rattles. The stereo is nice with the bluetooth connectivity, and the USB ports inside the center console. If you are looking for a comfortable CUV with a can do attitude, check out the Forester. **8 month update. I have 14k miles on it now, loving it even more. ***A year later and no complaints. Just passed 25k miles.
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I'm a convert!
Baseball Townie, 06/12/2016
updated 06/17/2019
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
22 of 23 people found this review helpful
First, please understand I was driving a 2008 KIA Sportage manual shift and was very happy with it, when my wife told me it was time to get a new vehicle. Hey, I don't have to be told twice. I did a lot of research, and a lot of looking, and the new KIA's did not suit my purposes. I do a lot of kayaking and other outdoor activities. The new KIA's roof rack design was not conducive to carrying sea kayaks, plus they haven't been highly rated. I also looked at the Toyota RAV-4's, and have experience with the Honda CRV since my wife has one- none seems to be the package I was looking for. The more I read, the more I thought the Forester was just what I needed. Not the sportiest vehicle out there, but reputed to be reliable, good gas mileage, good traction, and roomy without being overly big. The Forester turns out to be beyond my expectations. The kayaks fit easily, and I haven't noticed any decrease in the MPG with them on top. I have been averaging about 29 MPG on non-highway driving. I love the moon-roof, and the entertainment system is great. All the usual driving controls are very intuitive. I've heard complaints about acceleration, but I find it peppier than my old Kia- not a problem merging onto the interstate. The car handles nicely on our winding back country roads, and the high clearance was perfect for the dirt "roads" in the Adirondacks that I frequent. It is quieter than my Kia, and the CVT seems to work much smoother than a traditional auto transmission. There is good visibility while driving. I also read extensively about the oil burning problem reported on older models- this gave me some pause, but after grilling the sales person and service manager, I was assured the problem had been fixed. And so far I haven't used a drop of oil in over 2500 miles. I'll keep an eye on it, all the same. There are only a few things I would like to see improved. The dashboard material is very hard to keep clean- the pollen and dust stick readily to it. The instrument panel display (speedometer, etc.) are the nice red backlighting (protects your night vision) when the lights are on, but the sound system is an LED screen, which I find excessively bright at night. Unfortunately there is only one dimmer switch, and when I decrease the brightness to suitable level, I can barely see the speedometer panel. Another minor annoyance is the design of the door trim. I have long legs, and tend to sit splay legged when I drive, therefore my knee rests against this protruding trim. After an 8 hour drive across the state, I found I had pressure marks.Another adjustment I've had to make is the delay when moving from reverse to drive. Seems to lag a little. It may just be my transition to an automatic from a manual, but I do have to be aware of the change in timing for when I back out onto the road- I need more lead time to keep others from getting perturbed. The "all weather" mats that come as part of the "upgrade" package are quite cheap and ineffective. Subaru should be embarrassed. They would be better off contracting with Weather Tech to make some decent mats- particularly at the sticker price they put on these crappy things. The only other "regret" I have is the interior color. I got the blue exterior, which is really snazzy, but I didn't pay much attention to the seat color, which is a very light shade. I can see that down the road these are going to get grimed up. I guess you can argue the light color seats will be cooler in the summer- but living in the north, that is not a great benefit. I can't fault Subaru for my choice- just be aware. Overall, I am very happy with my new Forester, and I expect to be driving it for years to come. Update 3 years later: Still loving my Forester. I've taken it off the beaten path many times, gets me there and back without a problem. With Blizzak snow tires, I managed to get home in many a snow storm when others were off in the ditch. No major mechanical problems- just replaced back brakes after 45,000 miles; there is one recall for a brake light problem, nothing major. I also had the AC fixed under warranty. All told, still best vehicle I've owned.
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2016 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5
Old Squatch, 11/21/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
I LOVE MY 2016 SUBARU FORESTER! While it is not perfect, I really feel like it fits my lifestyle/needs/wants. There are people who will not be happy driving a Forester- 1. Those needing to tow stuff 2. People wanting to do extreme off-roading 3. The person currently driving a luxury vehicle- Subaru's are not the most plush vehicle and do not have all of the latest high tech gizmos Pros -AWD system/ground clearance -Value -Fuel economy -Room (feels "airy" and much bigger on the inside than it is. the legroom in the front and rear is outstanding) -Turning radius- this makes maneuvering around a city, making a U-turn, or parallel parking a breeze -I like the styling (nothing crazy or busy inside or out) -Storage -Safety- Check out the safety ratings. Great even when compared with some larger vehicles that just seem safer -Visibility- There are no blind spots, big hood, or small windows. The pillars are pretty thin. (There is a bunch of glass- being in the south, I had to tint the windows all the way around, the sunroof, and a strip across the windshield) Even without the tint, the AC cools the vehicle effectively even in the summer. -HUGE sunroof Cons -Rough ride (the 2002 Xterra that I traded for this was even smoother- hard to believe I know) -A few rattles inside (Xterra didn't have any when I traded it- even after 14 yrs and 225K miles) -Factory sound even with the Limited trim is crumby -Wind noise (have heard that this and the ride is improved in 2017 model) -Light in cargo area is crumby -Acceleration is touchy starting out- it really jerk and throw your head back in the seat if you are not accustomed to driving it -Center console lid/armrests could be a little more padded -There are zero plugs for rear passengers to charge phones......... -Love the CVT but almost dangerous when backing out onto a busy street- It takes a while for the transmission to shift from reverse to drive, so you are just sitting there for a second
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Great Value in CUVs
John Cihak, 02/08/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
37 of 40 people found this review helpful
First of all, I am writing this review keeping in mind its for a CUV and not a sports car. A traded a 2010 Honda CR-V for my 2016 Forester 2.5i. I also test drove a Honda CR-V, HR-V, and many Subaru models and trims Since I already own a sporty car, my purpose for buying the Forester was practicality. My reasons for picking and loving the Forester over other choices: - Quality of material are superior. The seat fabric feels better and more durable than on the CR-V. The plastic trim feels really nice and is soft-touch in most places. The switch gear (knobs) are very solid. The doors, door panels and seat frame are solid. - The 2.5 boxer engine and CVT provide much better acceleration than my old CR-V. Its on par with the new CR-V but it handles better. - Visibility is outstanding. I feel much safer being able to see around me so well 360 degrees. Most CUVs have poorer visibility. - Subaru AWD is best in class. The OEM tires are mediocre, but that is true of most OEM tires. - Storage space is excellent - on par with the CR-V. - Cabin tech is much better than I was used to. I paired both my wife's and my iPhones. You can set it up to automatically connect to either phone when do so manually when the car starts. I use Apple Music and have steering wheel control of Apple Radio, playlists, albums, etc. Pandora integration is also excellent. It all works over BT or over USB - your choice. - Handling is better than I expected. I drive a very rough, windy road for a few miles each day. The suspension tracks very well and inspires confidence. - MPG is very good. I used to average 24.5 mpg with my 2010 CR-V. In the first 1000 miles I average 28.5 mpg with the Forester. I expect that to get better after break-in, with warmer weather and summer gas. - My dealer was great. I asked them if I could get heated seats added to the base model. They took care of getting them installed (after-market). Considering the Subaru's TMV and my trade, they didn't charge me anything for the upgrade. And a few cons: - With the base Forester I got manual seats. I wish they were more adjustable. - Subaru could have provided more storage nooks in the dash Considering the passenger volume, cargo volume, great CUV mileage, and quality, the Forester is a steal.
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After a 4,000 mile road trip./ 8-5-2017 update
Roger 2miss, 08/04/2016
updated 08/07/2017
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
183 of 207 people found this review helpful
I was asked to do an update > 20,374 miles on odometer > My original opinion, below, still stands. My wife bought this in Oct '15. She drives it 95% of the time. I have my own set of wheels. June '16, we drove this Forester on a 4,000 mile road trip, of which I drove 80% of the time. Prior to the trip, the odometer had 2,300 miles on it. Drove from Minnesota - North Dakota - Calgary, SK, CA - Jasper, AB - Lake Louise, AB - Banff, AB - Coeur d'Alene, ID - Jackson Hole, WY - Gillette, WY - Big Horns, WY - Black Hills, SD - across SD to Minnesota. I say all this to let you know I tested this in all types of terrain, from sharp mtn. curves/grades to long drawn out flat lands. My take on this vehicle: > Blue Tooth usage. Recipients of my calls complain of my voice being "tinny" & broken up. > Sky light - wind buffeting when fully opened - 2 rectangular openings in the wind deflector were way to noisy, had to put duct tape over these openings to quiet down the noise. > Looked into deflector mounted to roof. It covers too much of the opening. Sits in such a position so as to accumulate water in the 2 corners. Don’t accelerate too fast after a rain fall, else a shower you’ll get. >Skylight doesn’t shut automatically when turning off vehicle. - In it’s fully opened position, too much air hitting leading window edge, causing loud reverberation. This happened before the duct tape and after I put it on. > Rear passenger windows - no option to adj. all the way down - don't have small kids. > Driver’s window - automatic function cannot be deactivated. > Vehicle profile - can’t take cross winds well, alot of buffeting back-n-forth. Had hard southerly winds constantly as we crossed over ND/SA/AB, Canada. > Passenger air bag light - cannot shut off this indicator when no front passenger in seat. Annoying to have on. > Driver sun visor - should be able to slide on its’ shaft, extending out so as to cover driver side window better from sun. My Chevy Silverado does this quite well. > Rear hatch in open position - why is there no light on the hatch door to shine down, rather than the cheap side light mounted 12" off floor on the side panel? Cargo/Luggage covers this light. This IS THE ONLY light in the rear area! This is way too dark, especially in low/unlit areas. > All door jamb faces should have a light reflector when in the open position for safety. Most vehicles don’t have this feature, duh??? > Steering/braking/fast maneuvering in a critical situation was most impressive. At 60 mph, on a 2 lane HWY, no shoulders with deep ditch both sides, all most hit a fast moving bull moose coming outta the ditch. Rear hoofs were 12” from driver's corner of the front bumper. Luckily, no on coming vehicles. > Acceleration, braking, cold winter starts, low gear usage, sound system, use of dash board amenities, engine compartment access & maintenance, etc. were all acceptable. > Steering is very "tight", response is quick. > Braking is very good > Gas cost was $300 @ 30+ mpg. average. I kept sharp records on this road trip expense.This is a 4 banging Boxer engine. > Dash area, where electric port located below center radio, the storage area is too low profiled. It should be higher to give more storage area. > Front driver/passenger windows, in full opened position, allows way too much air into faces of driver/passenger. Suspect outside rear view mirrors to be the cause of. I had to keep the windows 3/4 way up to block this irritating wind. Conclusion: I’ll keep driving my Silverado. Ya know, for the money spent on this vehicle you’d think Subaru would spend a couple extra dimes into design/manufacturing to eliminate these piddly annoyances. They spend way to much advertising money to make you think the Subaru is a feel good car, which it is to a point. Subaru, put the extra moo la boo la into common sense design.
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The perfect car for all-around competence
Shiroh 'niichan, 09/23/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
Although this car spends over 90% of the time on well-maintained roads, I got it for its ability to handle dirt roads, so-so trails, and times I need decent ground clearance (like our annual trips to the snow). What brought me to the Subaru Forester from the Nissan XTerra and other vehicles with better off-road competence were its 1) lower price, 2) better fuel economy, 3) better seating comfort, and 4) better handing on regular streets and highways. Outward visibility is excellent. I can drive through traffic without having to lean from side to side to check my blind spots. On highway trips I get around 34 mpg with a full load, and on my daily drive of 80% highway and 20% regular streets by myself I get about 30 mpg. I used at have a 2009 Subaru Outback but did not keep it because my then 11-year old daughter found the rear seat legroom insufficient, but on our recent road trip she and her now 10-year old sister had plenty of leg room in the Forester. Both are about 5'4" tall, and I'm 6'2". Cargo room is decent for the vehicle size. The biggest compromise I had to make to enjoy all these benefits is the slow acceleration. When passing slower vehicles on our recent road trip, the vehicle was less than inspiring (especially when going uphill). The engine revved loudly but the CVT didn't give me much confidence I was going to get enough oomph to pass quickly enough to avoid oncoming traffic. Needless to say, we survived. Subaru gave $250 to the National Parks Foundation when we leased our car, and that was a nice touch (as was the microfiber Subaru pullover shirt they sent us a couple months later).
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2016 forester 70,000 mile review from Apex MT
FreeDeep, 10/26/2018
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
The good No mechanical or electrical problems so far. Doors open extra wide, helps at times. Fuel economy 22-28 mpg at highway speeds, 300 miles for sure on a tank of gas. 4wd snow traction is good with Altimax or Hankook tires. Wet road traction is excellent with either of these tires. OEM tire traction was terrible on rain or snow, outright dangerous at times. Switched to 16” steel wheels, 16x6.5, these are spare tire wheels for year 2012 or older. Put regular valve stems on them and just run with the dashboard tire light always on. Engine good low speed acceleration, mostly ok highway passing. Good brakes. Good outside visibility in all directions. Steering wheel adjusts up/down and in/out. Air filter lasted for 60k miles. Sounds like a lot of folks don’t know how to properly check an air filter or dealer is selling parts not needed. I am an ASE certified mechanic so I know air filters, etc. Split rear seat is nice, room for skis, bags of mulch, etc. Nice heavy duty floor mats, much better than after-market. Hood release is out of the way of snow boots, so lifting foot does not release hood. Previous Toyota was real bad. The bad Engine oil consumption: immediately switched to 5w-30 conventional oil for 11,000 miles with oil changes every 3k miles. Should have done this for 20,000 miles. Then switched back to 0w-20 full synthetic oil. Current oil consumption is less than 1 quart between 6000+ mile oil changes. Fine print in manual said 5w-30 was ok. Slight vibration seems like from CVT transmission during mild acceleration. They say no need to change trany fluid, so will sell car if it makes it to 120k miles. Interior heater only good down to freezing, below that best to let the car warm up for at least 10-15 minutes so windshield can defrost. Wife says it is a COLD car. So much for the PZEV. The seats are real firm, takes getting used to, we added a towel since there is too much lumbar, no adjustment. Original Subaru seat covers catch everything, stain easy, clean-up water stains them too. These are the worst seat covers for stains, that I have ever owned. No windshield tint, lots of sun glare around rear view mirror. Made cardboard insert to stop glare. Key buttons are too small for large hands, too easy to set off panic mode or wrong button. No place for left foot if wearing snow boots. Don’t run over snow chunks, they break the entire mud flap off. Delay of vehicle movement shifting from forward to reverse or back is bad/dangerous, have to plan for this lag time. High beam headlights do not add much distance or brightness. Really poor lighting when animals are on the move. Too much blinding glare from radio entertainment screen when sun shines in at the right angle. Resetting the clock is for the young generation that feels rewarded when they push lots of buttons.
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Love my new Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring model!
SteveF, 03/27/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
31 of 34 people found this review helpful
I traded in my 2010 Lexus IS 250 AWD sedan for the sporty 2.0XT Touring Forester and really like it. I did a ton of research on it prior to buying via Internet reviews and YouTube videos. We are mostly Toyota people only because I have never had issues with their vehicles and reliability is hugely important to me. We have a great local dealer in Parker Subaru so I knew I would have a great dealer experience just as I always had at Parker Toyota. The car drives really nicely and I chose the turbo motor because i liked the overall look vs the other trim models and like the zip when I need it- my Lexus had a v6 so this engine is more zippy like my Lexus was. I elected not to add eyesight only because I didn't want to spend anymore on my Forester and decided to get that option on my next Subie as the technology continues to get refined but I got all the other options on my new ride and love the Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade. My wife has a 2015 RAV4 but I have never cared for those even though I'm a big Toyota guy. I still think my new car looks, drives, and just feels more solid than the RAV. I am adding chip repair and also added oil changes to my deal so i won't have to shell out $80 on synthetic oil changes every 5-6k miles on my lease. I chose the Quartz Blue Pearl and absolutely love the color along with the 18" rims and more aggressive front grill on my trim. I initially was going with a new Honda CRV Touring but glad I went with the Subaru- it seems like a more stout vehicle for the Northwest roads and weather here in North Idaho. I have a buddy with a 2014 Forester he bought new and it has the Eyesight and he sure loves that feature. He just started selling Subarus over in Seattle and speaks highly of the feature although he is in a bigger city with lots of traffic and I'm not which is also why it wasn't as important to me but wanted to mention it for other shoppers considering adding Eyesight. He couldn't say enough good stuff about why it's a cool feature to have.
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My Second Subaru Forester
Jess, 11/24/2015
2016 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
This is my second Subaru Forester. My first one was a 2005 fully equipped 2.5xt. I LOVED the way my car handled in all weather conditions and the pick-up of the turbo engine was a big selling factor for me. When it came time to trade in my 2005 I test drove a Honda CRV, Toyota Rav, Nissan Rouge, Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Subaru Forester touring and premium, Subaru Crosstrex and a Subaru Outback. After spending hours looking at reviews and test driving vehicles I ended up right back at the Subaru Forester, but I wanted the turbo charged engine. I found the Forester 2.5i did not have enough kick for me, so I special ordered a 2.0 XT premium. I’ve had my car for a couple of weeks now and LOVE IT. I have found the cabin noise I hated in my 2005 has been resolved with a new body style. It’s great to hit the highway and be able to talk to someone without shouting. I love where the new intakes are in the front of the car. We had an ice storm last week and it handled beautifully on the ice. There were people sliding all over the road and mine stuck to the road like glue. It has far more room with the new body style then my 2005. The performance has greatly improved along with my gas mileage. I used to average 18 miles/gallon in town and now I’m getting 21 miles/gallon. (Would get even better if I didn’t have a lead foot.) My only complaint is I have found the seats to be a bit uncomfortable, but I will get used to that. It’s more like sitting on a log now then a nice soft bed. I had a 148,000 miles on my 2005 before trading it in and hopefully I will be able to get this in my new Forester.
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Mechanically good car, but with poor electronics
Charles Nordstrom, 04/05/2017
updated 04/21/2025
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
This is my second Subaru Forester. I traded my 2008 Forester with only 48,000 miles for this 2016 Forester as my retirement car. Bought the overpriced extended warranty so could travel without worries about repairs. The car performs as expected with adequate, but not great mpg. The interior is comfortable. My Subaru is approaching 10 years old and has just over 55,000 miles on it. In those 10 years I have had no major mechanical issues excepting the failure of its electrical power steering which occurred during the first year of ownership and was covered under the warranty. Apparently, this was a known issue with this model year. The dealership that did the repair left a lot to be desired in the customer service department. Since that one issue, I have not had any mechanical issues beyond replacing the aged battery. I religiously maintain the vehicle at my current Subaru dealership in Keene, NH which should not be confused with the dealership I had in Louisville, KY whose customer service was less than expected.
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Love My Car - Has a Few Quirks
Donna P, 11/15/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I've been driving my Subaru Forester for almost a year now. Pros: Safety is huge - my work responds to accident scenes and I've seen a survival in this vehicle I wouldn't expect in others. I loved the way it drove in the snow last winter, it gripped the road while others were skidding out all around me. I was able to drive through a foot of unplowed snow uphill! The back seat has enough leg room for my babies (who are each 6 feet tall). The gas mileage is great, visibility is great and I love the huge sunroof. Cons: The new touch screen has issues. Once in a while it won't work unless I turn the car off and turn it back on. Sometimes my phone isn't recognized by the bluetooth. I wish there was moor light in the rear cargo area. There's a strange pause when I shift gears. It feels questionable when I take corners faster than I should. Overall, I'm happy.
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Too much glass not enough tint or AC
Cheryl, 06/28/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
The NAV system is virtually useless. It has so many safeties that your copilot cannot operate or change the settings unless you pull over and stop the car. The audible directions are horrible. You will be getting on and off Interstates until you cut it off. Requires way too much setup. Google Maps and Nav are much more efficient and trustworthy. Your copilot can recalibrate your smartphone nav while underway. Not so this machine. High level map and GPS coordinates are the only useful items. I do not have the oil issue that others have mentioned as of yet and hopefully won't but it is obvious that this machine is a rolling greenhouse. The glass and there is lots of it for optimum visibility is more than the AC can handle. Especially if you have a moonroof. You can feel the heat coming off the overhead with the blind shut. Not sure I would buy it again, we were not happy with the local dealership either.
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First Subaru and loving it!
Debbie Covington, 11/16/2015
updated 05/24/2017
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
I had been looking to buy an SUV for awhile and looked at several. I hadn't really thought about a Subaru, always thought they got lousy gas mileage. But after reading reviews on them I realized they were up there with the other SUV's and beat most of them. I am hoping mine gets a little better but I have been averaging 26 miles in town driving so it's not bad. Haven't really had it on the highway enough to know how it will do on trips. Only had the car about a month now so it should get better. I love how big the doors swing out for easy entering or exiting. Believe me, I researched a lot before I decided to buy this car and so far it meets my expectations. Love the bluetooth and my grandkids love having a USB port so they can play their own music when they are with me. I hope to get many years of use out of my Forester which is a base model with a few options added. So far no complaints! I really like how I can see out of all the big windows. For the money, I don't think any of the other small SUV's can beat them. Update, almost 2 years later: Getting better gas mileage overall. Lots better on highway (about 35 or 36 sometimes) Sometimes it sounds like the 4 cylinder is really struggling when you step down hard on the gas but it gets me where I need to be and still happy with my Forester! Would definitely buy again!
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Three Star Overall
Lillianna, 03/07/2016
updated 03/13/2017
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
The safety features are outstanding compared to all other models in it's category. Safety is number one for me, because I have a new driver to share this new auto with me. So, as you know Mom is always concerned about the children's well being, and safety comes first. The Subaru Forester is equipped with all the latest technology and up to date gadgets anyone can possibly think of. Yes, including a USB Port in the middle compartment. Oh, and several outlets for charging all the external stuff, like games, cell phones, and anything else that might need to be charged. The interior leather seats are very comfortable, both up front and in the back. The cargo area is large enough for suitcases and a good size ice chest, plenty of room. I am enjoying my new forester... However, after just one year into a new Forester ownership, there are many rattles occurring. First, the front dash board is making noises on windy days, I don't know if it is the front window fit or placement of the dashboard itself. Second, the passenger seat rattles from the underside of the seat. There is a rattling noise of metal coming from the seat adjustment apparatus. Third, there are squeaky noises coming from the back seats. I keep the seats down, for loading larger than normal items into the cargo area. I have not stayed in the back seat while someone else is driving to check out the location of the squeaking yet. I believe these are little things that may have been over looked during their quality check before leaving the manufacturing plant, but I find it very annoying at times. The car is proving to be extremely reliable, no problems with the car in general so far.
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Really enjoy driving it
The Craw, 03/27/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
I moved from a 2014 Crosstrek Hybrid to this car. The MPG is comparable, but it is much roomier. The head unit and audio is way way better in this model than in my previous Subaru, and the cabin is pretty quiet. I do have a couple of small complaints: 1. You cannot mute the audio in the NAV system, and it breaks into the music versus talking over the music. For me, this makes the NAV system too annoying to be used, and I end up using Google Maps instead. According to Subaru customer service, this is not something that they are planning on fixing. 2. The Bluetooth microphone seems to pickup a lot of noise, especially during highway driving. People on the other end say it is quite annoying to listen to. I have tried adjusting the mic volume, and it doesn't seem to help much. 3. The EyeSight cameras remove the area where you can store sunglasses, and make the rear view mirror a little challenging to adjust. They also should have blind spot available in this like it is in the Outback/Legacy. This is our 4th Subaru, and the reliability of the prior 3 has been exceptional. I expect this will be the same. All in all, I would definitely recommend this car. It is our 4th Subaru, and
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2016 Forester 2.5i - 6 Speed Manual Transmission
Karl, 09/23/2016
updated 05/05/2025
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
We have had this Forester for almost 9 years now and driven about 60,000 miles. We have the base model with a 6 speed manual transmission. Adequate acceleration. Decent gas mileage. We are averaging about 26-28 mpg in the city and about 30-34 on the highway. Gas mileage is best if you stay below 70mph. As soon as you go faster than that, mileage drops considerably. Comfortable and smooth ride. Very good visibility. It is great in the snow and mud. The only minor complaints we have are the dim lights in the storage area behind the back seats (seems to be a common problem with SUV's), the climate control knobs need to have better contrast to know which setting you are on and the Bluetooth, when paired with our Android and Apple phones is sometimes a bit spotty. These are minor irritants at most. At this point we have had few mechanical issues. We have had a bit of clutch trouble - and it looks like we will need to replace the clutch in the next few months. The back brakes look like they will need to be replaced in the next year. Front brakes are still good. I've done regular oil changes, we have replaced the battery and I purchased 4 new Michelin tires. We love this SUV. It is our first Subaru. We will definitely look for another Subaru when the time comes to purchase our next vehicle. Our son and his wife purchased a 2019 Impreza hatchback, and like us, they love their Subaru.
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Sharp and nimble
Douglas Swinford, 06/12/2016
updated 06/20/2018
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful
I have a lot of experience with driving cars, trucks, commercial vehicles. This is a find piece of machinery. In comparing with the competitors I liked the Mazda CX-5 and its snappy little motor. The Skyactive engine they have has a little more snap than the normally aspirated Touring, but I love the flat four and the balance and proven reliability of this set up. If you live in a climate where you have snow and bad roads and want all wheel drive they seem to have an edge on the comp too. Plus, when pricing its as if you don't pay extra for it (AWD) like you do on other vehicles. We liked the Hyundai Tuscon as its really sharp but I didn't want a turbo motor and all the ones we liked had their new 1.6 Turbo. I think Hondas are great but the front seats were lacking and did not have the wonderful seating position and view out of the windshield that the Forester does. Forester manages to have a nice back window you can see out of and still be nicely styled. My wife and I are both shorter drivers (under 5'10") and we had the best visibility out of the Forester. Now to particulars... I like the Eyesight system it works well but can be quirky occasionally and kick itself off. Its not annoying though when it mildly scolds you for getting out of your lane. Given that this is a high end model I would have thought I would have more gauges, i.e. temp / oil pressure / volts. But you get a blue light to tell you when the motor is cold, duh, and thats it. It does not have quite the ride that my 2003 Dodge Caravan does, but of course that has a longer wheelbase and it is a two wheel drive and can't handle much off the pavement. I've only had this car off the road for a short distance once on some un even ground and she was like "lets go!" My wife really likes the tight turning radius compared to our van and she can get the power seat set so she doesn't need a pillow like with most cars. She loves to sit up high and see out. So far the gas mileage has been very very good. My worst tank early on averaged 26 and the current one is at 30 for 100 miles. It will probably level out 27 or so. If there is road construction and you are held down in speed the mileage keeps shooting up. Driving 70-75 steady will put you at about 26 which is still good. We now have 25,000 miles. Nice little car, I can see why it is so highly rated.
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Best Subi Ever!
RIchard Wurster, 07/25/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
24 of 27 people found this review helpful
Did tons of research before buying a new car. Since cars are so expensive wanted one that would last long and was reliable. In the end it came down to Toyota, Honda and Subaru. All are very reliable. Subaru has the best resale value. Was set on a crosstrek when I decided to test drive a Forester. Three things made my choice. The incredible vision, no other car I drove came close, the added power, and the ample room to carry cargo. Also the back seats are roomy and actually recline a bit. I'm 6' and feel comfortable in the back seats. I like prefer the styling on the forester because similar cars that look sportier have roofs that slope down cutting down on storage and visibility. I down do rock crawling but I like to drive into the mountains to take photos, this car can go almost anywhere. Service roads and trails are no problem. I opted for the turbo for the added power for freeway driving, also comes with almost everything, only option is eyesight. Subarus trailer hitch is great but expensive. I didn't buy a forester to race around I bought because of practicality and reliability, that being said I love driving it. While many cars corner better, this car can handle swerves and avoidance maneuvers better than anything I have test driven or owned, the AWD is amazing.
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Great car, just don't get a flat tire
Robert Adams, 05/12/2017
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I love my Forester. Great room (big guy here). Storage is well thought out. Comfortable seats. Great handling. But then, I got a nail in a tire.... On Subaru's, due to the AWD system, the tires must match. If the tires don't match, it causes a bind in the drive line. My tires with 24,00 miles are slightly worn. I couldn't simply buy a new tire. The tire must be the same brand, style, and diameter. I needed to order a new tire and have it shaved. That's right, shaved. $180 for a new tire. $40 to have it shaved. Car sits with a donut tire until the new tire arrives. Go to tire place and have it mounted and balanced $??. So, my choice $250 for a new, pre-worn tire, and no car for a couple days, or $750 for a new set of four tires. I did a little research, and I've only seen this as an issue on the Subaru's.
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A Lot to Like -- Other Things Could Improve
Frank Colligan, 11/29/2015
updated 05/31/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
32 of 37 people found this review helpful
Things I like best: Overall visibility from inside is just awesome, appearance and styling, high riding position. Things I hate: Front driver's seat could be more roomy, but is more comfortable after I lost 20lbs. The seat cushion was very stiff at first but has softened somewhat over the months. The seat width could still be a little wider for large American butts. Compounded by the entire seat being jammed right up against the center console, which makes it difficult to sit squarely in the center of the seat. When driving it feels like I am not centered to the accelerator and brake pedals. Things I like: Paddle controls, adjustable steering wheel has good range, cargo space, auto-dimming mirrors, heated seats. Acceleration of the turbo is better than expected, though a little jumpy when starting from a stop. The 18" wheels are nice. Things I don't like: Other reviewers have mentioned these as well. Leg room for driver could be better (but is better than most other options in a small SUV). Analog speedometer is hard to read. During the day it is impossible to see where the climate control dials are set ... easier at night because of backlighting. Center console too far back to be of any real use. Entertainment system OK, but you cannot (with USB drive) play all the songs in one genre ... I have to select one specific artist and album that fits the genre. Door locks do not engage automatically when you start driving (cannot be set to do so either). Things I could do without: The panoramic moon roof. From past moon roofs I've had, I can count on one hand how many times I've used them. Too windy ... too noisy, and sunburned head ... need I say more? I'd rather have the cost of that back to put into other options. Bottom Line? I've adjusted nicely to the car and like it very much. Especially happy that seat comfort has improved over time, though would still like a little more leg room. MPG on the turbo sucks (should have bought a PZEV model), and not looking forward to the extra cost when gas prices go back up. Overall though, this will be a great car when I relocate to Denver from San Francisco next Spring.
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Shoulda checked, and 3.5 year update. and 6.5, 9
AnotherBill, 07/09/2016
updated 02/03/2025
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
22 of 25 people found this review helpful
Who can not help but love a new car. I know I do, but after a month of owning my Forester, there are some little annoyances that cant be noticed until you have owned the vehicle. I may be a little critical, but some things you take for granted that they have been tried and approved. The front seats need some added cushioning. It is a little to firm for my aching back that becomes apparent after a six hour drive The power seat is very nice, I just wish the passenger side had some of the same adjustments as the drivers, such as the lumbar support. These things don't become apparent until you have spent time in the vehicle. The climate control blows lots of whatever you want, but my kids in the back seat were complaining of being too hot, or too cool. I thought there was a vent to the back seat area under the front seats, but there are none. The entertainment? screen, AKA the radio, is a touch screen. I think it is the same software as the RAV4. Having to page up or page down to see other programmed stations is cumbersome, and without fail, I miss the touch area to advance, and end up on a different screen. I'm sure I will get used to it, but for now it is a pain. The steering wheel controls are there, and they work well, except you have to step through all the other preprogramed channels. That is just how it works. No fault there. The information screen on top of the dash, although mostly useful, has a number of screen settings that seem to be more fluff than substance. It handles very nicely, but does seem a little too much on the stiff side for the bumpy roads of Ohio, and for the expansion joints of many of our interstate highways. The CVT was a nice surprise. Being old school, I was suspicious of the design, but it is quite smooth. My only gripe is from a stop, it can be a little "grabby" as it engages. I also hope the longevity is on par with their older designs that lasted forever. The AWD system is flawless. They all are. I'm about done, but I need to mention that as I packed for a family trip, I found myself wishing it was a foot longer in the cargo area. Purely for hauling our junk around. Probably owning a mini-van spoiled me, but I still like to take my stuff with me when I head out on trips. Oh and another thing. I didn't realize this was not assembled in the U.S. That could have been a deal breaker. (My 1998 Outback was built in Indiana. Still on the road, but tired) Update 7/2018. Running great, still too firm of a ride. Mileage at 55-60mph is 33, but 65-70 drops to 28. Touch screens do not belong in cars I believe. I have dry fingers, so I either have to push the hell out of the display, or lick my fingers, or both. Wife has heavy foot, so her gas mileage is 25 tops. Courtesy light cutoff, manual or automatic would be nice. Returned to a dead vehicle in a parking Garage after leaving for a couple days.////////// UPDATE Jan/2020. 49k miles. New set of tires recently, didn't improve the ride, which is still too firm I think. Gas Mileage is the same (little decrease due to 75-80mph trips). Touch screen still annoying. My shop told me new brakes all around probably in the next year. 75-80mph mileage is 25ish, on level grounds. I have a dash rattle front left side. Driving me nuts. Am being gentle with the CVT. Hope it pays off. Jan 2021...65k now. Still runs well, set of tires and wipers. Not bad. Still not sold on the CVT, but no issues as of yet. Overall MPG seems about 25-26. Not too bad for a AWD car, but was hoping the CVT would add a couple more. I have noticed that on the interstate in the mountains, it feels labored. Not the engine, but the tranny. Jan 2024. 115k and still going. Unexpected surprises have been rear wheel bearing, and burning oil (I think) of a quart and a half every 3-4k. Just enough to make me have to add some in-between changes. CVT is holding up, but I have had the fluid changed at 55 and 100k. Now that my kid is driving, I have been assigned the back seat on a number of trips. News flash. Not adult comfortable. Still wish it was just a tad bigger. Update 7/2024. 125k miles. Another wheel bearing replaced. Brakes all around. Still running well. BUT !! I am adding a quart between oil changes. (5000m) 135k now. Is my son's major transportation. CVT fluid replaced at 120k incase I didnt mention.
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Forester - Love or Hate It?
Joe Mama, 12/29/2015
updated 01/03/2017
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
22 of 25 people found this review helpful
I believe you're either a Subaru person or you're not. If you appreciate their engineering bias (over styling), great safety reputation and aren't concerned with the hottest gimmics (like LED light accents), you could be a Subaru person... . This is our 6th Subaru product, and we've driven nearly every one of them over 150,000 mi., on average. The one that didn't make it to the prime of life ended up the basis for a commercial (Outback totaled when it left highway). Despite being Subaru loyalists, have to admit there are a few warts to mention. Details that Subaru could do better - get rid of ugly wheels, nicer color choices (like a nice dark blue), fix high oil consumption and reduce engine noise (esp when starting from cold) are personal gripes. UPDATE: Looks liked Subaru was reading my mind when they updated the 2017 Forester.. . LED lighting accents, new rim choices and added noise isolation - still some rather bland color choices, and no idea what they might have done about oil consumption. Our '16 Forester has a modest 9000 miles on it, and as expected, has had zero issues with it. Our only complaint about how vehicle was delivered was that dealer ran it through a car wash which slathered "hot wax" over windows - which took several attempts to remove. The biggest gripe (which may have been resolved since our model) is the infotainment screen and instrument panel. Would LOVE to have a digital speedometer read out (analog unit hard to read), and would appreciate having individual read out for low tire pressure (vs. idiot light). The center screen is a hot mess, with stray hand movements causing it to go into unwanted choices. In addition to being hard to tune/select, have found it impossible to directly tune stations on radio - even contacted Subaru to see if we were missing something... . It's a pain to have to scan for specific station when driving (esp. with Sirius) when it would be relatively easy to enter station numbers.
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subbaru mystique
aj zimm, 05/20/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
the forester is a basic plain good car wih a lotyt of features and a reliable foundation No matter what the ads say and how love is a Subaru mystique if you are in the market, new or used for this size SUV this must be on your list. Great entry exit, and a huge picture window they call the windshield makes you feel more a part of driving f the driving experience. The stock tires are noisy and are too harsh riding (Yokohama geolander 91 something) so in due time new treads will clear up this annoyance.
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1st Subaru
Mark Schmidt, 05/02/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Have seen the adds and after a test drive leased the vehicle. First time leasing will find out if this was a good choice in 36 months. Vehicle has crash avoidance system. I love it. With cruise control activated vehicle will automatically slow when you approach the vehicle on front of you and maintain a safe distance until the vehicle moves and then will accelerate to pre-set speed. No more tapping the brake and re-engaging. Vehicle handles well and has a great sound system. Controls and features are very intuitive.
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First Subaru and very happy
Mike from southern Indiana, 08/29/2017
updated 09/09/2024
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I'm pushing 70 and have owned many, many vehicles in my life. I have another SUV and a nice sports car, but I wanted something for snowy days that didn't cost much to own and operate and was reliable. I have about 20k miles on this 2016 now and am very happy with the purchase. It was the best value available. I was a little concerned about the oil burning issues of the previous three years, but this one doesn't use a drop of oil. Likewise, I didn't know what to expect from the CVT, but it is just fine. It just doesn't sound like other cars when accelerating. Also, when we first test drove the vehicle, I thought the seats were too bouncy, but I've come to like them, and I find they are very comfortable on long trips. The back has plenty of cargo space and the windows are like driving around in a greenhouse. The visibility is something you need to experience to know what you are missing in other vehicles. You will need to get them tinted, especially if you live in a sunny location. There are just a very few things I don't care for or that could be improved. The sheet metal is really thin, but so were all of the competitors. The paint shows a few chips, but the vehicle is white and the touch up paint blends in well. I wish the doors would automatically lock. I can't figure out why the Subaru engineers don't do this. It wouldn't cost a thing and it would improve safety. The accelerator is a little sensitive. I suspect the engineers wanted to give the illusion of being peppy. It is not needed. The radio is OK, but I don't use any of the tech. Lastly, I don't care for the Subaru dog commercials. I know they sell cars, but I wish they would just focus on letting people know what a good value these vehicles are. I intend to keep this one a long time, so I installed some of the plastic door protectors and a rear bumper guard. The only other extras this vehicle has are alloy wheels and the roof rack. The vehicle is just perfect for us. Update at 30K miles: MPG still about 30. No problems with oil or CVT. I'm beginning to have a lot of confidence in this car. Update at 55K miles: Still no problems or any unusual expenses, but will need to replace tires this summer. I think I have a keeper with this one. Updated at 80K miles. Started using about 1/2 quart oil per 5K miles, so I switched to Mobile 1 and everything has been perfect for the last 20 K miles. I trust this car so much that I just bought a new '22 Forester. With only two Subarus I am hardly an expert, but it seems to me that if you just perform regular maintenance and pay attention to such things as oil level and tire pressure, these cars will last a long time. This is the only vehicle I've ever owned that still feels safe in bad weather. Update- September 2024 - 98K miles - I did have to replace the original battery last month. Otherwise, everything is working just fine. There is no oil consumption, and both the exterior and interior look nearly brand new.
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Near Perfect.
JeysFXT, 12/07/2015
updated 12/21/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
29 of 35 people found this review helpful
It's a pretty great car if you're realistic. I traded my wife my C250 Mercedes for the new Forester XT (FXT), at first several things felt very cheap compared to the Benzo. After spending three months and 6k mi in it, I realized why the engineers did what they did and why this is a popular selling car. The car is comfortable and has great visibility, the Premium trim has everything you NEED plus some extras (i.e. pano roof and seat heaters). The turbo engine pulls strongly and the CVT transmission is not as obtrusive as many car enthusiasts say it is, I believe Subaru has very well executed their Lineartronic transmission for this application. The interior isn't as luxurious as a Benz but frankly, it shouldn't be... it's a practical car. If you're realistic on what you want your Subaru to do and why you're buying it, it is pretty ideal. I wanted something to go off road on the weekends and commute to work during the week. The FXT serves its purpose well providing a very large back seat and great cargo room in the back. The turbo requires synthetic oil and premium fuel (as do most other modern turbocharged, direct injected engines) and there hasn't been any oil consumption or other engine issue to note. When cold starting, the engine shimmies just barely, but this is normal so ignore other peoples claims of a rough idle, they're seriously over exaggerating it. The Subaru Starlink system is nice but pretty gimmicky, I do like the remote locking and tracking features but frankly could have done without. What I absolutely love about the vehicle is the go anywhere prowess.... I live in dry, Southern California where I go hunting for snow and dirt trails. I've taken the FXT off roading in moderate and medium trails and have been very impressed with the capabilities with it's AWD system (by the looks of the 4Runner and Jeep owners, they were too). I will say that on a moderate or medium trail, you're really pushing the car to it's limits... in retrospect I don't know what I was thinking. Either way, it's a great car and highly recommended. Update... I've got almost 25,000 miles on it in just over a year and a half. Still zero oil consumption, zero problems and 24.5 lifetime mpg. That figure comes from a lot of commuting and long highway miles. I'm pleased with almost every aspect of the vehicle, here's where i'm still left wanting: -OEM tires are truly awful. Terrible wear, terribly feeling, loud and awful grip. I've never had a terrible Bridgestone product but i'm so disenfranchised that i'll be going to Michelin shortly. - The only replacement tires are passenger car tires unless you special order or take really subpar off road tires. Unfortunately you're caught between a rock and a hard place.. pun intended.
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Never again
None, 04/09/2021
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Horrible horrible experience I had heard so many good things about Subaru but this car is crap the wheels are terrible started to rust and flake badly at 20,000 miles . Battery needed replacement at 22,000 miles.By30,000 miles the rotors needed to be replaced. One rear tires wears much faster than the others and No one can explain why so all tires needed replacement at 40,000 miles. The car always seems to pull to one side once again no one can tell me why. All of this happens even when strictly following the recommended maintenance guidelines. The Subaru dealership is not helpful always an excuse. This was my first Subaru it will be my LAST Subaru AVOID THE 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. At 50,000 miles is had easily had triple the problems of my other vehicles with the same mileage.
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Better Than Expected
Ed Walker, 11/22/2015
updated 05/23/2018
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
17 of 20 people found this review helpful
After reading the reviews and then driving several makes of small SUV (We also have a Honda Fit), we found the Subaru Forester to be a great fit for our needs. We tried and drove the Chevrolet Equinox, the Hyundai Tuscon, the Toyota RAV 4, The Honda CR-V, and looked but did not Drive the Ford Escape, Jeep Wrangler, Mazda CX-5, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, and maybe a couple more that I forgot. The Subaru and CR-?V were the top two choices, but the roomier cabin in the Forester won us over. The two things that bother me a little in the Subaru is the lack of room for my large feet. The wide console hits the heel of my foot when driving but I get used to it after a few miles. One the passenger side, I twist a little to the outside to avoid hitting it with my foot which makes it uncomfortable. I think that there is too much travel in the brake pedal, but my wife says its fine. We now have had it for 5 weeks and have averaged 30.3 MPG over 1400 miles, which is at the high end of my expectations. We got 32.5 on a recent 600 mile trip. We do get better milage than many drivers simply because its a fairly long drive at 45-55 mph when we travel into town to go shopping. That raises our average quite a bit. As the car approaches 3 years in age and 36,000 miles, I am updating the review. I have never reset the milage computer, I'm not sure if it is a rolling average of the last 10,000 miles, or fuel mpg for the entire 36,000 miles. It is holding steady at 31.5 mpg average. The economy was originally lower in the winter and higher in the summer, Thats likely still the case, but the overall mpg no longer changes. I've had no major service issues, the drivers side fender liner hit a big chunk of ice last winter, I bought a replacement online and popped it in. That seems to be a common experience, $100 for repairs over 3 years seems very low. The car has remained better than expected, it just keeps going strong.
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Sadly disappointing: CVT and rattling dash
Sad Subaru Owner, 01/24/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
48 of 60 people found this review helpful
I've owned a 2015 Subaru CVT for one year and have put 10K miles on it around Denver, Colorado. I am extremely disappointed, and look forward to replacing it soon with a real car. I chose the Subaru Forester for very practical reasons: Great visibility, reliability, road clearance for the occasional offroading, and all-wheel traction in the winter. These elements, however, do not offset the downsides. 1. Most annoying has been the constant rattling of the vent and speaker grills on the dashboard. Turns out that this problem is well documented on the Internet, yet the dealer acted surprised when I brought it in for repair. Twice now they have failed to fix the noise, and I have an appointment to take it back a third time. 2. The CVT, in combination with the slow-to-warm-up Boxer engine, is so bad at accelerating that you must pro-actively plan your route to avoid the need for quick speed. For instance, until the engine is warm, I have to leave extremely large spaces when going from my residential area to merge onto a two-lane thoroughfare. And it takes the engine 10 minutes, or 2 miles to warm up (when the blue light goes off). So don't plan to jump on the freeway and hope to accelerate to match the speed of traffic - ain't gonna happen. Worse, the CVT is quirky, and not in a good way. Sometimes a touch of the accelerator causes it to lerch forward. Other times, it won't move. I HATE HATE HATE the CVT. 3. In the center of the dash is an information screen that shows your average mpg. This number -- usually around 26 mpg -- is 2 and 3 miles greater than what I'm actually getting (calculated by miles driven since last refueling). I'm beginning to wonder if they have programmed the onboard computer to deliberately do this - ala Volkswagon misrepresenting diesel emissions. 4. The ride can be kidney-jarringly bad. There is a stretch of I-25 through south Denver where the combination of road surfacing, the car's short track, and traveling at normal freeway speeds will cause the car to continuously shudder in a very uncomfortable manner. (This happens with the factory installed tires inflated at proper psi). 5. The wheel-wells are unacceptably tight for an SUV designed for winter travel. Shortly after I bought the car in Winter 2015, I smelled burning rubber while driving on a snow covered road. I was the only car on the road, so I knew it was my Subaru. Upon pulling over and inspecting the car, I discovered that the snow accumulation of 2-3" in the back wheel-well was rubbing the back tires and causing the smell. Now when it snows, I have to be constantly vigilant that this doesn't happen. I can see how an engineer designed the very tight wheel-wells to reduce wind drag and improve gas mileage, but in so doing, they have seriously impaired the car's ability to travel safely in the snow. Before purchasing the Subaru Forester, I did extensive research via Edmunds and Consumer Reports. Both love the Subarus and failed to mention the problems I'm experiencing. Not only am I disappointed with the Subaru, but I am also profoundly perplexed that after all my research, test drives, and talking to people, I made this expensive mistake.
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Electric issues all over
Jacqueline Zafrani, 11/14/2018
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
This is my first Subaru purchase, a 2016 Subaru Forrester. I was so excited to get this car and wanted to love Subaru, but as it turns out, it has had several electrical wiring issues. I have a push start (push break to start the car) that has not worked on multiple occasions creating all kinds of inconvenience. Warranty for this is only at 36,000 miles. I was at 36,860 when i called the dealership (Kearny Mesa Subaru in San Diego) and they just sent me to a bunch of different people to speak to who just wanted to get me off the phone. I’m so sad and disappointed in Subaru and will be trading this in and going back to Jeep.
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2016 2.5i Premier SUBARU FORESTER
Kent Peterson, 07/10/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
I am very pleased so far with my 2016 Forester with eyesight, leather, moonroof, navigation and bluetooth. The price was great at $20500 before taxes and fees. The car is comfortable. It takes awhile to get use to lane departure and eyesight braking warnings, as well as the controlled cruise control. The overall car is great. A technological marvel. I expect it to last me 10 years or more.
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responsive with jumpy accelerator
T, 06/27/2016
updated 07/22/2021
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The acceleration and handling is excellent. When I drive it it feels very stable and sure around obstacles. Visibility is great. It is also surprisingly roomy inside. I don’t like the jumpy accelerator. Update in 2021: Subaru has fixed two safety recalls, and they also fixed an issue with my key getting stuck in the ignition (even though my warranty had already expired). I love that Subaru stood behind the vehicle.
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Fun and easy to drive
B, 07/20/2016
updated 08/02/2017
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. I looked at all the competitors. CRV, Rav4, etc. Chose the Forester. Glad I did. Love the handling, in wet and especially snow. Did a lot of haggling and got a great deal. Mileage in town is about 26, in semi rural areas where the speed is slow but there are few stops, mileage is 34-37. Highway is 31. (I drive fairly economically) Passing is good on the highway. The mirror-link for your phone is a real pain in the ass. Love the visibility around the car. Love the cargo capacity. Roof rack is kind of noisy, but use it often. Liking the CVT trans. LOVE the pushbutton start. Update 8/117. Pretty much the same. The 4wd is awesome on the winter . The car has developed a rattle under the dash that the dealer can't find (I suspect a loose wiring harness, but who knows) that is irritating on a bumpy road. Mileage is about the same. Car has so far been reliable. I'd buy another one.
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satisfied, with 1 exception
Alfred Letellier, 08/30/2016
updated 03/10/2022
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
We've owned the car now for over 5 years, have put almost 90,000 miles on it, and are very satisfied overall. It is comfortable, with 1 exception... the seat belt tends to be too tight around the shoulder/neck area. I've dealt with that by placing a small clip that works like a clothespin on the upper part of the belt (above my shoulder). This prevents the belt from being retracted so tight at the shoulder that it is uncomfortable. The car has nice features and an almost reasonable price compared to other new vehicles in its class... of course, they're all overpriced. Sure would like to see a warranty that matches the claims of reliability, like a 5 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper. Our warranty was finished by the time we owned the car for 2 years because of the mileage. We like the car, its features, and the way it handled in snow over 5 winters. The only real complaint that we have is that the engine burns oil. If I try to go 5,000 miles between changes, I always have to add a quart or so between those scheduled changes. I've talked with other Subaru owners who have the same issue. Not sure why that is.
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versitile vehicle
Penny, 02/28/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I've owned jeep wranglers for the past 12 year which I though was an ideal vehicle except it's small interior. The Forrester is a brilliant upgrade. The moonroof is huge and a great alternative to a noisy convertible. Folding back seat lends to great storage capacity and a good area when traveling with pets. The touring model looks and feels sporty in all whether conditions. It drives very well on wet and snow covered roads. My only complaint is the rough gear change between reverse and drive. That could be a bit smoother. If you like jeeps (all models) but hate their gas miliage, a subaru is a good substitute. Enjoy!
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Bend subie
Steven, 03/13/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
This is my fourth Subaru Forester purchase as I am a devoted Subaru fan. This purchase I decided to upgrade from the basic Forester model to the next level up and got the Premium model. After a few weeks of owning it I love all of the safety items such as side air bags, lane departure warning, and obstacle ahead warning. Wish it had the blind spot sensor, but not a huge deal for me. The models is definitely quieter than my 2011 model, and the gas mileage is much improved. Comfort, handling, and acceleration are still great. Love this car
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Great SUV
Stacie, 08/27/2015
2016 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
28 of 36 people found this review helpful
I think this is a great smaller SUV. Plenty of room in the cargo area for various activities. I have enough room for groceries, packing up for long camping trips and even moving wood and materials for home projects. Seats and ride are extremely comfortable even with the sport tuned suspension. Great power and I love the option for S#/S/I modes. It'd be nice to have a digital speed readout like on my husbands WRX but you can read the speedometer just fine. The steering is responsive and hugs the road well around corners. I wish it had a higher tow rating but 1500lbs is enough to tow a trailer with a atv and few dirt bikes so it fits my needs. I'm happy with the gas mileage. I really enjoy the upgraded infotainment system, Bluetooth connection is great and the touch screen is really responsive. I love the look of this vehicle, it's aggressive looking with a very comfortable ride. I actually got my mother in law to buy one as well. I would recommend the forester to anyone looking for a smaller SUV with a good amount of power, comfortable ride and reliability and reputation of Subaru.
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It's got it's tweaks....but I'd purchase it again!
Stephanie Rutledge, 11/05/2015
updated 05/07/2018
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
16 of 20 people found this review helpful
This car has probably got the greatest turning radius of any vehicle I've ever been in...it practically turns on it's hind wheels! Very easy to park...parallel parking is a snap with the turning ability and the backup camera. It's solid on the road - although I haven't tried it in snow...I have taken it on rutted dirt roads and it drives like a dream. The pickup is smooth and instantaneous (which is what I wanted...I wanted those ponies to race getting onto a freeway....and they do :) ) For a 4 cylinder engine...it's got some moves. Mileage is a little less than I'd hoped, but not too bad. It's a heavier vehicle (obviously) than my Honda civic so I'm putting gas in it about a third more often than before (most of my weekly driving is in town) but it takes regular so the cost isn't outrageous. The interior design is stellar...there are almost NO blind spots in this car! The entertainment center and the climate control are my biggest disappointments. I got the basic package...and the sound system is less than wonderful. It's ok but...could be better. The climate control is a little difficult to maneuver while driving and I would have preferred something other than dials. A better design would have been to place that portion of the dash at an angle to make it more available to the driver. The control keys on the steering wheel take a little getting used to....and the Bluetooth can be a little frustratingly slow and cumbersome. Outside of those tweaks...I'd still buy this car. I'm enjoying every minute I drive it. Been two years now and I'd STILL buy the car. Outside of oil replacement and checkups - no hiccups with the car. Interior wears REALLY well (I have cloth interior and it's great. It's black, but it breathes and the ergo/comfort level is top rate. Still at the top of the chart for maintaining its value. Very pleased with this car.
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After all of these years...
Allen Jaggard, 04/12/2016
updated 04/12/2018
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
We finally bought a new Forrester. This was the time, the price was right, and the Forrester has grown up in to a beautiful, functional, and sized-right car perfect for young or old. We love it so far, my wife barely lets me drive it. She is very happy and calls it "her dream machine". The visibility is great, the ride comfortable (although the seats could use a little more cushiness), and my only problem is driving in high winds. You feel the weight and excellent traction beneath you, but the car is subject to some windage due to its height. We love the car and our only reservation is that the gas mileage is not as advertised.
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Great SUV overall, but why no automatic lock???
Jun Zhou, 02/12/2016
updated 08/12/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
15 of 19 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car after having read all the reviews at Edmunds.com on compact to midsize SUVs and test driven quite a few of them (including Honda's and Toyota's). I have to agree with what most of the reviews have to say about Subaru Forester: it's a nicely rounded family SUV with a huge attention paid on the practicality aspects. I enjoy the great outward visibility and the generous size of the sunroof. I like the ease-of-use electronics which offers easy Bluetooth connection with my iPhone, so I can have hands-free calls and enjoy mp3 music effortlessly. I love the gas mileage - my first 500+ miles during the frigid winter yielded 28 mpg, which perhaps is the best among this family of cars with AWD), and I do like all the features that the Limited trim level has to offer - However (!!!), to my big surprise, with the sophistication in technologies at this trim level, the car would NOT lock itself when you drive - you will have to remember to press the lock button yourself each time... in past 20 some years, I have driven numerous cars with power lock functions and none of them required the driver to lock the doors themselves! One day on a highway, my son, a very active 8-year-old boy, easily opened the back door when playing with the handle out of boredom/curiosity - thank God he immediately closed it after being yelled at :-) - I am wondering why Subaru, a company that touts the safety and family friendliness for their products, would leave door lock manual - is it too hard or costly to engineer it as automatic? One of my friends told me that his Legacy and Outback don't have automatic lock either... so is it a Subaru thing??? Another minor thing is the wind noise while driving, which I noticed during the first a couple of months because I had been driving quieter cars before, but now I am getting used to it so the wind noise does not bother me much any more...
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The Solid Basics!
James Huntington, 04/29/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
The Forester is larger, that is, taller and more spacious feeling up front in the driving area than is the Outback. It also rides higher and feels more like an SUV than does the Outback, which rides more like a station wagon to me. So, it depends on your personal preference. Both cars increase in cost as you go up the TRIM scale. I got the basic model of the Forester. It feels solid, reliable, and safe. Just the kind of vehicle I was looking for and know that I can rely upon for years to come. Very happy with my purchase.
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Welcome to the Subaru family!
Naomi Milligan, 03/01/2016
2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
12 of 15 people found this review helpful
Alright guys, I am not one to sugar coat my opinions on vehicles, I'm coming out of a 2006 Pontiac Torrent (wrote a review for that no better than scrap metal vehicle!) let me address the controls first: those that get new vehicles frequently and are up on the newest and hottest in vehicle entertainment systems may find Subaru's some what simplistic design lacking, I have always upgraded my vehicles with touch screen radios etc and the transition wasn't bad coming in to the forester. My advice is to sit and play with the controls for awhile if you're having trouble, once you figure it out I think you will appreciate how easy it is to use while driving. The controls on the wheel did intimidate me for a minute but having the accessibility at my fingertips is nice! And when it comes to setting the clock (saw some frustration on a couple reviews) it's not really that difficult, again, play with your controls while you're sitting in park and you'll figure it out. The manual did suck when explaining these features so I do not recommend trying to figure it out with that. Interior materials: I've seen a few complaints about the interior feeling cheap due to the use of hard plastic materials, to me this makes perfect sense. I am new to the Subaru family but plastic is long lasting and easy to clean, when thinking about Subaru and how their consumers love the off road capabilities it makes sense as to why they used the materials they did. This is not an Audi or a Mercedes, they pretty much think you're going to be rough with it and planned ahead with the materials used. The seats are a bit firm, but they're also new and firmness can be adjusted! I recommend the all weather package if you live anywhere that gets cold, heated seats are an awesome option and since I prefer cloth, not many companies cater to that desire. I saw some mild dissapointment when it comes to the placement of the USB and AUX ports, as I said previously, I usually install new radios on my vehicles so the ports are on the radio, Subaru places theirs in the center console and I actually LOVE that placement as you don't have wires coming out of the front of the vehicle getting tangled in the shifter etc, there are 2 cut outs for the wires so you can safely close the arm rest and still have your phone plugged in. I absolutely love that, but personal preference I suppose. Some reviewers mentioned the fact that the doors do not lock when you put the vehicle in drive, this is not an issue for me as I do not have children and typically only have people over 21 in my vehicle, they should know at that age not to open the doors while the vehicle is in motion but I can see how that could become a mild annoyance to those that have to remember to lock the vehicle every time they drive it so just make note of that if you have children. I have only had this vehicle 24 hours so I cannot comment on reliability, once I've broken it in I will update on that. My package included the first 2 years of scheduled maintenance, which I would recommend as they take synthetic oil and I am told the air filters can also become extremely costly. If you can swing it in your deal, try to get this included. The CVT transmission did take about 10 minutes to get used to and when the vehicle cold starts it is a bit noisey for a vehicle that has a hundred miles on it. Not a deal breaker though. I'm not a big fan of the Aha radio that comes installed on the radio, it seems to take too long to load but then again, I have only played with it once so that opinion may change. So far it drives over potholes, bumps, and other annoying road obstacles like cream cheese on a bagle. I opted to not get the eye sight technology as I thought it may become annoying, the back up camera and (huge) moon roof that come standard are both nice surprises. I'm still figuring out little quirks and haven't yet had the chance to test it in bad weather conditions (although it's snowing now!) and I do plan to take it in to some mild off road conditions so these are all things I will review later in time. I opted for a lease and plan to switch it once my credit is built up a bit, but so far, I do not see any major complaints in the foreseeable future. They also have roadside assistance at no cost to you, which is also a nice feature! Can't wait to update for you guys!
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