2016 Subaru Forester - Review & Offroad Test Drive

[@singingtoad]

I have a 2015 Forester with the 2.5i and 6-Speed Manual. I absolutely love it and it works great for my family of 4 (wife and I plus 2 kids). I can't say enough good things about it and I highly recommend it to anyone with a small family and a love for the outdoors and nature...

[@philipd.garcia5052]

Subaru Forester: Backing up on a small hill 1st Attempt: A little more gas and it doesnt wanna go up 2nd Attempt: A little bit faster and traction control giving up there 3rd Attempt: A little bit more speed...capable of holding but it doesnt give it power 4th Attempt: and a little bit faster and there we go. Best small/mid size suv based on youtube report, nice one subaru. Mitsubishia Outlander like on your video 1st Attempt: no sweat at all, walk in the park. Subaru fans watch this, very nice video.

[@danielgeorge7444]

You need to stay at a steady rate on the gas when it slips u need to give the awd system a chance to figure out what it needs to do. Thats the most common thing with people that dont know how to drive a subaru. They get off the gas as soon as it starts slipping. Just stay on the gas at a steady rate. Until all 4 wheels are freely spinning and your bottomed out, your not stuck. My impreza could have done all of this

[@jessicakabelwelter2774]

Thanks for the heads up. I am getting a Subaru in a few months.

[@RikySongSu]

@@jessicakabelwelter2774 your gonna love it!

[@MilanVVVVV]

Exactly.

[@DonTruman]

Great review. That's something you won't see from any other car review source -- an engineer's understanding of the technology, being tested in real world application. Impressive production quality too, with three cameras including one remote. Interesting it didn't work when going backwards.

[@PifchoBG]

probly cuz of the weight distribution

[@cobyboeder9879]

E/E,pumping out some quality vids. keep it up!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Thanks!

[@heath1982]

Loving your videos lately. You are a fantastic commentator, keep it up

[@EngineeringExplained]

Really appreciate it, thank you!

[@GeneralAurora]

Just helped my grandparents buy one of these. I liked it, minus the lack of HP. Good review as always.

[@yogaexe]

+Mason Nalle the XT have plenty of power

[@Xmvw2X]

+Mason Nalle I do agree with you, the stock naturally aspirated model is a bit weak on power. There are some design choices for that weakness that could be different. For example, if you tune the engine to run on 91 octane instead of 87 octane, you get roughly a 10 ft-lb/10 hp bump across the whole rev range. If Subaru felt like shifting the torque band from the midrange to the upper end, peak hp numbers could be a bit higher, and the actual speed of the car would be a bit more but only as long as you drove the car hard and revved the engine up. However, it's not the type of powerband most people prefer. I wish Subaru would put the H6 engines in the Forester. I understand why they never put the 3.0L or 3.6L in the older Forester as it was based on the smaller Impreza chassis which could only fit the smaller H4 engines. However, in 2009, it got its own dedicated chassis and no longer had the size constraints of the older design choice. At that time all the way through today the chassis is its own and Subaru really needed to design the chassis with more engine bay room and make the 6 cylinder engines an option. I think a lot of buyers would opt for the H6 if it was ever really an option. The turbo version is a good choice. Stock, it's merely ok on power. Subaru tunes it with pretty mild boost pressure and runs a small turbo for low-midrange punch. The turbo version as a platform has lofty capabilities though. A simple tune alone bumps up torque considerably (the main goal of the tune is bumping up the boost pressure more towards the limit of what 91 octane fuel can support before knock (pre-detonation, aka bad)). Then there's a massive amount of aftermarket support due to all the WRX and STI owners. Plus many FXT owners mod their cars too. I own a heavily modified one myself, 2004 version, and race it. These cars can be brutally powerful when built.

[@Bobbybeb]

You made an excellent review. I will say that the Forester is probably one of the best well rounded vehicles out there.

[@GearKnowHow]

Finally a review for the Forester!! Such a fun car to drive on and off road!! I just test drove every trim level of the 2016 models because my Mom bought one. I wanted her to get the turbo model, but you can't always win haha also it has to take premium fuel and get's much worse gas mileage than the 2.5i

[@1400VID]

Thanks for the informative review. This helped me in getting the 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium with the X-Mode. Yes, you can now get the X-Mode in the lower Premium trim if equipped with the All Weather Package.

[@King_Kenny66]

Test drove one of these and it has loads of room for passengers and cargo. Only 2 things were lots of cabin noise and real touchy steering. Nice video!

[@VezzyPHD]

everyday I worry all day, about what's waiting in the bushes of love.

[@mrsabidji]

+vezzyPHD Cause something's waiting in the bushes for us.

[@kennydlite]

+vezzyPHD thats rad

[@jorarove1679]

I used to ride on the desert you know , I used to glide on my speeder you see , and hope that I don't find , anymore , crispy bodies by the door . 49 times, yeah it was 49 times , and now it might be waiting for you , it could be hiding behind that scrap pile -It's just a big cow

[@Chinesefoodrocks1521]

Somethings waiting in the bushes of love.

[@ImranQureshi-mf2gc]

+vezzyPHD Bruh it's not funny

[@tinker1148]

AWD system is awesome!! It actually transfers power to the wheels with grip unlike the Toyota RAV4.

[@burrogrande]

You should do some of these hills without traction control. I would imagine that then you could see the real difference between awd systems. Anyway nice review!

[@EngineeringExplained]

+automobilistafi Great idea - I'll try to remember that for next time!

[@nicolec7290]

I agree

[@justanothergunguy4555]

Good luck. The new VDC subaru is using sucks. Even when you turn it off it turns back on as soon as the wheels slip. I tested this is snow before. It's somewhat helpful for a split second to get the wheels sped up but then it dumbs back down.

[@kevinnorwood7880]

We have a 2001 Subaru Forester with 281,000 on it. The car still runs very smooth and strong. While we are not looking for a brand new Subaru we would love to have a 2010-2012 model. We LOVE the big ass sunroof! This is my wife's first Subaru she won have another car of any make after having a Subaru.

[@Jarocho2003]

Great review dude! Really helpful as I'm closer to buying time...thanks!

[@khadijagwen]

I have a 16' Forester. I am not sure it is possible to get it stuck in less than 18" of wet snow.

[@superspicey1]

Thank you. I'm considering a Subaru in the next year or so. Just trying to decide between the Forester and the Outback.

[@brennanm5645]

+superspicey1 It's kind of a price decision. Outback's are a bit more in the trims people actually want.. especially if you go with the 3.6 flat 6 (recommended if you're doing an outback).

[@1979Spica]

What kind of tires are you running, and did you air them down at all?

[@somanymods]

it actually only has 68.5 ft³ of cargo volume. the 74.7 is only for the base model which doesn't have the panoramic moonroof. we have a 2016 forester xt, it's been great so far aside from not coming close to its advertised fuel economy. my 2015 wrx 6 speed had no problem matching or beating the claimed mpg, the fxt which is supposed to get 2mpg better in the city is averaging almost 4 mpg less than the wrx was.

[@mwops24]

Loving the new 3 different point views! Hope you do it more often or as much as possible

[@mrsabidji]

So, looking at the big picture, it's a nice all-terrain car for it's price.

[@855glt]

My '08 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.7L V6 has more horsepower, MUCH more torque, low range gearbox, locking center diff, full size spare, equal/more cargo space, stability control, hill decent control, 3000# tow capacity, 3400lb curb weight, better steering feel, burns NO oil between changes (oil consumption is something nobody mentions with newer subarus because they basically use water for oil - 0W20), and still manages to get amost equal fuel economy compared to the subaru (subaru will get 32mpg in a vacuum maybe). Only thing the subaru beats it at is wind noise at highway speeds. Having a real hard time finding any advances in the small SUV market in the last 10 years. To me, we're going backwards. We might as well call small SUV's station wagons again.

[@wkf57]

I'm a sucker for different as long as the "different" is supposed to equal or better whatever else is comparable in the market and so I just purchased a 2017 Forester in the Premium level that has the X-Mode. I haven't had the vehicle long enough to really see how all the features work and it will primarily see decent roads but also four seasons so it will be interesting to find out how well it handles winter roads. I read that the 2017's received more sound insulation as well as thicker glass to quell complaints of road noise in earlier models. Not sure about the "thicker" glass but it is definitely quiet while operating. Nice review of the 2016 Forester.

[@LarryRichelli]

I bought a new 2015 Premium with 6 speed manual. Loved it but I really wanted the XT but was too cheap then to buy it. Just traded it in on a 2017 XT which I am loving it but miss the 6 speed. 250 Hp is so much fun! It is much more quiet. I barely hear the engine when I start it.

[@userbosco]

You forgot to mention the dependability of Subees...

[@guilhermeferrao5968]

I found this channel right after it got 500 000 subscribers, so I can say I'm very new here, and I must admit this is probably the best car channel I've ever seen in my life. Well done 👏👏

[@EngineeringExplained]

Really appreciate, thanks for subscribing!

[@guilhermeferrao5968]

+Engineering Explained No problem. Keep up the good work!

[@doodskie999]

i have the 2.0 xt, i just love this car. we have a small farm which has some mud and ruts and it just goes like its nothing

[@Dansk55]

How's the engine durability and reliability? I have heard nothing but horror stories on these 2.5 engines

[@doodskie999]

***** pretty good, no oil consumption issues, its 30k kms now. only minor annoying issue is the rattling sound of plastic from the central computer on the centre of the dashboard. other than that, pretty reliable car, and we always go to our farm

[@Rico24337]

hairlesheep He has the XT which is a 2.0 liter. Very different architecture from the 2.5

[@V10PDTDI]

could you try the same vehicle with a 6 speed manual to see the difference.

[@690ADV]

stay the pace, great video keep making them.

[@jasono6911]

Loving thi's Forester review.

[@jonathanb1987]

This is the vehicle I am going to get for my wife. She wants the same color in the 2.5i Premium with the six-speed manual. I'm glad you did this test without having X-Mode. All the other off road reviews for this SUV I have seen have the X-Mode. Too bad X-Mode isn't an option with a Manual transmission. Nice review man.

[@Beachandpool]

Excellent review! Thank you!

[@aspirationalme4152]

so why they cross trek and not the forester?

[@georgeburt8536]

Very good review

[@RippenGriff]

Reversing up hill, try turning off the traction control. My 2012 WRX applies too much traction control braking while reversing up hill. The front wheels spin, rears slide.

[@brennanm5645]

+Adam Powell this ^. with TC off u can back up that hill at a reasonable speed. TC was cutting power to be safe.

[@SulCoCrazy]

very good review. I have a '15 6m and belive your review of the awd was very accurate.

[@thejohnnerparty]

Nicely done. Very informative. Thanks.

[@BLKSG6]

5:10 it turned off the eyesight system because you put your camera mount in front of the eyesight camera!

[@benlee530]

Probably the best car reviewer after Jeremy Clarkson. Keep it up!

[@EngineeringExplained]

That's a bold comment, appreciate it! There are plenty who do it better. :)

[@backroadreviews7353]

Wish you had reviewed an XT, IMO it is Subaru's best daily driver especially if you live in an area that gets snow during the winter months. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance is plenty to deal with a decent snowfall. The Subaru AWD system does a great job in the snow and is far superior to most of the other AWD competitors in this class.

[@atomikrobot300099]

I test drove it, I completely agree with the overly punchy throttle for a grocery getter. The electronic throttle map was done poorly. Not semi-linear like other electronic throttles / cable throttles. They also should have added an "ECO" button.

[@TheVerlaine]

I don't have a question or comment but you tell us we can write them in every video so I feel like a dick ignoring it. Ergo here you are. 10/10 videos; making someone I know watch them as an imperative before I teach her to drive. You explain shit better than I could. Man love etc, xoxo.

[@andys5969]

Thanks for all the videos you do! Huge fan! I was curious if you had, or plan to make a video detailing how v8s nowadays are able to shut off half the cylinders for fuel economy, or if it's not a big enough topic for its own video if you've ever touched on it. Thank you!!!

[@jdix0009]

Note that the 2016 Forester premium manual transmission model has quirky Subaru parts bin items such as monochromic center cluster display with no gear indication, no cruise set point, and a weird select button at the top right that serves no purpose. Even my steel wheel base model outback had the gear position indicator, and cruise set point. US model tow rating is unusually low even with the Subaru gorilla built hitch installed. I still like it but if GM made a manual trans traverse I would not have purchased a 3rd Subaru.

[@mattheviewer]

FYI throttle response in the 2.0 turbo version (XT models) is actually less punchy/"hair triggerish" than the base engine, provided you are in Intelligent or Sport throttle modes.

[@david0608]

Thanks, own 2005 forester x, 170k Km. replace all shocks last year, front sway bar connect, timing belt replace, exhaust pipe all rust around after CAT connect, go NAPA get coupler kit fixed, coolant has a bit of oil, go work 50 Km one way , forgot change shock mounts , that is mistake. make funny click sound now, that it. only problem is sometimes my 260 pounds Canadian coworker try very hard to get in front seat.

[@AdamChandler86]

You moved to 4K? Awesome!

[@TheCe1ticZombie]

Another great video, you should replace Chris Evans on top gear. Gonna buy a Subaru in two years so I'm trying to decide which one to buy. Any thoughts on sun roofs leaking? I really like the size of the Foresters sun roof, but my wife insists that it will leak eventually, don't want her to be right, again. Later.

[@TheCalgarycanuck]

Had 3 cars with sunroofs no leaks, ran into a hail storm twice, had to replace sunroof glass, ouch.

[@FCFordLord]

TheCe1ticZombie As long as you maintain the sunroof, they don't leak. Keep the seals greased, check the drain now and then to be sure no spiders are building nests or anything, and you'll be good. I just bought a '99 with a sun roof and inspected it very thoroughly before purchase, no leaks at all.

[@klisurski]

Very interesting videos, but could you do a favor to the European/ROTW public and add captions with the converted units, because the technical videos lose some value when we don't get the technical data and we constantly have to pause and do the Imperial to Metric conversions. Same applies to the F to C temps and MPG to L/100km. I guess that the video editing takes a lot of time anyways, so some extra time spent would be a lot of added value to many viewers.

[@darshan394]

Thanks for the review :)

[@bbb12345]

This AWD system is pretty impressive. I have a FXT 11 and it's awesome.

[@alfung07]

wanna see how Subaru brake system does on snow and wet condition

[@ala4857]

I wish you still show the tie rod ends and brakes. why can;t you fit a camera there

[@youmongrel]

Where are you driving? I have a 14 XT, looks fun.

[@mefepristone]

Hi Jason , t's a shame that you weren't able to do a review of the eyesight system - as this was the first time you have reviewed a Subaru with that system... I love it on my Liberty x

[@brettc6730]

I think he's tested it before on the legacy and liked it a lot

[@mefepristone]

Ok thanks... I'll be sure to look at the review

[@mefepristone]

The Liberty is what Australia calls the legacy and the liberty x is slightly raise cf the normal platform

[@mefepristone]

Ps I like the informative videos - keep up the great work 👍

[@EngineeringExplained]

Detailed review of it in my Legacy review (see video description).

[@1madmax22]

You didn't say much about the differences between the 2.0 turbo vs the 2.5 non-turbo. Which would you suggest for longevity and difference in power? Not to mention the head leaks that idk if Subaru has fixed yet or not. In another video a guy said the 3.6 and the 2.0 isnt having the head leak like the 2.5. What are your thoughts on these points? Also, should I wait and see if subaru is going to put the 3.6 in a Forrester? Or, should I push mom to get an outback with the 3.6? She wants a Forrester, but if the outback is far superior to the Forrester for longevity, reliability and just all around drivability then I would try to persuade her in that direction. Please let me know your thoughts on this matter. Your videos are valuable and filled with useful info and I can barely stop watching. Engineering explained is better than TV. I love these engineering KZbin channels and you explain most things really well. Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge with everyone. It's a big help on making big decisions.

[@mspencer9]

Please do an explanation of how a 2 seat convertible I.e. (Porsche boxster) differs from a 4 seat cabriolet I.e. (audi S5 cabriolet) and explain why a car built from the ground up to be a convertible differs in chassis rigidity from that of a coupe transformed into a convertible. I'm trying to explain this to my wife but I know you could do a much better job. Thanks! I look forward to your explanation.

[@bigguix]

great review. Semi off topic, i'd really like to watch a "behind the scene" video on all that work you have to do to get all these camera shots. If you're doin tit alone, it must be very time consuming. For example, @5:37 did you have to walk all the way down that road, set up a camera, hit record, go all the way up to the car and just ride down the track and grab the camera back ? tyvm :)

[@EngineeringExplained]

+Guillaume Breton Yep, it's all done alone. Yep, it's time consuming haha. Glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!

[@nombr]

Good review. How are these vehicles for long term reliability? Are they ok towing a small trailer (one quad/sled) prob ~1000# total

[@tangoteamleader]

Is turning off the Eyesight new on the 2016 version? I have drove a ton on unmarked roads, parking lots, etc (2015 Forester Limited) and I have never had the Eyesight turn off by itself because of that. I've had heavy rain, or driving directly into the sun effect the Eyesight, but it if doesn't see road lines, it just doesn't alert you. BUT, you don't need lane markers to prevent you from running into something (i.e. it doesn't make sense that it would turn off collision avoidance.)

[@brennanm5645]

+Dean L I think it's camera glare from the water and mud and time of day affecting eyesight, not offroading. In brief offroad instance in my wife Forester eyesight does not turn off

[@Death-Squad90]

My 1997 Honda Accord EX weighs a little over 3,000 pounds. Anyway, any chance you can come back with the exact Forester 15-20 years from now? See how well the head gasket, fake AWD, and CVT holds up?

[@samueldias2093]

Hey Jason how about an anti-lag explination?

[@EngineeringExplained]

I have two videos on the subject, search my channel. :)

[@samueldias2093]

ok thanks

[@waltatwood2387]

My family recently signed a 36-month lease on a 2016 Forester. It has everything, including premium cloth seats, but no heated seats. Can anyone suggest where my family can seek out an aftermarket heated seat kit that they can install in their new Forester?

[@WRX4moi]

X-Mode is standard on all CVT-equipped Canadian spec Foresters. I just wish Subaru would put that humongous panoramic moonroof in the Outback, too.

[@daved217]

Why do people love subaru, it's almost like a club following. Are they fun to drive or is it the four wheel drive?

[@chrissetter]

+Maxie House There's a lot that goes into Subie fans... It's the AWD capability, the insane amount of cargo space in sporty vehicles (hatches/wagons have no popularity in the US), the great resale value, relative cheap pricing, rally heritage, the ability to mod and add more boost (to wrx/sti's), and much more. For me, it's because Subaru's satisfy my need to all of my gear and drive a sporty car at the same time and drive comfortably in winter season.

[@dandannoodle3139]

+Maxie House I got my first subaru (forester, 2014 used) about 6 months ago. I too thought they were for yuppie cult types but after having so many problems with my 4x4 grand cherokee, I just wanted an off road capable vehicle that got good gas mileage and would last a long time. It's had a couple small issues but so far I like the way it drives. Has gotten me through a couple tough spots off road (climbing steep muddy hills) but only time will tell if I'll get another one.

[@maxaltube]

We’ve had 5 In our family. My son bought one used for 4k drove it for 8 years all over we live in snow etc. he was 18 years old. He sold it last week with 250k miles for $3k. It still looked good and drove like a champ. I have a 2006 outback with 265k miles on it. Every single electrical device from windows to heater still work. I’ve put a water pump, timing belt and alternator, and a few batteries and tires on it. In the snow and black ice they smoked my Wrangler, Cherokee, Durango, and CJ5. Yep you’ll be accused of wearing Birkenstock’s and smelling like organic quinoa for owning one but it’s a small price to pay. And on the outback I commute 30 mins per day from elevation 32k feet to valley floor and still get a solid 27 miles to the gallon.🤓 I’m looking at a pre owned 2016 forester to freshen up a bit.

[@babygurl9218]

Go to a car dealership and test drive some... you'll see ..

[@enayatsharif4311]

As always, a great review, you are really the best, but I wanted a few more sentences on forester's handling in the highway. Some people say Forester is not as easy (for seniors) to control as an XV, which you said is very similar to Impreza. How do you compare the handling of XV with forester on highways? Thank You

[@BxSQUIRREL]

This a is a really nice review. Where is this park you are in?

[@nicolec7290]

Good review.

[@imnotacrook5298]

I've owned this vehicle for just over a year, and the only thing I can say is the gas mileage is much lower than stated. I know there's variance in the listed mileage many times but in the city I'm averaging 21 and hwy is more like 27. Still not bad, but that's a difference of 15-20% which is a lot in my book. Otherwise, great car, unparalleled in the dirt and snow, especially if you opt for snow tires.

[@ashaniboyd-baddal3792]

all your vids are very informational keep it up. would like to know if you will be reviewing the new Honda Civic

[@EngineeringExplained]

Appreciate, no Civic on the schedule but that may change!

[@bladeh12]

Did I miss the big picture? Must be wanting a good deal on a new STI with all the Subaru reviews. Can't beat it for the AWD system

[@philipd.garcia5052]

which is better the mitsubishi outlander or the subaru?

[@The12name12]

Engineering Explained, do a video on why manufacturers don't use plexiglass instead of glass, and why they are used in some racing applications. Thanks.

[@Yogangster1995]

Is it just me, or is the 4k setting on the video very glitchy?

[@alihakimpour1015]

Hi I just got the 2015 2.5i Forester with eyesight this August and recently it's been acting up on me like the lane keep assist beeps for no apparent reason and stops and twice so far both the collision braking and lane keep turned off when I was driving and after 10 min it turned back on by itself I didn't manually turn anything off or touch the bottoms what so ever. Before I go to the dealer I just wanted to ask you do you think that it's a software issue. Thanks.

[@miguelreyes9647]

make a video with the forester again but with the options of x-mode and hill descend with the same test. maybe a forester xt?

[@moonshine8250]

love your video I hope I get enough points for mechanical engineering 😊

[@Tr3zn3r]

Off topic but you need to do a Nissan GT-R launch control video. Do it, show your reaction, and then explain the engineering and physics involved behind it. GT-R owner and fan of your channel! :)

[@EngineeringExplained]

Haha, I actually have done this, but I did it with GoPro and they never sent me the footage. :/

[@Tr3zn3r]

+Engineering Explained bummer. You can come use my 2015 for a launch vid anytime. I've got about 15 on the clock. Runs like new. Keep up the great vids.

[@lacrosse8011]

Did not know Xdrive did all that. I have this car and only used xdrive to go down a hill. The throttle is defiantly touchy to start and takes some time to get used to.

[@jdix0009]

Does anyone know why this engine is 3 hp less in the forester than it is in the outback? This is also the only SUV aside from Jeep that is still available in AWD and a manual transmission. I have a 2016 manual trans premium forester, and previously owned a 2015 WRX, and 2014 Outback all manuals. Manual is not available with NAV.

[@police1184]

Great video as always. Where is this off-road place you go to? Looks beautiful.

[@dreiz.]

I'm surprised you didn't test the 2016 XT version with that new engine.

[@xynurse6095]

Jason. How do you tell what differentials a vehicle has unless it's an option on the manufacturer configuration? For example, I didn't know that the WRX has open diffs but when you step up to the STI you get LSDs. I don't recall seeing that anywhere on Subaru's website. I've been trying to figure out if it's the same thing with the Audi TT vs TTS (Whether you get LSD when you upgrade or if both have it standard.)

[@subazealand9158]

Did you test drive the Cx-5? After watched some videos of Mazda snow academy and read on Internet, it sounds bullshit when Mazda says if not full time 4WD or Subaru AWD can not send power when wheels are turned. Can you compare both models?

[@niuhuskieguy]

What Mazda is demonstrating in their test is how differently their systems are programmed to respond when entering turns. Subaru is programmed to reduce power to the rear entering turns and increase it coming out. Mazda decided to do the opposite of that. That is why you only see Mazda do it with the wheels turned and not straight.

[@MrAbhijyot]

Hi i am buying a Forester XT and waswondering if the extended warranty is worth the extra 2k ?

[@MrRiquew]

Great review, as always. Please help with your opinion. If you had to choose between a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander SE AWD and a similar equiped 2017 Subaru Forester which one would you prefer? Thank in advance for your feedback. Regards

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Nice multi camera shots. ?: are traction control systems configured to process reverse direction scenarios?

[@Suction_]

I noticed you never shifted into neutral when comming back down the hill from reversing up it. isn't that bad for the trans?

[@DronieUp]

Great review but I was hoping you'd review the XT model.

[@AbsoluteMdot]

These look really nice. I have a 2001 Honda CRV SE. I although I do love it for the snow it is not fun to drive. eventually I would like to look into one of these. Does anyone know if these are reliable and fun to drive

[@Wolfox360]

But in reverse up the hill, was the traction control on or Off? I known that when you switch off traction control it will still balance the power to all wheels.

[@dekusprite3910]

I want to buy this as my first car. It looks like a great car.

[@integrafreak1]

I love the designs of Subaru I just despise the CVT in all cars!!

[@brennanm5645]

+Integrafreak1 it comes in a manual too

[@integrafreak1]

Brennan M Yeah I heard E.E.

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

What is the clearance like near the front bumper? It doesn't look like 8 inches.

[@bryandoherty9399]

Did you review the Subaru Crosstrek? I wouldn't mind seeing a review for that car

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yep, check out the video description!

[@wholeNwon]

Do they still have problems with excessive oil consumption, head gasket failure and weak automatic transmissions? LONG-TERM reliability is important to me.

[@FCFordLord]

wholeNwon Oil consumption was a very limited issue. Headgaskets were fixed back in '99. Weak transmissions have never been an issue.

[@wholeNwon]

Good to know that they eventually got around to it. 2 different friends have recently bought them. Another friend has an older one that leaks oil. Still has its head gasket. One of the new ones has a transmission issue already and I think Scotty Kilmer has made negative comments about their auto. trans.

[@458nards31]

did you do the mpg test using the data on mid or full to full method? how accurate is the on board MID? I suggest that someday you'll test them. thanks

[@herleanyounce4918]

I wish Subaru (and other auto manufacturers) made their vehicles large enough to accommodate 3 young children, in car seats. Not every parent wants to be limited to minivans, large SUVs (lousy gas mileage) and large trucks!

[@Blu3raNger88]

Stop hating on the CVT, if you want "performance" in your 4 cylinder suv, by all means go for and get the manual. The CVT is meant for ease of use and efficiency and it does that outstandingly, subaru doesnt have you dyno fanboys in mind when they make their cars, and the cvt does exactly what it was DESIGNED to do and its the best at what it does.

[@EngineeringExplained]

+Blu3raNger88 I'm guessing this is addressing all the random hate in the comments (as opposed to the video). I think it's a solid transmission.

[@Blu3raNger88]

Engineering Explained oh, yeah the random comments, not you, you did an awesome job with the video and were fair to the CVT

[@daldrete01]

the sun roof actually retracts all the way back you just have to click the button again.