5 Surprising Things On Your Subaru You Never Knew Existed!

[@mtpokit]

Living in a deeply rural and wooded area, I can say that the steering responsive headlights are a game changer. It allows you to see animals ready to cross roads at night before it's too late. They take some getting used to but are worth it.

[@derekcoaker6579]

I love those things. Perfect for the Switchbacks here. A feature I didn't know I needed.

[@mhadman427]

I think it was the Tucker that had the first SRH. There was a third head light in the middle of the grill/ hood area that moved with the steering wheel. I'm surprised it took so long to bring it back..

[@empathy212]

I couldn't agree more!!! I'm very rural and live in a tiny very rural town with more cattle than humans! And of course this also means deer and coyotes and armadillos and fox and opossums and giant snapping turtles and beavers! It's pitch black going down these Country roads, take me home to the place I belong..... except that I am in Ga...but we have so much wildlife and it's even worse because there are hundreds of acres for forestry growth and tree farms for wood industry all along these roads. So it's difficult to even see the deer on the sides of the roads. I love my steering responsive LED headlights!!! Sometimes I come around a curve and surprise, there's a couple steers in the road because they went exploring. It's one thing to collide with a white tail buck and completely different to collide with a 2000 pound bull steer with horns wider than my Forester Wilderness! I love my Forester Wilderness edition. Her name is Zelená which means green in Czechoslovakian in honor of my deceased father's family heritage. Zelená has saved my life!

[@michellemaloney2059]

I love the high beams. I can put them on and the car turns them off if oncoming traffic arrives or I come up behind someone.

[@jessearmaline7485]

Thx for caring about animals!

[@rcp2212]

Just took delivery of a 25 Outback Touring XT. I'm 72 and sometimes overwhelmed by the tech features that are in my new car vs. my 16 Outback. Your videos are very helpful for the aging brain!

[@GordonMBSC2009]

11:10 11:10 11:10 11:10 11:10 11:10 My first Subie is a 2019 Forester Touring. I drive for Uber and it's amazing how the car impresses people. Back around 2014, I mystery shopped 3 Subaru dealers in Florida, basically seeing how they were selling the Eyesight (not overselling or underselling the features). Those shops made me say one day I will own a Subaru. One day came about 7 months ago and I don't regret it at all. I'll never own anything but a Subaru ever again. And the mileage is amazing, 28 avg in city, 39 avg on highway. And it's an SUV!

[@Harry_16710]

That tow hook and canoe tiedown tip is a winner...thanks Alex!👏👏

[@Lpshaw4661]

I wish I would have known that using the key shank to unlock my car would set off the alarm! I was camping and needed to grab something from the car at 5:00 a.m. The last thing I wanted was to wake anyone up, so I figured using the key shank would be a quieter, more respectful option-no beeping, no headlights shining into tents. Boy, was I wrong!

[@mrgarrison3516]

U can turn off the flashing lights/beeping (when locking/unlocking)... in the menu

[@Roddy556]

My GMC does it too. Stupid feature.

[@greginfla5324]

Alex, 0ne tip I have not seen on here: If you look at the tray on the spare tire, you will see an extra rectangular opening. This opening on my '24 Outback fits the rear cargo area shade. It fits perfactly. I learned this at my on-dealer-site Subaru Love experience. No more storing it in the garage when loading up the cargo area.

[@michellemaloney2059]

Oh boy THANK YOU FOR THAT TIP.

[@greginfla5324]

@@michellemaloney2059 You are welcome! I cannot say enough about how beneficial both the Love Experience and these videos are in learning about the tech and conveniences. This is my first Subaru. My son bought a 2024 Crosstrek and did not get any guidance or advice or lessons from his dealer in Buffalo.

[@daveyyj3979]

Thank you! I literally just took my shade out of the car and put it in the garage. Now I can return it to the car.

[@greginfla5324]

@@daveyyj3979You are welcome!

[@sigflick11]

Woohoo! I'll have to check that out when I get my 2022 Outback delivered. That would be great!

[@brendenrowell]

Been a Subaru owner for a few years now. But always learn something new. Watch your videos all the time. One other way to control your heated seats and your entire climate control system, and other systems, is via voice control through the steering wheel button. Keeps you from having to take your eyes off the road. Could do a video about using those controls. I just happened upon it by chance one day playing around with it.

[@phantomcruizer]

Super great suggestion!😎

[@MemeMary926]

I just totaled my 14 Subaru and am going to be buying a new one. I ended up rear ending someone on the interstate(long story). I absolutely believe that car saved my life Thank you for the tips that I will use with me new Subaru!!

[@douglasmckinley-sr1507]

Eyesight saved me from rear ending someone.

[@GrainHopper]

The manual specifically states to not use the tow hook when not towing your car. If you have a crash, the tow hook may interfere with the airbags or fuel shutoff (front vs. rear collision).

[@jefff6167]

Another very good video. Thanks for taking the time to create and share such useful information.

[@Mezzier]

1:10 Don't turn your car on in your garage with all the doors closed ! if you really can't wait for night time, just go on the side of a building with shad and go close to the wall, stop and steer. Just my opinion, don't kill yourself wit CO / CO2 indoor

[@opin2u]

I love the adaptive cruise control. I've always used cruise in cars, but the adaptive is a game changer. It's important to note that the distance between your car and the one in front will increase when you speed up and decrease when you slow down.

[@sigflick11]

I hail from Germany and was used to Autobahn speed. But we also had it drilled into us to always obey the two second rule. Pick something fixed ahead and count out two seconds. If you're past it, do it again until you get it right. If may seem to be overkill, but reality is this: It takes your brain ONE SECOND to recognize danger and another few milliseconds to react. Depending on your speed and whether the object in front of you is moving or stopped, without that safety distance you will be toast. I was rear-ended myself by a an underinsured tailgater here in MA and severely injured. But because I had kept a safety distance from the car in front it remained a two-car collision instead of a pileup.

[@lisaweese5460]

I love this feature. My husband tends to tailgate, so this takes care of that issue.

[@nyrocks5580]

The dead key control, heated seat trick, and that the screen has a software button available for at least some updates were super helpful, thank you!

[@samsare4740]

Thanks for the tips Alex. I’ve learned more about my Outback Wilderness from you than the dealership I purchased my vehicle from. Keep the tips coming. They are greatly appreciated.

[@kenroper3931]

I'm with you -- I love the adaptive cruise control. It makes trips so much more enjoyable.

[@st3218]

It's nice to know you can turn it off for when the weather is really bad and the cameras are too obstructed for it to work, so it doesn't let you use cruise at all. Now I know I can change that. (This only happens in heavy rain, snow, sleet where the wipers can't clear off the windshield fast enough).

[@dawnwhite5410]

OH! JOY! Alex, you are SO much better than the manual! Thank you for understandable directions...am thinking you should write Subaru's manual...

[@tanyalovejoy2999]

Hello Alex, Just purchased my 1st Subaru a month ago. I love my 2024 Crosstrek and your videos have really helped me understand all features better. Attending my 1st Subiefest this weekend in Daytona Beach and want to thank you for passing on your knowledge.

[@alexpmo]

@@tanyalovejoy2999 congrats on your new Subaru! Enjoy the show! I’ve never been but I hear it’s a great time!

[@cherylgirard4462]

I’m so glad you put these videos on here because I am learning new things that I didn’t know before, thank You !

[@ksr3228]

Brought home a 2022 Outback today. Feeling a little overwhelmed. Glad I found this channel.

[@GodsCreationsinMusic]

Re: Why would someone not want steering-responsive headlights? If a person has a vestibular disorder, this may cause vertigo. People with vestibular disorders need to have a static base of some sort of non-movement or motion.

[@terrywalker7127]

Just bought a 2025 Subaru Outback Limited XT today. Overwhelmed by all the tech. Just joined your channel to learn more about our new Subaru.

[@jacquelinebromm8864]

I always learn some thing about my Subaru from your videos! 🚖 thank you

[@GayleCramer]

always something new. I discovered the auto bright lights. They automatically dim with oncoming traffic and go back once they pass. I have a 24 Crosstrek Ltd and amazed at everything I’m still learning. I traded my 18 Crosstrek in for the updated new one. I love everything about it and have auto everything turned on. I am 70 years old but travel a lot and having a Subaru I know I’m safe. Subaru is definitely the way to go!!! ❤️❤️

[@fredglitz5046]

I'm 73 and have a 2020 forester. The safety features are a game changer. The visibility in the car is amazing. Love my Subie

[@bruzote]

I am remember my Dad's car having those about forty years ago. That feature never really caught on. I guess customers didn't like how well the sensor response worked.

[@quandale2648]

@@bruzoteIt’s better for them to be over-sensitive than under-sensitive, and although they work pretty good they sometimes turn off when they see street lights or a bright reflection or something (where you would otherwise leave your manual high beams on) and they sometimes flicker on or flicker off; but it is better than having nothing especially because it requires no input. Of course if you’re in a spot where you want your high beams on the whole time it’s better to control them manually

[@rastrrastr1230]

@@quandale2648 I have a 2023 Outback and the high beams automatically turn off if the speed is below 50km/h. Both in the city and outside the city. This function is handy, for example, in forest sections of winding roads, or where there are large rocks and a lot of turns. This way you don't dazzle the oncoming car that you can't see around a sharp bend.

[@jewelleryaddict]

Had on my 1972 Lincoln lites that dimmed for oncoming traffic coming towards me at 500 feet. This is nothing new.

[@martinburns342]

Great video, as always, Alex. On the Australian Outback's, if you tap the set/res for the cruise control to increase or decrease the set speed, it increments in 5km/hr steps, but if you hold the switch up or down it increments by 1 km/hr.

[@blakecirvin]

Same here in the EU.

[@gblakev]

@@blakecirvin And in the States, for a few years. My 2020 Outback does that.

[@Steelologist]

Wow, that trick with the dead battery key is awesome. Thanks.

[@carlprouty4288]

Yes I have a Subaru that has that remote and keyless start and I did not know if the battery in the remote is dead is how would you start the car , and thanks to Alex I now how to do it

[@BobVogel-t1u]

As a kayaker, using the tow point as a tie down is a GREAT idea. Thanks!

[@digicabtech]

There is something to learn every day. Thanks Alex.

[@KimofCoventry]

I had 3 outbacks and thought I'd like to try a Crossterk ('22). No. Just ordered my '25 Wilderness Outback and can't wait to get it. All dealers should have a big label right on the dash with your youtube, Alex. You are such a valuable resource. I'm all about utilizing every feature. Thank you!

[@alexpmo]

Happy I could help! Enjoy your new Wilderness! 😃

[@stephendupuis6062]

Here’s something I ran into on my 2024 Outback Wilderness, If you find the car won’t start for some weird reason, like it’s dead in the water, it’s probably because the steering wheel is locked when you get in the car. The way to fix this is grab the wheel and give it a hard turn to unlock it. The car should start now. Service manager told me this over the phone and saved us a lot of trouble.

[@stasko3055]

There is 2 additional , very helpful , features in Subaru Outback 2024 which nobody knows( at least my dealer even didn’t know they exist) 1st - face recognition which allow you to use own seat presets ( for 5 person) . It activate your preset once made face scan. 2nd is back camera washer. When you’re in “R” drive mode and your back camera is on, activate back window washer and you will clean camera remotely.

[@patrickmccarthy1307]

My god, Alex. I'm always impressed by these videos. Thank you! I had no idea all of those tools were in the back - woah!

[@adomagala1]

The Steering Responsive Headlights blew me away on my 2024 Impreza Sport! It has definitely saved me from turning into some sketchy right hand turns at night. Turning off the SRH can be useful if you hit a pothole and the steering angle is off. It will keep the headlights straight until you can get your suspension fixed or get an alignment done. (Potholes are the absolute worst with the low profile tires that the Impreza Sport & RS has...) The '24 Impreza Sport doesn't come with a spare tire, but I've read on forums, that a Crosstrek spare can work just fine.

[@Frg1958]

Alex I truly appreciate you.Your knowledge is Exellent.And you’ve taught me and a lot of other people everything there is to know about Subaru vehicles.I have a 2023 Forester Touring and truly love it.Thank you once again for sharing these videos with us.All The Best Freddie G.

[@StanMangham]

Very helpful video on the garage door opener setting

[@s.j.alexander4599]

First time Subaru owner here with a '24 CTW. I found the Steering Responsive Headlights annoying until I got used to them. At night, while driving a winding road, it looked like critters were jumping out at the car. Thanks for sharing these tricks Alex.

[@Christine_1111]

Haha!

[@PAfarmboy]

I'm having the same problem. I keep hitting the brakes thinking there is a raccoon or small black dog in front of me.

[@ericdownward6170]

Thanks Alex. Last week on Interstate 35 the auto distance control drove me nuts because before it would pick up another vehicle would dart in front and it would slow down again. I knew there would be a way to cut it out, so Thanks again.

[@pennyarizzio2824]

Hello Alex😊😊😊 How do you turn the radio off in the 2021 Subaru Ascent? I can't turn it off...!!! ???😊

[@drudavidson381]

impossibile to turn off. My dealer said. .

[@pennyarizzio2824]

@@drudavidson381 Isn't it just so weird... I tuned a station to the Sirius Station 1 it's a silent station. 🙂

[@MC.709]

Think you just press and hold the volume knob if present. This is the process for the 2016 Forrester.

[@danielroberto9183-w8j]

Very useful reminders and tips, which makes me think that my SRH is off. As for those people that claim to want simple controls, they make a big mistake. I used to rant and rave about all these teck in cars, and I became familiar as I learned them and gradually became more and more at ease using them. I'm still not an expert on these "gizmos" but my studying them made my ownership experience a lot more pleasant. I never looked back. Good review!

[@RideMoreNow]

Another one worth mentioning is when playing media, you can push and hold the Source button on the steering wheel to pause the play.

[@ronmiles3032]

Loved this information for my 2018 outback

[@richardcoldiron]

Great video very informative. I just bought the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness with Thule rooftop tent at the Lexington dealership and your videos have helped tremendously, I look forward to your next video

[@matthewrobinson4323]

Great video, as always. Thank you so much.

[@YSBRYD-CATH]

Thanks!

[@alexpmo]

@@YSBRYD-CATH I appreciate you! Thank you!

[@juleenlatvala7536]

I learn something new in almost every one of your videos. Thanks for sharing the deep dive info!! ❤

[@Matthew0819]

Awesome video!! Thank you so much!!!

[@pevelyhomeowner327]

Great video! Thank you. Please ask Subaru to give a DRL override for low light needs. Star viewing, holiday lights, etc… I understand and appreciate their intended safety feature, vehicle visibility, but low speed DRL override would be great.🙏

[@alexpmo]

I agree! We have an underground light show here through the caves and sadly can’t find a way to turn off my lights when we go

[@fourpropfpv9246]

The adaptive cruise can be disabled by adding or taking away distance lines and then holding it at the maximum setting. Simply click the distance line buttons one way or the other to re-activate it.

[@randasayer]

Just purchased a 2024 Forester, must have a look at this video.

[@sigflick11]

Thank you! I just bought a 2022 Outback that has all the bells and whistles. But the sales person did not know how to start the car if the key fob is dead. That happened to me with my previous car, and luckily it happened during business hours and the service department of that brand actually answered the call for a change and walked me through. That was a Ford, and the Subaru does it differently. So being an active senior female who likes to be out in the woods with my dog where often nobody else is around this was an important piece of information. I don't have the car yet but brought the book home with me to learn about it while the registration process and servicing are done. As for the headlights, our city has horrible street lights, so those will help there as well. And, having been a wildlife rehabilitator for decades now, I always scan the sides of the highway for the telltale shine of wildlife eyes. There is never just one raccoon or one deer!

[@raventree333]

Alex, I love your videos. I have learned so much about my 2023 Forester. Question: my radio automatically comes on when I start the car. Even though it was turned off the last time I turned off the car. Is there a way to NOT have the radio turn on automatically upon starting the car?

[@michellefleming4464]

Same here

[@PAfarmboy]

After doing much reading I discovered the radio push knob is not a true on/off button on the '22 Forester. It only temporarily mutes the sound so when the car is started next time the mute goes off and your radio sound is back. To stop this from happening, press the media button before shutting down the car. As long as you don't have a CD in the player, when you start the engine again there will be silence. Hope this helps.

[@michellemaloney2059]

I love the headlights. I point it out to people. I think it’s so cool. It may be because I am coming from a lovely SAAB that actually has mini windshield wipers. The other thing I love is the neat extended drivers seat. I try not to be to close to the airbag but I’m short short so I extend my leg and during long drives it is less comfortable.

[@sunshine311]

Fabulously informative! I've learned so much about my Outback. The jump in tech from 2010 to 2022 was overwhelming at first but you make it easy and manageable. Is there a way to open all the windows with some key fob button combo? Thank you, Alex!

[@ropersix]

In my 2022 Crosstrek, I got a warning on the dash that my keyfob's battery was low, which is pretty useful. I soon put a new battery in, but it did make me wonder how I'd start the car if it actually was dead, but now I know. Thanks!

[@RPE9870]

Wow - never knew about the auto door lock feature. Thks!

[@marioromero2431]

Most people with a 2017 model Subaru forester (or maybe even all others) always review the car and say the panoramic sunroof shade is manual BUT it’s manual and automatic. You’re welcome 😊

[@jaroslawchorzepa5449]

How to turn off "beeping" of lane assist system? It is annoying when you cross pedestrian/bike lane during city drive.

[@robalexander7348]

Thank you Alex, all important inforation for many Subaru owners 👍 Au

[@donaldbertucci499]

Thanks again for your amazing tutorials. I enjoy them a lot!!

[@jacquelinebromm8864]

He is very good at explaining the features!

[@alexpmo]

@@jacquelinebromm8864 thank you! 😊

[@davidbrown3309]

Alex, why don't you have a SiriusXM button? I don't have or want SiriusXM but I can't get rid of the damn button. What's the secret?

[@MojoTime]

This was helpful, thank you! Had no idea, I could turn off the adaptive cruise control.

[@Thurston.Howell.the.3rd]

One that I learned recently...when your key transponder completely dies, just hold it near the ignition button and you can still start the vehicle. Life saver

[@caitneedham]

I love the lights turning when I turn,

[@richroj]

that was excellent Alex, thanks again 👍

[@sbukosky]

I used to use remote start to keep the air conditioning on for my dog but it limits out too soon. I found the trick to keep it running, Make sure key fob is on you! Have climate control set and engine running, parking brake on, of course. Roll down driver's window. Exit car and reach in to lock the doors with the switch. Now, pull up on the auto window close and the car is locked and will keep running until out of gas. To get back in, you have to use the key from the key fob as it will not electrically work nor will the touch lines unlock.

[@tombranch6983]

One time I exited my 17 Legacy with a passenger inside, doors locked. When I came back, my fob wouldn't unlock the door. The passenger had to let me in. Now I know to use the key. I wonder why Subaru decided to prevent re-entry.

[@michaelking42]

Good stuff, Alex. Great video, as always.

[@MarkMenge]

Hi Alex Very helpful video. I learned some things from you today. OK have a great weekend.

[@BarbCorry]

What we don’t care for in our 2018 Forester is it doesn’t change automatically with a time change!

[@drudavidson381]

Agree. Even when set to auto update.

[@Southpaw86]

Love the steering responsive lights… but a few years ago one went out and the dealership literally had no idea how to repair it lol. They eventually replaced that whole area for like $2K lol. I got lucky and Subaru of America paid for the repairs as I was just slightly out of the warranty. I think they were really rare back then though, so maybe that’s why. Probably better known now on how to repair them hopefully

[@dropping-beats]

The videos always teach me something when I think I know everything.

[@mermaydekathryn1695]

Thank you Alex I just got the call my new 2025 Outback Touring XT is in and ready. Because of your videos I have learned so much about my Subaru from your videos that the sales team at my dealership thinks it’s great. I can’t wait to have many adventures in her.

[@rahulscaria4396]

I thought I knew all of these features but then you showed I don't by turning off the adaptive cruise control. That was a new info for me! Good video mate.

[@llhawki]

Me too!! I am grateful he posted this because I am in a trip and will try turning it off while I travel. 👍

[@marthabradas8873]

Thanks Alex, I learned some new things and was reminded of forgotten features. I always like my 2022 Outback even more whenever I watch your videos. (My first Subaru)👍 Thanks so much for the information!

[@EisBlade]

Great video. Alex, is there a way to get a 2015 Outback to auto-lock the doors once the car is in Drive and moving? I have to manually lock my doors every time which seems a bit dated for a modern car.

[@patsadventures6381]

Just picked up my 2025 Forrester and this video was very helpful. Thanks for putting out such good content.

[@alexpmo]

@@patsadventures6381 thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it

[@jamesstolk9848]

Thank you for everything. Every salesperson should be as informed as you and pass that information along.

[@phantomcruizer]

You make excellent and informative videos 😎 I do have a question about software updates, if a new update causes problems with the vehicle can the owner go back to the previous software?

[@valdius85]

Adaptive cruise control works well and I use it all the time.

[@JohnvanGurp]

Same here, it’s amazing!

[@johnsbeale]

The tow hook is good for moving the car when it is dead and can roll easily BUT not for recoveries where you are planning to use a winch or kinetic rope. This is generally true of the many vehicles with those "helpful" tow hooks. The next question is where is a good attachment point for recoveries. There are some but beware of collateral damage to plastic, brake lines etc. Vehicles with tow points like those on the Wrangler make it easy. Few all wheel drives are easy. Only those with a serious trailer hitch.

[@leonveremchuk5654]

Hi Alex! Thanks 4 video. I gonna bay Subaru Outback 2024, having before Subaru Outback Diesel for 10yrs. Your video about hidden things in a new car is very useful in future. Greetings from Adelaide, South Australia!👍

[@chrisallen9706]

My Outback is only 3 months old. It has some advance navigation options but I've not see a video explaining how to read the screen as you follow a set route. If you don't set a destination the map screen still shows useful information that is not explained in any print or video I have seen. This topic deserve a set of several videos, with each discussing just 1 aspect of navigation.

[@mediumrick7667]

Thanks for the tips. Any suggestions for adjusting the low beams on my 2023 Outback? I'm regularly getting brights flashed at me by oncoming drivers. The low beams are too bright.

[@alexpmo]

Thank you! That has happened to me from time-to-time as well. The headlight level can be adjusted but it's tough to get to on the 2023 so you'd likely have to take it in for a tech to do it for you.

[@kblack3970]

Is there a hack to open all doors from the driver's door via the keyless entry option without walking around to the passenger's front door which does it?

[@cowgirl.4363]

It’s a safety thing, so if you get in the drivers side no one can quickly jump in the passenger side as you unlock it. There’s a button on the drivers door, next to the window switches, if you open the door and press it, all the doors are unlocked not much slower than opening all with the key fob.

[@kblack3970]

@ Thank you!

[@pmstirling]

There's a setting in the various menus to set whether you want just the driver door or all doors to unlock with the fob. Another for the rear hatch - I have mine set to unlock everything when I open the hatchback.

[@jettap7652]

I learn a lot about my car watching your videos. Thank you!

[@catnippetsitting]

Always great videos ❤

[@kyleecarroll]

Great video! Very helpful! Thank you!

[@frankgravel8844]

Alex, did you know, a resent software update made to the screen. People with Android Auto, the mapping screen is now much larger.

[@maryjones281]

Alex, we always enjoy your videos. Thank you very very much for making them. I have two questions: number one and this is something that if anyone else has issues I’d like to know. Why does it happen when I’m driving and I’m talking on the phone, I may hit a small bump or, not but the person I’m talking to says can’t you hear me? Can you hear me and it cuts off CarPlay? This is dangerous because then I scramble to find my phone so that I can let the person know. Yes, I can still hear them, but they can’t hear me. Second question this happened to me today when I was driving. I was listening to the radio, and all of a sudden I couldn’t hear anything on the radio. I turned up the sound. I turned mute on then I turned mute off. None of it worked. I tried to switch to another channel, and found out that the screen was not responsive at all. I turned the car off and turned it back on and it still didn’t work. the only thing that changed was when I hit the home button, then hit the radio, it came back on. Oh, and here’s my bonus question what is that little cord that has a plastic hook on it for where the spare tire stuff is. We have a 2025 outback. Thanks again for all you do. Mary Jones

[@pmstirling]

Q1 sounds like the carplay is disconnecting when you hit a bump - bad connection? Try a different USB cable. Q1 sounds like a bug in the software! See if you can get an update. Q3 the little cord: you hook it to the ceiling to hold up the cargo tray cover, easier to get at the spare & tools.

[@bervotten]

I learned that the Phillips screwdriver doubles as a flathead. All else I already knew. Thanks.

[@nebraskaryan9308]

I have a 2019 suburu Forester and I absolutely hate when my SUV shuts off when I’m at red light or whatever. THAT FUNCTION Drives me nuts

[@danieldelpozzo2930]

Alex, I did turn off the adaptive headlights and I’ll tell you why in a moment, along with many other complaints I have about the electronics on my 2024 Impreza RS. But first, let me thank you for the time and effort you put into your videos. They are very informative and I’ll miss them as I don’t intend to keep this car much longer. I actually like the car - the looks, ride quality, handling, storage. But I HATE the electronics on this car. I don’t know why all manufacturers think people want their cars turned into combination mobile phones, laptops, and big screen TVs, but I, and everyone I talk to, hates this trend. I leased cars for 35 years before buying this car outright, so I was always getting new tech and features every 3 years. But the tech trend over the last 3 years is terrible, especially the way it's implemented on this car. So here’s my list of “Surprising Things on my Subaru I Wish I Knew Before I Bought it”. Adaptive headlights - why I turned them off. When parked in the garage 1 foot from the wall with the lights on, there is a small rectangular shadow projected on the wall in the upper portion of the spread of light. On the street at night that rectangular shadow becomes much larger when the spread of light is 50 - 100 feet in front of the car. With the adaptive feature on, the shadow moves across the spread of light as the adaptive feature is working and creates a visual distraction that makes it seem like a small animal is running across the road right in front of me. The constant distraction was not worth the benefit it was supposed to provide. So, one of many features I paid for and disabled. The glare on the touchscreen is terrible - in 3 ways. You can see it at 2:19 and 5:19 in your video. Nearly a third of the screen is obstructed by the glare. As I drive, my peripheral vision sees the constant glare and it’s very distracting. Even worse is that as you drive along, whatever is on the side of the road - trees, buildings, large trucks - gets reflected in the glare and the reflection is constantly in motion. This makes the distraction far worse. And lastly, as you use the screen to see the backup camera, or to see Google maps, or to use one of the control settings, you have to shift your head to avoid the glare and clearly see the screen. Another flaw with the touchscreen is despite the large real estate of the screen, less than half of it is used for the two most useful features to display on the screen - the backup camera and Google maps. The rest of the screen is a waste and distraction. Using the touchscreen to control so many things is a major distraction. Subaru prides itself on the safety of its vehicles. I feel like I’ll need the extra crash protection because this touchscreen system makes me more distracted. I would add there is frequently a lag when touching the buttons, so I often have to look at the screen longer while I touch a button several times to make sure it worked - another distraction. It’s far less distracting to use knobs and buttons versus touchscreens. I’m surprised a company so focused on safety hasn’t figured this out. The driver assistance (annoyance) features are too aggressive. It seems like it’s constantly beeping, flashing, and buzzing. It feels like a back seat driver constantly yelling “watch out”, “slow down”, “you’re going too fast.” I wish manufacturers would bundle these features into a package so people who want them can get them, and people like me who don’t want them don’t have to pay for them. I turned all of these features off. One of several ways I over paid for this car. The bulky plastic shroud that houses the Eyesight cameras creates visual weight around the mirror that is another source of distraction in my peripheral vision. I have to pay extra to use remote start. Subaru forces me to pay for a subscription package that includes 20 extra features I don’t want just to get the feature I do want that’s already built into the car that I already paid for. And they force you to use your phone to start your car. I can understand charging for upgraded features like the ability to start without line of sight and to set various HVAC settings, but the core functionality to remote start should have been included on the key fob for no added fee. I don't want to use my phone to operate my car! And their subscription package is terribly priced. The longer you commit, the more you have to pay in terms of a monthly rate. The longest term is 5 years. If you expect to keep your car more than 5 years and want to retain these features, the price skyrockets 300% for year 6 and beyond. Subaru recently eliminated their pro-rated refund policy. If you buy a multi-year subscription but change your mind or sell the car before the subscription term ends, they won’t provide a pro-rated refund. I just cancelled my subscription before the policy took effect. Everything about this subscription policy screams greed. Subaru offers only one option package for the RS model. It includes a power seat, which I wanted, and an upgraded stereo and moonroof, which I didn’t want. I had to pay for 2 useless features to get one practical feature. Again, the word greed comes to mind. I drove a hard bargain with my dealer, which is why I paid for it, but it’s not worth it. The upgraded stereo is terrible. It has a very tinny sound and there is no punch in the bass. I’m shocked by how weak the sound is from this “upgraded” stereo. And for some idiotic reason Subaru offers a heated steering wheel in Canada, but not in the US. I haven’t done the research, but I’d be willing to bet there are more Americans living in cold weather areas of the US than there are in Canada. Offer a cold weather package that includes heated steering wheel, heated seats, heated mirrors, and remote start. Simple. Sadly, my experience as a Subaru customer will be short lived. It's unfortunate as I really like the core car, but the electronics make the driving experience very frustrating.

[@Daltondoubledeuce]

I’m about 6’1” and the bulky plastic eyesight blocks my field of vision. Because it is so large it forces the rear view mirror down to where it is exactly in my line of site to the right. There are times when it is hard to see pedestrians on the right side or oncoming cars. Super irritating is the inane “ feature” that stops the engine when sitting at lights. You should be able to turn it off forever, but you can’t, have to do it every time. My big infotainment screen has a mind of its own and takes your eyes off the road. No more subies for us.

[@marges4005]

The Forester has better field of vision than the Crosstrek we originally looked at. I also don’t care for huge electronics screen in Crosstrek-Forester Sport has smaller screen. I agree wholeheartedly about the remote start. We almost went with a Kia since it was one of the few brands that still had key fob option.

[@randseedbin9440]

My '24 Crosstrek Sport has mechanical rocker switches for the seat heaters. Will a software update let me control them from the touch screen? Will the phone app be able to activate them? Thanks for the great videos!

[@gennasmithers]

Such a good video, right ti the points. Thanks

[@donz6901]

My wife just bought a 2025 Subaru Forester PREMIUM and she picked it up at dealership November 25, 2024 and we have been watching your videos a week before delivery until today. Your videos have been very helpful, but I have one question watching this video. Of course, all is good now, but when key fob battery needs to be replaced, what size do you recommend? I have looked on websites and even in the Subaru manual, it says, a CR2450 is needed and just to make sure, I opened one of the key fobs up, and there was a CR2032, which most remotes do have, such as auto key fobs and remotes, as do garage door remotes. What is your dealership recommending? So far, so good with the CR2032 in both Forester remotes. Thanks, we love your videos on the Subaru Forester. Don from Milwaukee Wi

[@texasbreezetexas766]

Great video!

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video and info. Blessings to you.

[@brendadavison4023]

Owned Onyx fot 2 months. No 'soft touch keys' for heated seats. Softwear was updated 3 weeks ago.

[@Fiereflye]

I have a 2023 Forester Wilderness. Great to know about the software update!

[@3M1O]

Is there a way to get the heated seats on screen back to pushing a single button like the console switch on earlier models?

[@pauletteweir8165]

Thank you so much Alex. I always learn something new about my Subee when I watch your videos. So great and helpful 😊 Many thanks 😊

[@charlie63-p2u]

A dead battery in the key fob has been a pain. Hoping they put a wireless charger feature in the car some day.