2016 Subaru Forester review
Subaru Forester highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Impressive fuel economy
- Good off-road capability
Cons
- No blind-spot monitoring
- Handling isn't as good as rivals'
- Weak base engine
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 28 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2016 Subaru Forester is a versatile all-wheel drive compact crossover SUV
Subaru introduced the Forester to its lineup in 1998, and the 2016 model is part of the fourth generation of this popular SUV. With standard all-wheel drive and an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Forester is designed to deliver a comfortable ride on the pavement and excellent capability when the pavement ends. For the 2016 model year, the Forester gets upgraded interior features, including a new touchscreen infotainment system and updated driver-assist features, including Subaru’s EyeSight® driver-assist system, which now includes steering-responsive foglights.
Available in four trims that range from the base model to the well-equipped Touring, the Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual gearbox. A continuously variable transmission is available, as is a more powerful turbocharged engine. While the Forester delivers excellent utility and off-road chops, rivals like the Ford Escape or Mazda CX-5 feature nicer interiors and better on-road manners.
All Subaru Forester years
What is new for the 2016 Subaru Forester?
- Forester trims have been upgraded with Satellite Radio Ready and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment this year.
- The 2.5I Touring trim now comes with Auxiliary Audio Input as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Subaru Forester
What We Like
Driver-assistance: Subaru offers the Forester with its EyeSight driver-assist technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic precollision braking, and lane departure warning.
Interior: With a stylish, clean design, the Forester features intuitive controls and a new 6.2-inch touchscreen display; a seven-inch screen with upgraded graphics is found on higher trims. Seats are comfortable, with nice padding and good support, and rear passengers will find plenty of legroom and headroom. Bluetooth® connectivity, HD radio, and a rearview camera are standard on all trims.
Utility: With up to 34.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Forester can handle multiple pieces of luggage or a large haul at the grocery store. The space grows to almost 75 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. There’s a good amount of storage space in the cabin, with storage in the center console as well as a nice-size glove box.
What Needs Improvement
Driving: Putting out a meager 170 horsepower, the base engine doesn’t move the Forester very quickly, especially when paired with the continuously variable transmission. The 250-horsepower turbocharged engine takes care of this issue, but it is only available on higher trim levels. While the Forester has a comfortable, quiet ride, its high center of gravity and soft suspension hamper its performance on curvy roads.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Subaru Forester an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru Forester 22nd out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru ForesterSubaru Forester features and specs
2.5I Limited 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Automated Cruise Control
- Bluetooth Technology
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Lane Departure Warning
- Navigation System
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
170
Torque (ft-lbs)
174
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
15.9
Wheelbase
103.9"
Overall length
180.9"
Width
70.7"
Height
68.2"
Leg room
F 43"/R 38"
Head room
F 40"/R 37.5"
Front tires
P225/60HR17
Rear tires
P225/60HR17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Subaru Forester FAQ
The 2016 Subaru Forester is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 2.5I Limited: 24 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Premium: 24 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 2.5I: 24 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Touring: 24 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 2.0XT Premium: 23 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- 2.0XT Touring: 23 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
The Subaru Forester received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Subaru Forester as 21 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2016 Subaru Forester has received an average 4.3 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Subaru Forester, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Subaru Forester Reviews.
The 2016 Subaru Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 1500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Subaru Forester:
- 2.0XT Touring
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Bluetooth Technology
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Smart Key
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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