Subaru enjoys a brand loyalty that is the envy of the automotive world, and for good reason. It has always been a company that marches to the beat of its own drummer, delivering reliable, interesting cars that have an
intangible Subaru-ness to them, and the 2016 Forester is no exception.
It is immediately recognizable as a Subie, with rugged, handsome styling that promises fun and adventure. Under the attractive skin it has the credentials to back that promise up, with good ground clearance, impeccable
manners, standard symmetrical all-wheel drive and an available driver-selectable “X-mode” for maximum traction off the beaten track.
Subaru also knows that even the most adventurous of us still spend the majority of our time on pavement, and the 2016 Forester excels there, too, serving up a quiet, comfortable and secure ride.
The 2016 Subaru Forester standard power plant is a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with an optional
automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) also available. Higher trim levels have an available 2.0 Turbo mill that makes
250 horses and still manages enviable fuel economy figures, despite its exceptionally quick 6.3-second sprint to 100 km/h.
The interior is also typically Subaru, which is definitely a good thing. Now featuring a touch screen in one of two sizes depending on trim level, the interior is simply elegant, supremely functional and has excellent fit and finish, making it a thoroughly pleasant place to spend time. Luxury and safety features abound, depending on which of the six trim levels
you choose. The 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and 2.5i Touring all come with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring come with the highly entertaining turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. A rarity in this class is that all models are all-wheel drive, and Subaru offers a manual transmission on all but the higher trim levels.
The 2016 Subaru Forester stands out in the highly competitive and crowded field of compact cross-overs, bringing genuine character and personality to the segment.