2016 Subaru Forester Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

in Car Comparisons
Black 2016 Subaru Forester in a car lot

Source: Flickr

If you’re looking for a crossover SUV, one of the first selections you will come across is the Subaru Forester. This capable vehicle is a popular choice for the efficiency-minded driver, and the 2016 version is one of many available years. Those interested in purchasing the 2016 version should first consider the 2016 Subaru Forester pros and cons.

Although they might not seem like a big deal, the pros and cons of a vehicle will reveal much about whether a car is worth it for your life. When looking at specific years of the Subaru Forester, it’s ideal to do an overview as there are many available selections. Read on to learn more about what is excellent about the 2016 Forester and what is less ideal.

2016 Subaru Forester Pros: What We Love

There’s much to love in the 2016 Subaru Forester. From the standard all-wheel drive to the spacious and comfortable interior, let’s dive into some of the best of the 2016 Subaru Forester pros and cons.

Pro: Available Manual Gearbox

Many drivers love hitting the road with a manual gearbox, but they’re becoming a rarity in many modern cars. For those who still want a taste of the classic way of driving, there is still an option to obtain a manual gearbox in the 2016 Subaru Forester. With this option, you can have the ultimate control over your system.

In the manual gearbox comes a six-speed shifter, which is excellent at efficiency and very responsive under the hand of a responsible driver. It’s also easy to use, which is always something to love in a gearbox. The manual transmission also makes the acceleration faster than the automatic version of the vehicle.


DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP

The CoPilot car shopping app is the smartest way to buy a car. Get a curated list of the best cars for sale in your area, as well as notifications if a similar vehicle is listed nearby at a lower price. CoPilot is the smartest way to shop for used cars. 


Pro: Standard All-Wheel-Drive

Next, we enjoy that the 2016 Subaru Forester comes with standard all-wheel drive, another seeming rarity in the modern world of cars. No matter which version of the vehicle you invest in, you will gain access to this feature, which leads to increasing stability on the road in many terrains and driving conditions.

The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system can adjust when it encounters different types of weather, which means you can drive through snow, mud, or other conditions. The 2016 Subaru Forester will maintain excellent traction with ease, unlike competitors without the available all-wheel-drive option.

Pro: Solid Base Engine

If you don’t want to upgrade your 2016 Subaru Forester and stick with the base engine, you won’t be let down by what you get in this vehicle. The base option for the 2016 Forester is a four-cylinder engine that provides 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque packed into 2.5 liters.

Those looking for an engine capable of towing a massive weight won’t get that with the base engine. However, it’s ideal for those hunting for a practical vehicle that will carry the driver and passengers from one point to another. It can easily kick it to 32 miles per gallon with certain specifications.

Pro: Spacious and Comfortable

Finally, we enjoy how spacious and comfortable the 2016 Subaru Forester is. Many vehicles forget to have this aspect inside, especially with compact crossovers, but not the 2016 Forester. This machine offers ample cargo space and decent room for passengers in the back to stretch out.

Thanks to the spaciousness, the vehicle is comfortable for a packed car to embark on longer road trips. It’s quiet, provides rear seats with a reclining mechanism, and has a suspension system that will absorb imbalances with minimal effort. 


HOW LONG DO SUBARU FORESTERS LAST?

Many owners vouch for its long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance issues. But how long do Subaru Foresters last? The Forester is known for its ruggedness, but what about its longevity?


2016 Subaru Forester Cons: What We Dislike

Unfortunately, everything isn’t perfect in the 2016 Forester. Let’s mention some of the worst aspects of the 2016 Subaru Forester pros and cons.

Con: No Blind-Spot Monitoring

Unfortunately, there are no blind-spot monitoring systems available in the 2016 Forester. Thanks to this lack of a vital safety feature, you won’t be able to use the car to check for vehicles and other objects when you’re merging into different lanes on the highway and so on. You will need to get far better at seeing your blind spots.

Of course, there are ways to drive safely without a blind-spot monitoring system, and the 2016 Subaru Forester still has ample safety features. However, those who care about this feature should make considerations just in case.

Con: No Manual In Turbocharged Engine

If you decide to go with the turbocharged engine in the 2016 Subaru Forester, you will notice there is, unfortunately, no manual option for the vehicle. The base engine has a stick-shift manual transmission, but you can only purchase the CVT version if you stick with a turbocharged selection.

Those who want maximum control over their vehicle might feel underwhelmed by the lack of manual transmission in the version they want. If you’re set on investing in a manual Forester, stay away from the turbocharged variety. It will not have all the features you want in a machine.

Con: Mediocre Handling 

Finally, we found the handling in the 2016 Subaru Forester less ideal than other vehicle options. Although the handling isn’t bad, this Forester doesn’t come out on top compared to other close competitors on the market. If you want the best control, there are more ideal selections from other solid manufacturers. 

You will find the 2016 Subaru Forester to provide excellent stability on roads with minimal risk of flipping over or losing control. However, it isn’t a sporty design and thus loses some of its ability to weave through curvy roads with ease.


THE SUBARU FORESTER YEARS TO AVOID

While a trendy brand with some of the most loyal drivers, it still has prevalent issues. What are some Forester model years to avoid?


Is the 2016 Subaru Forester Worth It?

We’ve gone over some significant 2016 Subaru Forester pros and cons. Now, it’s time to answer one final question - is the 2016 Forester worth it? 

We recommend this vehicle to those who want a manual transmission, solid base engine, standard all-wheel drive, and comfort in a compact crossover. However, if you care most about items like handling, blind-spot monitoring, and even having a manual transmission on a turbocharged engine, you might be happier with a different vehicle elsewhere.



Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You

The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.

Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.

The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.