Hey guys! Are you thinking about snagging a Subaru Forester 2016? Well, you've come to the right place. This review dives deep into what makes the 2016 Forester tick, covering everything from its performance and fuel efficiency to its interior comfort and overall reliability. We'll give you the lowdown, so you can decide if this trusty SUV is the right fit for your needs.

Overview of the 2016 Subaru Forester

The 2016 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV known for its practicality, safety features, and standard all-wheel-drive (AWD). It's a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, offering a blend of comfort, capability, and reliability. It's not the flashiest SUV on the block, but it gets the job done, and it gets it done well. The Forester stands out with its spacious interior, excellent visibility, and a reputation for holding its value. The 2016 model year is part of the fourth generation of Foresters, which means it benefits from several improvements in design, technology, and fuel efficiency compared to earlier models. It comes in multiple trims, each offering a different set of features and options to cater to various needs and budgets. From the base model to the top-tier trim, the Forester offers a solid package that emphasizes functionality and dependability. Its emphasis on safety is another major selling point, with high scores in crash tests and available advanced safety technologies. For those who prioritize practicality and peace of mind over sporty performance or luxury features, the 2016 Subaru Forester is definitely worth considering. Its blend of everyday usability and all-weather capability makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers. It’s a car that doesn’t try to be everything to everyone but focuses on delivering a solid, dependable driving experience, and that’s a big part of its appeal. The Forester's no-nonsense approach to design and functionality is appreciated by those who value substance over style. The 2016 Subaru Forester is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and capable compact SUV.

Performance and Engine Options

Let's talk performance. The 2016 Subaru Forester typically comes with two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The base 2.5-liter engine provides adequate power for daily driving, producing around 170 horsepower. It's paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is the more common choice, offering smooth acceleration and contributing to better fuel economy. While the 2.5-liter engine is sufficient for most situations, some drivers might find it lacking when merging onto highways or climbing steep hills. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, available on the XT trim, delivers a more spirited driving experience. With around 250 horsepower, it provides significantly more punch, making it a great option for those who want extra power. This engine is paired exclusively with a CVT that's tuned for sportier performance. The turbocharged Forester offers quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience overall. Regardless of the engine, all 2016 Foresters come standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This system provides excellent traction in various road conditions, making the Forester a capable performer in snow, rain, and even light off-road situations. The all-wheel-drive system continuously monitors the road and distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, enhancing stability and control. The Forester's suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth ride on most surfaces. It's not the sportiest SUV in its class, but it handles well and feels stable in corners. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the 2016 Subaru Forester offers a balanced driving experience, with a focus on practicality and all-weather capability. Whether you choose the base engine or the turbocharged option, you can expect a reliable and comfortable ride.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is always a key consideration, right? The 2016 Subaru Forester offers decent fuel economy for its class, especially considering that all models come standard with all-wheel drive. The 2.5-liter engine with the CVT typically achieves around 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The manual transmission version gets slightly lower figures, around 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. These numbers are competitive with other compact SUVs in the market, making the Forester a practical choice for daily commuting and long road trips. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, while offering more power, does sacrifice some fuel economy. It's rated at around 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. While not as efficient as the base engine, it's still respectable for an SUV with this level of performance. Keep in mind that real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving conditions, habits, and maintenance. Factors like aggressive acceleration, frequent stop-and-go traffic, and neglecting regular maintenance can all negatively impact fuel efficiency. To maximize fuel economy in your 2016 Subaru Forester, try to maintain a steady speed, avoid unnecessary idling, and keep your tires properly inflated. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, can also help improve fuel efficiency. The Forester's fuel tank capacity is around 15.9 gallons, providing a decent range between fill-ups. This means you can typically drive for several hundred miles before needing to refuel, making it convenient for long trips. Overall, the 2016 Subaru Forester offers a good balance of fuel economy and performance, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious drivers.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2016 Subaru Forester, you'll find a functional and comfortable interior designed with practicality in mind. The cabin prioritizes space and visibility, making it a pleasant place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip. The design is straightforward and uncluttered, with controls that are easy to reach and operate. While the interior materials aren't the most luxurious in the class, they feel durable and well-made. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing good cushioning for long journeys. The Forester offers ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, making it suitable for passengers of all sizes. The rear seats also recline, allowing passengers to adjust their seating position for added comfort. One of the standout features of the Forester's interior is its excellent visibility. The large windows and relatively thin roof pillars provide a clear view of the road in all directions, reducing blind spots and making it easier to maneuver in traffic. The high seating position also gives the driver a commanding view of the road. The 2016 Subaru Forester offers a generous amount of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and those who need to haul gear. With the rear seats up, there's around 34.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the rear seats down expands the cargo area to a cavernous 74.7 cubic feet, providing plenty of room for luggage, sports equipment, or anything else you need to transport. The Forester's interior also includes several storage compartments, such as door pockets, a center console, and a glove compartment, providing ample space for storing small items. Overall, the 2016 Subaru Forester offers a comfortable and functional interior that prioritizes space, visibility, and practicality.

Technology and Features

The 2016 Subaru Forester comes with a decent array of technology and features, depending on the trim level. Even the base model includes standard features like a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. As you move up the trim levels, you'll find more advanced features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system is generally user-friendly, with intuitive menus and responsive touch controls. However, some users might find the screen size to be a bit small compared to some competitors. The navigation system provides accurate directions and integrates well with the infotainment system. The premium audio system delivers crisp and clear sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience. One of the notable technology features available on the 2016 Subaru Forester is Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. This system includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. These features can help to enhance safety and prevent accidents. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting the speed to match the flow of traffic. Lane departure warning alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane. Pre-collision braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. The 2016 Subaru Forester also offers other convenient features, such as keyless entry, push-button start, and a power liftgate. These features add to the overall convenience and ease of use of the vehicle. Overall, the 2016 Subaru Forester offers a good balance of technology and features, providing a comfortable and connected driving experience.

Reliability and Safety

When it comes to reliability and safety, the 2016 Subaru Forester generally scores well. Subaru has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Forester is no exception. Many owners report that their Foresters are dependable and require minimal maintenance. However, like any vehicle, the Forester can experience occasional issues. Some common problems reported by owners include issues with the CVT transmission, oil consumption, and electrical problems. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and inspections, can help to prevent many of these issues. The 2016 Subaru Forester also earns high marks for safety. It receives excellent crash test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These scores reflect the Forester's strong structure and effective safety features. In addition to its crash test performance, the 2016 Subaru Forester also offers a range of active safety features designed to help prevent accidents. These features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control. As mentioned earlier, the Forester is available with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. These features can further enhance safety and help to prevent accidents. The 2016 Subaru Forester also comes standard with a rearview camera, which makes it easier to see what's behind the vehicle when backing up. This feature can help to prevent accidents in parking lots and other tight spaces. Overall, the 2016 Subaru Forester is a reliable and safe vehicle that provides peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2016 Subaru Forester to give you a clear picture:

Pros:

• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Excellent traction in all weather conditions.
• Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
• Excellent Visibility: Large windows and thin roof pillars provide a clear view of the road.
• Good Fuel Economy: Competitive fuel economy for its class.
• Strong Safety Ratings: Excellent crash test scores and available advanced safety features.
• Reliable: Generally considered a reliable vehicle.

Cons:

• Base Engine Can Feel Underpowered: The 2.5-liter engine may feel lacking when merging onto highways or climbing hills.
• CVT Transmission Can Be Noisy: Some users find the CVT transmission to be noisy.
• Interior Materials Aren't the Most Luxurious: The interior materials aren't as upscale as some competitors.
• Infotainment System Screen Can Be Small: The infotainment system screen may be small for some users.

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester Right for You?

So, is the 2016 Subaru Forester the right choice for you? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize practicality, safety, and all-weather capability, the Forester is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a reliable and versatile SUV. However, if you're looking for a sporty driving experience or a luxurious interior, you might want to consider other options. The Forester isn't the most exciting SUV to drive, and its interior isn't as upscale as some competitors. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2016 Subaru Forester is right for you is to take it for a test drive. Get behind the wheel and see how it feels on the road. Pay attention to the engine's performance, the handling, and the overall comfort of the ride. Also, be sure to check out the interior and make sure it meets your needs in terms of space and features. By doing your research and taking a test drive, you can make an informed decision and choose the SUV that's right for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2016 Subaru Forester is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality, safety, and all-weather capability. It's a reliable and versatile vehicle that's well-suited for a variety of drivers. While it may not be the most exciting or luxurious SUV on the market, it excels in the areas that matter most to many buyers. With its spacious interior, excellent visibility, and standard all-wheel drive, the 2016 Subaru Forester is a solid choice for anyone looking for a dependable and capable SUV. We hope this review has helped you to learn more about the 2016 Subaru Forester and make an informed decision about whether it's the right vehicle for you.