2016 Subaru Forester: We're Driving It This Week

The Car Guide is headed to Atlantic Canada this week to test drive the Subaru Forester. We’re being given the chance to drive it in various conditions, ranging from smooth asphalt roads to dirt trails.

Our expedition starts in Fredericton, New Brunswick and will take us to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island before ending in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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Plus rating

The 2016 Forester has already earned an important title from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an American agency that assesses car safety. The Forester was awarded their Top Safety Pick+ rating, making it one of the safest SUVs out there.

The Forester owes its exemplary safety to two systems. First, there are the various sensors and EyeSight radar (available on most Subaru models) that warn the driver of any road hazards. The system will even let you know if other vehicles are slowing down—in case you’re too distracted to notice.

Then there’s the symmetrical all-wheel drive to ensure optimal handling in all conditions.

Boxer fitness

The 2016 Forester comes with one of two boxer (flat) engines, depending on the trim level. The first is a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, while the second is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. The former delivers 170 horsepower and the latter 250.

Power is transmitted to the wheels by way of a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT calibrated for fuel efficiency.

Fun fact: Subaru designed the Forester’s drivetrain to better absorb shock in case of a serious collision. For example, the transmission shaft is designed to break upon impact so that the vehicle’s occupants take less of the shock.

Add it all up and what you get is a very attractive 2015 Subaru Forester. Now all that’s left is to put it to the test this week!