2016 Subaru Forester arrives in US with tech upgrades and new pricing
Subaru's best-selling SUV adds STARLINK safety tech and minor enhancements for 2016, with the range starting at $22,395 and topping out with turbocharged options.
Subaru of America has launched the 2016 Forester, confirming a starting price of $22,395 for the base 2.5i model. The updated SUV, now on sale across the United States, receives new technology features and minor trim enhancements as it enters the latest model year.
The 2016 Forester continues as Subaru’s best-selling model in the US, carrying over its fourth-generation platform introduced in 2015. For 2016, the most notable change is the addition of Subaru’s STARLINK Safety and Security suite, which brings connected services and emergency assistance to the range for the first time. The system is available on higher trim levels, reflecting a wider trend for advanced safety technology in the compact SUV segment.
Trim levels and engines
Buyers have a choice of four trim levels, Base, Premium, Limited and Touring, when selecting the 2.5i, which is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 170 horsepower. The 2.0XT, available in Premium and Touring trims, uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection Boxer engine developing 250 horsepower. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive remains standard across the line-up, a key selling point for the Forester against two-wheel drive rivals.
Other changes for 2016 are limited to detail improvements in equipment and trim, with the Forester maintaining its reputation for practicality and standard all-wheel drive. The update positions the Forester to compete with new and refreshed rivals in the compact SUV market, including the Hyundai Tucson and Skoda Yeti.
Where the Forester sits in the market
Subaru’s strategy keeps the Forester competitive by updating technology without major styling or mechanical changes. The addition of STARLINK brings the Forester closer to rivals offering connected safety features, while the broad range of trims and the option of a turbocharged engine appeal to a wide cross-section of buyers. With all-wheel drive as standard, the Forester continues to target customers seeking capability in all weather conditions.
