Wagon Wednesday: Roo question

"gmporschenut also a fan of hondas" (gmporschenut)
09/07/2016 at 23:14 • Filed to: None

annoyed with subaru’s website I was wondering what people think of the base 2.5s? do people hit the epa fuel milage?

Also with very similar specs, what made you choose one over the other?

Thanks

DISCUSSION (16)

Theropod > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
09/07/2016 at 23:29

I have a 2014 Forester 2.5 Limited 6M purchased new in April of 2013 with 40k miles on the clock. I average mid 20s in the city and high 20s to low 30s on the highway. Decent off road performance on the local forest service roads (nothing too serious).

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
09/07/2016 at 23:30

Can confirm cars gets stated mileage. I frequently get 28-30 in the outback.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Theropod
09/07/2016 at 23:44

Thanks.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/07/2016 at 23:44

thanks

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
09/07/2016 at 23:58

I have a 2012 2.5, and I definitely hit the EPA’s mid-high 20s.

The Outback is a much more comfortable and inviting car to have. It does everything the Forester does but it doesn’t feel like you’re compromising for a lifted hatch or crossover. Wagon benefits are strong.

J_P_Cars10s > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
09/08/2016 at 00:55

I have an Outback. 2014 base 2.5i 6MT. I can totally hit the EPA numbers on the in-car display. But:

It reads 5% high (you cad add a correction factor)

The engine sounds great without the CVT noise, sooo....

My mom’s 2012 with the CVT is slightly better on gas, even with the older motor that burns far less oil.

Boxer_4 > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
09/08/2016 at 01:18

I typically see 1-2 mpg above the city estimate and between 0.5 below to 1.5 above the highway estimate (depending on conditions) when driving the 2015 Forester 2.5i Limited. I can’t say the same for my 2009; the current model was a significant step up in that regard.

As far as choosing one over the other, it really comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for. The Outback is a larger vehicle and more wagon-like, while the Forester is a bit smaller and more SUV-like. The Outback (at least the previous generation) drives like a lifted midsize car, while the Forester drives more like a lifted compact (though less so than a Crosstrek would).

There are also fairly significant dimensional differences. The Outback is longer in both wheelbase and overall length (4 inches/ 8.7 inches), which translates into a longer cargo area for more usable cargo room. The Forester is taller though, which means more headroom.

cars101.com (not my website) does an excellent job of comparing the two dimension for dimension and feature for feature.

Tristan > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
09/08/2016 at 01:31

Until recently, my wife had a 2014 Outback as a company car. It’s the most uninteresting car I ever loved. It was more than spacious, had extremely comfortable seats, never got less than 28 mpg (2.5) and wasn’t that boring to drive, either. I wouldn’t call it engaging, by any means, but not boring. The CVT wasn’t even all that bad compared to some truly awful ones I’ve experienced (looking at you, Nissan).

Just a few weeks ago her company replaced it with a brand new, 0-miles 2017 Toyota RAV 4. I’m incredibly grateful for the free car and all, but so far my impression of the RAV 4 is: mediocre fuel economy, harsh ride, seats are designed for grade school children, extremely vague handling, and somehow the 6 speed auto is less inspiring than the Subie’s CVT. I want the Subaru back.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Tristan
09/08/2016 at 07:07

my experience stuck with nissan cvts has left me a turned off.And now Subi doesn’t offer any 6mt outbacks.

I dont want a CUV/crossover but there are no longer any legacy wagons.

Was not impressed by the Rav4. it felt like it was built basic for people who beat up their cars(young families) which fits the description of 2 owners i know.

DipodomysDeserti > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
09/08/2016 at 07:13

Aren't they 2.0s now?

OPPOsaurus WRX > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
09/08/2016 at 07:39

i think the Forester is supposed to be a bit sportier than the Outback and it is built off the Impreza’s platform. The Outback is larger.

DynamicWeight > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
09/08/2016 at 12:39

The outback interior is way nicer than the Forester. Also, the layout feels very different. The Forester is tall, the Outback is long. If you’re leaning towards a Forester, I really recommend checking out a Mazda CX-5, it’s much nicer imho. If you’re leaning towards the Outback, buy it. It’s Subaru’s best car if speed isn’t your main concern.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > DynamicWeight
09/09/2016 at 20:05

thanks. the forester felt different than the outback.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > J_P_Cars10s
09/11/2016 at 17:46

As having a 2014, did they have to replace the engine?

J_P_Cars10s > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
09/16/2016 at 01:09

Burns about a quart in 2000 miles right now, just ticked over 36,000. Bought in December CPO with 23,000 and an over filled sump. Bumper to bumper warranty til 100,000.

It’s been out of my hands for a month as the result of a fender bender. When I get it back, I’ll start an oil consumption test and likely qualify for a new short block. Things like engine braking a lot at above 4000 rpm increase the oil burn rate.

Local dealer’s service department is fairly trustworthy, is aware of the issue and seem willing to work with me. The engine was out to replace the throw out bearing at about 27,500. Had the car back later that day with no issues since.

J_P_Cars10s > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
09/16/2016 at 01:20

To answer your original question:

I was looking at Outback/Forester/Crosstrek. I think Crosstrek doesn’t feel any smaller than an Outback while driving and the Forester is ugly as hell. Since the Outback manual was discontinued after 2014, I was set on ordering a Hyper Blue Crosstrek and waiting for it. Then my car died. Once I test drove the 6speed 4th gen Outback I HAD to have it. Came with a solid warranty and aftermarket window tint.