Got the Premium model - the first step up from the base. Traded in a 2010 Chevy Equinox LT, also one step above the base.
Why did I chose to get rid of the Equinox?
- Two service problems concerned me. First, the fuel pump leaked into the engine oil. Later, the balance chain stretched and had to be replaced. The lack of proper lubrication followed by the chain failure suggests there could be even more latent damage in the engine. Both repairs were done with no charge, and GM has since issued a ten-year 120,000 warranty to cover these two problems. But I still had concerns about other damage that might be deemed unrelated.
- The Equinox, like most SUVs, and most cars, has poor rear visibility. Mine also lacked a backup camera, and I often felt I was backing up where I couldn't adequately see.
What did I like about the Forester?
- Much better visibility
- Backup camera included, although screen is too small to be as useful as it should be.
- 4-wheel drive
- Rated #1 by Consumers Union
- History of good trade-in values
What did I like about the Equinox?
- Comfortable seat. I had the 8-way power seat in cloth. I like being able to adjust the pressure points in a long drive. I don't like sweaty leather seats. I like to sit high as in a chair, with my knees supported and bent 90 degrees. I had considered the Chevy Traverse, but your feet stick out straight as if in a kayak - just like most cars.
- EPA mileage rating: 22 City, 32 Hwy. I had the 4 cylinder 2.4L.
- Thoughtful luxury touches: Push turn signal lever slightly, get 3 blinks. Key fob. Sliding back seat, with lots of leg room. Radio stays on a while after ignition off. Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- Logical and easy audio controls. Bluetooth straight forward. USB folders stay in order, with lots of info on screen.
- Lots of big storage places.
- Ability to shift gears manually.
- Selected cruise control speed displayed briefly on display
What am I disappointed about in the Forester?
- Seat not as comfortable. Sharp edge on door felt if knee rests against it. Accelerator is too close at same time steering wheel is too far. Telescoping wheel helps somewhat.
- I have CVT, and while it has a downshift function, I can't downshift enough to control excess acceleration going downhill.
- While acceleration from stop is great, passing acceleration is not. I have 2.5L.
- Audio system is inscrutable! Consumer Reports did note this, as well. Very difficult to do a podcast or audiobook. Panel button terminology and abbreviations made up by a non-native English speaker. Bluetooth doesn't automatically pair with changed occupant, manual procedure required. Cover on 12v outlet has no tether, can get lost.
- Android Bluetooth issues. Not necessarily a Subaru problem, but still a problem. Subaru audio lacks "Play" and "Pause" buttons needed by podcast apps. No way to play anything on my Galaxy Note 2 but Samsung music unless use Media Button Router app. Pausing is accomplished by turning the whole thing off. When using Google Maps Navigation with podcast or radio playing, sometimes Nav voice comes through, but most of the time is silent. A podcast usually goes silent when Nav should speak, but all that comes out is silence. I'm learning to look at the screen when the podcast goes quiet.
- Cruise control is imprecise. Can't tell what speed you're selecting until car gets to it, and you look at speedometer. Difficult to resume after braking. Controls are on the right side of steering wheel; would be better on left for countries that drive on the right. I steer with my left hand, and shift and do other things with my right hand. So, I need to bring the right hand up just to operate the cruise control, while the left hand would normally be at the ready.
- Few storage areas, and console storage is tiny. Interior light must be switched on manually when tailgate opened.
- The multi-display at the center of the instrument panel is an LCD that is hard to see, especially with sunglasses.
- If the doors are locked from inside, you cannot open a door without first unlocking it. This could be a problem in an emergency.
