Is all wheel drive standard on every Subaru?
Yes,
since 1997. Subaru is the only full-line manufacturer that produces all
its vehicles with all wheel drive. Not all all wheel drive systems are
created equal. Click here to see it in action.
The 2013 BRZ , a rear wheel drive sports car, is the only Subaru model without all wheel drive.
Does all wheel drive hurt fuel economy?
Yes,
but just a tiny bit. Before 1997, when some Subaru's were available
with front wheel drive, the all wheel drive models were rated one mile
less per gallon. The all wheel drive hardware only adds about 150
pounds, so having all wheel drive is like having another person in your
car. But what a guy! If you could have an extra "passenger" that kept
you a lot safer under virtually every driving condition, you would want
him with you all the time! Make your next car a Stanley Subaru and
you'll have a guardian angel riding shotgun.
Subaru's are getting bigger in terms of size and cargo room, does that hurt fuel economy?
As Subaru's are getting bigger, their fuel efficiency is actually improving
because of advances in engine and transmission technology. Also, Subaru is now using even more high
strength steel so the cars can get bigger without getting heavier.
When will Subaru build a hybrid?
We
expect to see the world's first all-wheel-drive boxer hybrid engine in
an Impreza wagon in late 2013 as a 2014 model. It will be a mild
hybrid, more like Honda's Integrated Motor Assist than Toyota's Synergy
drive. A 10-watt electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack,
will sit between a 2.0 liter turbocharged boxer engine and Subaru's
Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. To learn more, click here.
What if I can't wait that long?
Choose another car from America's most fuel efficient all-wheel
drive manufacturer.
The 2013 Legacy, for example, is a full size car that gets over 30
highway mpg AND
has all wheel drive. This is better fuel economy than some of the
large hybrids produced by other companies. The 2012 Impreza, at 36
highway mpg, is the most fuel efficient all-wheel-drive vehicle built by
any company. Or, perhaps the all new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek , which is the worlds most fuel efficient crossover, at 33 mpg, highway. The Crosstrek blends the versatility of the Impreza with the offroad ruggedness of the Forester. Check out all the specs on the Crosstrek today!
What is a Subaru boxer engine and how is it different than a mortal car?
In
most cars built now, the cylinders that generate power are arranged
like wine bottles standing straight up. This is an "in-line"
configuration. In a "V6" or a "V8," the cylinders are arranged at an
angle, like tilted wine bottles in the shape of a V. In a Subaru BOXER engine , the cylinders lie flat. When the engine is on, the pistons
moving inside the cylinders pass each other like arms of sparring
boxers, hence the name. Only Porsche and Subaru use a BOXER engine, and
they choose it for its ability to generate a lot of power from a small,
light package that can be mounted low in the vehicle for great
handling.
The horizontally-opposed configuration of the SUBARU BOXER engine places
the pistons 180 degrees apart, for a lower, flatter profile than other
engine types. This gives the engine, and the overall vehicle, a lower
center of gravity and better balance. Further, the pistons' opposing
movements counteract each other, naturally helping to reduce vibration.
This year, a new generation of engines delivers enhanced output,
efficiency and emissions whilst sharing all the legendary benefits of
the 11 million SUBARU BOXER engines already produced.(see more detail at
http://www.fhi.co.jp/english/news/press/2010/10_09_23e.html) for a short video, Click here.
Stanley Subaru
22 Bar Harbor Road
Ellsworth, ME 04605
- Sales: (888) 461-3367
- Service: (866) 709-4461
- Parts: (888) 733-8249
The Smart Choice!
Subaru Product Answers
Where can I find a model overview that will help me find my perfect Subaru?
Try Stanley Subaru's *Secret* Subaru Model Decoder!
Where are the cars manufactured?
The Crosstrek, BRZ, Forester, and Impreza are built in Japan. Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca are built in Lafayette, Indiana. For more about Subaru's zero landfill U.S. plant, Click Here.
What's the difference between a Forester and an Outback?
This is the most common question we hear at Stanley Subaru.
BEFORE WE GET STARTED, WHAT DO FORESTERS AND OUTBACKS HAVE IN COMMON?
All Subaru's come standard with all wheel drive (except BRZ), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) to prevent skids, anti-lock brakes, ring shape body structure, six airbags, and many more safety technologies. All Subaru's come standard with air conditioning, keyless entry, cd player, power windows, power mirrors, and many other comfort features. All Subaru's purchased at Stanley Subaru come standard with friendly staff and lots of know-how.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FORESTER AND OUTBACK:
Ride Quality
The Outback has a longer wheelbase (the distance between the axles is five inches longer than the Forester). Think of a stretch limousine...lengthening the distance between the axles provides a smoother ride because the vehicle platform covers more square area and therefore bumps are less noticeable. But don't think that the Forester has a harsh ride; in fact, it rides much better than its small sport utility competitors. It's just that the Outback is even smoother.
Dimensions
The Outback is nine inches longer and two inches wider. The Forester is three inches taller. Total interior space is about the same for both vehicles (i.e., you could put the same number of ping pong balls in both cars.) Have big kids? Go for the Outback and its limousine-like back seat. Have a big dog? Go for the Forester because the rear door on the Forester is more erect and there is more height for your pooch to stand up. Cyclists tend to prefer the Outback, as the extra length makes it easy to throw a couple bikes in the back without even removing the wheels. If you sleep in your car, and you're tall, you'll prefer the Outback.
Price
Comparably equipped, the Outback is about $2500 more than the Forester. The difference buys you a slightly bigger car, with more standard equipment, and even higher quality materials (such as carpeting and interior surface finishes.)
Ride Height
You sit slightly higher in a Forester, but Subaru engineers designed both vehicles with a "command driving position" (the auto industry term that describes that great feeling of sitting high in a vehicle so you can see what's ahead.) Because of the boxer engine design that Subaru uses, however, the center of mass in the vehicle sits quite low so both vehicles handle quite nimbly and are very unlikely to roll over. Ground clearance is the same, at almost nine inches, so both vehicles elude obstacles that grab mortal vehicles.
Image Perception
Many guests tell us that the Outback looks more like a station wagon and the Forester looks more like a sport utility vehicle and therefore the Forester is more "cool." Staff opinion is divided on the matter, which, ultimately, is just one of taste.
Automatic Transmission
The Forester uses a four speed automatic transmission. Beginning with the 2010 model year, the four-cylinder Outback uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which has no gears. In very simple terms, it's a fantastically durable steel belt that moves along a cone...the fatter part of the cone for speed, the narrower part for power. This transmission gives the Outback a two mile per gallon advantage in fuel economy, even though it is slightly heavier.
Manual Transmission
The Outback uses a six speed manual transmission; the Forester uses a five speed.
Engines
The standard engine in both vehicles is the same potent 2.5 liter four cylinder boxer engine with 170 horsepower. A 3.6 liter engine is available in the Outback with a five speed automatic transmission, and a turbocharged 2.5 liter engine is available in the Forester with a four speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
With the standard 2.5 liter engine and CVT, the Outback gets 22/29. With the standard 2.5 liter engine and four speed automatic, the Forester gets 21/27.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU? SCHEDULE A TEST DRIVE FOR BOTH AT STANLEY SUBARU!
What is a turbocharger?
A turbocharger is a fan used to blow more air into the cylinders. By increasing oxygen available for combustion, the engine can inject more fuel to generate extra power. Turbocharging allows a small, lightweight four cylinder engine to generate power more efficiently than a bigger, heavier six- or eight- cylinder engine. Subaru offers turbocharged engines on the Forester, Impreza, and Legacy.
What is a Continuously Variable Transmission?
Starting with the 2010 model year, the four-cylinder Outback and Legacy use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which has no gears. In very simple terms, it's a fantastically durable steel belt that moves along a cone...the fatter part of the cone for speed, the narrower part for power. For more on CVT technology, Click Here!
What is Vehicle Dynamics Control?
VDC helps prevent skids. First introduced by Subaru as breakthrough technology in 2001, it's now standard on every new Subaru since 2009. Sensors throughout the car monitor where you're trying to go and where the car is actually going. Most of the time, fortunately, the car is going where you want it to go. But on a icy corner, for example, the rear end of the car might start sliding. To restore control, VDC will apply braking pressure to slow individual wheels or apply engine power to speed up individual wheels. In nanoseconds, VDC will bring your Subaru back into line. See VDC in action!
What are Anti-Lock Brakes?
Standard on every Subaru, ABS keeps your wheels spinning during braking. During braking, you want your wheels to slow--not stop. If the car is moving but the wheels aren't, you can no longer control the car...you just skid. ABS works with a sensor at each wheel that monitors rotation. If the wheel is about to lock up, the sensor sends a message to your car's hydraulic pump to release and then reapply the pressure. See more on the Anti-Lock Brake System.
What is Subaru Brake Assist?
Research shows that drivers do not always apply all the pressure they should before an imminent collision. They hit the brakes hard, but not hard enough to maximize the car's ability to stop. Standard on every Subaru since 2009, Brake Assist monitors the rate at which your foot moves the pedal. If your foot movement is sharp, the car will automatically apply the full force of the braking system instantaneously...substituting a heart-thumping close call for a nasty accident. Read more on Subaru's Brake Assist System.
What is the difference between active safety and passive safety?
Active safety comprises the systems on a car that prevent an accident from ever happening. Examples on a Subaru include all wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, vehicle dynamics control, and brake assist. Passive safety comprises the systems on a car that protect you in an accident. Examples on a Subaru include a ring-shaped reinforcement frame, extensive use of high-tensile steel, a boxer engine that collapses underneath the passenger compartments, and sophisticated airbag systems that weigh occupants to deploy with just the amount of force to prevent injury.
Have more questions? Contact Us!
Try Stanley Subaru's *Secret* Subaru Model Decoder!
Where are the cars manufactured?
The Crosstrek, BRZ, Forester, and Impreza are built in Japan. Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca are built in Lafayette, Indiana. For more about Subaru's zero landfill U.S. plant, Click Here.
What's the difference between a Forester and an Outback?
This is the most common question we hear at Stanley Subaru.
BEFORE WE GET STARTED, WHAT DO FORESTERS AND OUTBACKS HAVE IN COMMON?
All Subaru's come standard with all wheel drive (except BRZ), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) to prevent skids, anti-lock brakes, ring shape body structure, six airbags, and many more safety technologies. All Subaru's come standard with air conditioning, keyless entry, cd player, power windows, power mirrors, and many other comfort features. All Subaru's purchased at Stanley Subaru come standard with friendly staff and lots of know-how.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FORESTER AND OUTBACK:
Ride Quality
The Outback has a longer wheelbase (the distance between the axles is five inches longer than the Forester). Think of a stretch limousine...lengthening the distance between the axles provides a smoother ride because the vehicle platform covers more square area and therefore bumps are less noticeable. But don't think that the Forester has a harsh ride; in fact, it rides much better than its small sport utility competitors. It's just that the Outback is even smoother.
Dimensions
The Outback is nine inches longer and two inches wider. The Forester is three inches taller. Total interior space is about the same for both vehicles (i.e., you could put the same number of ping pong balls in both cars.) Have big kids? Go for the Outback and its limousine-like back seat. Have a big dog? Go for the Forester because the rear door on the Forester is more erect and there is more height for your pooch to stand up. Cyclists tend to prefer the Outback, as the extra length makes it easy to throw a couple bikes in the back without even removing the wheels. If you sleep in your car, and you're tall, you'll prefer the Outback.
Price
Comparably equipped, the Outback is about $2500 more than the Forester. The difference buys you a slightly bigger car, with more standard equipment, and even higher quality materials (such as carpeting and interior surface finishes.)
Ride Height
You sit slightly higher in a Forester, but Subaru engineers designed both vehicles with a "command driving position" (the auto industry term that describes that great feeling of sitting high in a vehicle so you can see what's ahead.) Because of the boxer engine design that Subaru uses, however, the center of mass in the vehicle sits quite low so both vehicles handle quite nimbly and are very unlikely to roll over. Ground clearance is the same, at almost nine inches, so both vehicles elude obstacles that grab mortal vehicles.
Image Perception
Many guests tell us that the Outback looks more like a station wagon and the Forester looks more like a sport utility vehicle and therefore the Forester is more "cool." Staff opinion is divided on the matter, which, ultimately, is just one of taste.
Automatic Transmission
The Forester uses a four speed automatic transmission. Beginning with the 2010 model year, the four-cylinder Outback uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which has no gears. In very simple terms, it's a fantastically durable steel belt that moves along a cone...the fatter part of the cone for speed, the narrower part for power. This transmission gives the Outback a two mile per gallon advantage in fuel economy, even though it is slightly heavier.
Manual Transmission
The Outback uses a six speed manual transmission; the Forester uses a five speed.
Engines
The standard engine in both vehicles is the same potent 2.5 liter four cylinder boxer engine with 170 horsepower. A 3.6 liter engine is available in the Outback with a five speed automatic transmission, and a turbocharged 2.5 liter engine is available in the Forester with a four speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
With the standard 2.5 liter engine and CVT, the Outback gets 22/29. With the standard 2.5 liter engine and four speed automatic, the Forester gets 21/27.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU? SCHEDULE A TEST DRIVE FOR BOTH AT STANLEY SUBARU!
What is a turbocharger?
A turbocharger is a fan used to blow more air into the cylinders. By increasing oxygen available for combustion, the engine can inject more fuel to generate extra power. Turbocharging allows a small, lightweight four cylinder engine to generate power more efficiently than a bigger, heavier six- or eight- cylinder engine. Subaru offers turbocharged engines on the Forester, Impreza, and Legacy.
What is a Continuously Variable Transmission?
Starting with the 2010 model year, the four-cylinder Outback and Legacy use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which has no gears. In very simple terms, it's a fantastically durable steel belt that moves along a cone...the fatter part of the cone for speed, the narrower part for power. For more on CVT technology, Click Here!
What is Vehicle Dynamics Control?
VDC helps prevent skids. First introduced by Subaru as breakthrough technology in 2001, it's now standard on every new Subaru since 2009. Sensors throughout the car monitor where you're trying to go and where the car is actually going. Most of the time, fortunately, the car is going where you want it to go. But on a icy corner, for example, the rear end of the car might start sliding. To restore control, VDC will apply braking pressure to slow individual wheels or apply engine power to speed up individual wheels. In nanoseconds, VDC will bring your Subaru back into line. See VDC in action!
What are Anti-Lock Brakes?
Standard on every Subaru, ABS keeps your wheels spinning during braking. During braking, you want your wheels to slow--not stop. If the car is moving but the wheels aren't, you can no longer control the car...you just skid. ABS works with a sensor at each wheel that monitors rotation. If the wheel is about to lock up, the sensor sends a message to your car's hydraulic pump to release and then reapply the pressure. See more on the Anti-Lock Brake System.
What is Subaru Brake Assist?
Research shows that drivers do not always apply all the pressure they should before an imminent collision. They hit the brakes hard, but not hard enough to maximize the car's ability to stop. Standard on every Subaru since 2009, Brake Assist monitors the rate at which your foot moves the pedal. If your foot movement is sharp, the car will automatically apply the full force of the braking system instantaneously...substituting a heart-thumping close call for a nasty accident. Read more on Subaru's Brake Assist System.
What is the difference between active safety and passive safety?
Active safety comprises the systems on a car that prevent an accident from ever happening. Examples on a Subaru include all wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, vehicle dynamics control, and brake assist. Passive safety comprises the systems on a car that protect you in an accident. Examples on a Subaru include a ring-shaped reinforcement frame, extensive use of high-tensile steel, a boxer engine that collapses underneath the passenger compartments, and sophisticated airbag systems that weigh occupants to deploy with just the amount of force to prevent injury.
Have more questions? Contact Us!
