Subaru forester unveils its manual transmission: is it worth the hype?

The Subaru Forester is a popular SUV known for its reliability, versatility, and all-wheel drive capability. For drivers who prefer a more engaging driving experience, the question of whether the Subaru Forester comes in a manual transmission is a common one. This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of the availability of manual transmissions in the Subaru Forester, covering different model years, trim levels, and engine options.

Manual Transmission Availability by Model Year

2023 Subaru Forester:

• Manual transmission is not available for the 2023 Subaru Forester. All models are equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

2022 Subaru Forester:

• Manual transmission is not available for the 2022 Subaru Forester. All models are equipped with a CVT.

2021 Subaru Forester:

• Manual transmission is not available for the 2021 Subaru Forester. All models are equipped with a CVT.

Manual Transmission Availability by Trim Level

Sport:

• Manual transmission was available on the Sport trim level from 2014 to 2018.

XT:

• Manual transmission was available on the XT trim level from 2014 to 2018.

Manual Transmission Availability by Engine Option

2.5L Boxer Engine:

• Manual transmission was available on the 2.5L Boxer engine from 2014 to 2018.

2.0L Turbocharged Boxer Engine:

• Manual transmission was available on the 2.0L Turbocharged Boxer engine from 2014 to 2018.

Discontinuation of Manual Transmission

Subaru discontinued the manual transmission option for the Forester after the 2018 model year. This decision was made due to the declining demand for manual transmissions in the automotive market.

Advantages of a Manual Transmission

• Increased Driver Engagement: Manual transmissions provide a more engaging driving experience, allowing drivers to have greater control over the vehicle’s performance.
• Improved Fuel Efficiency: Manual transmissions can be more fuel-efficient than automatic transmissions, especially in city driving conditions.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Manual transmissions generally require less maintenance and repair than automatic transmissions.

Disadvantages of a Manual Transmission

• Steeper Learning Curve: Manual transmissions can be more difficult to learn to drive than automatic transmissions.
• Increased Fatigue: Driving a manual transmission can be more tiring, especially in heavy traffic or on long road trips.
• Limited Availability: Manual transmissions are becoming increasingly rare in new vehicles, including the Subaru Forester.

Takeaways: The Future of Manual Transmissions in the Forester

While the Subaru Forester is no longer available with a manual transmission, it remains a popular choice for drivers who value reliability, versatility, and all-wheel drive capability. The CVT transmission provides a smooth and efficient driving experience, making the Forester a suitable option for a wide range of drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Subaru discontinue the manual transmission in the Forester?
A: Subaru discontinued the manual transmission due to declining demand in the automotive market.

Q: Can you still find a used Subaru Forester with a manual transmission?
A: Yes, you can find used Subaru Foresters with manual transmissions from model years 2014 to 2018.

Q: Is the CVT transmission in the Subaru Forester reliable?
A: Yes, the CVT transmission in the Subaru Forester is generally considered reliable and efficient.

Q: Can you tow with a Subaru Forester with a manual transmission?
A: Yes, you can tow with a Subaru Forester with a manual transmission. The towing capacity varies depending on the model year and engine option.

Q: Is the Subaru Forester a good choice for off-roading?
A: Yes, the Subaru Forester is a good choice for light off-roading thanks to its all-wheel drive capability and ground clearance.