Hey guys! Are you thinking about getting a Subaru Forester 2015 automatic? Or maybe you already have one and want to know more about it? Well, you've come to the right place! This review dives deep into everything you need to know about this popular SUV, from its performance and reliability to its features and overall value. We'll cover all the important aspects, so you can make an informed decision or simply appreciate your ride even more. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2015 Subaru Forester Automatic

The Subaru Forester 2015 automatic is a compact SUV that's known for its practicality, reliability, and standard all-wheel drive. It's a popular choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a capable and versatile vehicle. The 2015 model year is part of the Forester's fourth generation, which was introduced in 2014. This generation brought significant improvements in terms of fuel economy, interior space, and features.

Key Features and Specs

The 2015 Subaru Forester automatic comes with a range of features that make it a compelling option in the compact SUV segment. Here are some of the highlights:

• Engine: The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. There's also a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine available, which cranks out 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: As the name suggests, we're focusing on the automatic transmission here. It's a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient performance.
• All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system is standard on all Forester models, providing excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions.
• Fuel Economy: The 2.5-liter engine with the CVT gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine gets slightly lower fuel economy, with 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
• Interior Space: The Forester offers a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It has up to 74.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
• Safety Features: The 2015 Forester comes with a variety of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a suite of airbags. Higher trim levels offer advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.

The Subaru Forester 2015 automatic combines practicality with Subaru's renowned reliability and all-wheel-drive capability, making it a solid choice for various driving needs. Its spacious interior and available advanced safety features further enhance its appeal, ensuring a comfortable and secure driving experience.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the Subaru Forester 2015 automatic offers a balanced experience. The base 2.5-liter engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, but it can feel a bit sluggish when accelerating or climbing hills. The CVT transmission is smooth and efficient, but some drivers may not like the way it feels compared to a traditional automatic transmission. However, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is a different story. It delivers much stronger acceleration and makes the Forester feel much more responsive.

Driving Experience

The Subaru Forester 2015 automatic handles well, thanks to its responsive steering and well-tuned suspension. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, making it feel confident and stable in all types of weather. The ride quality is generally comfortable, but it can be a bit firm on rough roads. Overall, the Forester is a pleasant vehicle to drive, whether you're commuting to work or heading out on a weekend adventure.

Engine and Transmission Options

Let's dive a bit deeper into the engine and transmission options available for the 2015 Subaru Forester automatic: The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is a decent performer, offering 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is designed to maximize fuel economy. While the CVT is efficient, it can sometimes feel a bit unresponsive, especially when you need to accelerate quickly. The optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is a much better choice if you're looking for more power. It produces 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to make the Forester feel genuinely quick. The turbocharged engine is also paired with a CVT, but it's tuned to be more responsive than the one used with the base engine. Both engines offer decent fuel economy, but the turbocharged engine obviously consumes more fuel due to its higher output.

All-Wheel Drive System

One of the Subaru Forester 2015 automatic's biggest strengths is its standard all-wheel-drive system. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is one of the best in the business, providing excellent traction and stability in all types of weather. It's a full-time system, which means that it's always engaged and doesn't require any input from the driver. The system automatically distributes power to the wheels with the most traction, which helps to prevent slipping and sliding. This makes the Forester a great choice for people who live in areas with snow, ice, or rain. The all-wheel-drive system also makes the Forester a capable off-roader, although it's not designed for serious off-roading.

Interior and Comfort

The Subaru Forester 2015 automatic offers a comfortable and practical interior. The design is simple and functional, with easy-to-use controls and plenty of storage space. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making them suitable for adults. The cargo area is also spacious, with up to 74.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down.

Interior Design and Features

The interior of the Subaru Forester 2015 automatic is designed with practicality in mind. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with all of the controls logically arranged. The materials used throughout the cabin are of decent quality, although they're not as luxurious as some of the Forester's competitors. The base model comes with standard features like air conditioning, cruise control, and a four-speaker audio system. Higher trim levels offer additional features like automatic climate control, a sunroof, a premium audio system, and leather upholstery. The infotainment system is easy to use, but it can feel a bit dated compared to the systems offered in newer vehicles.

Seating and Space

The Subaru Forester 2015 automatic excels in terms of seating and space. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, providing plenty of room for drivers and passengers of all sizes. The rear seats are also surprisingly spacious, with ample legroom and headroom for adults. This makes the Forester a great choice for families or anyone who frequently carries passengers. The cargo area is also one of the largest in the compact SUV class, offering up to 34.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 74.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is more than enough space for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. The Forester also has a wide and low cargo opening, which makes it easy to load and unload items.

Technology and Convenience

While the Subaru Forester 2015 automatic may not be the most technologically advanced vehicle on the market, it still offers a decent array of features. The base model comes with a four-speaker audio system, a USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trim levels offer additional features like a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a premium audio system. Some models also come with Subaru's EyeSight safety system, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. While the infotainment system is easy to use, it can feel a bit dated compared to the systems offered in newer vehicles. However, it still provides all of the essential features that most drivers need.

Reliability and Maintenance

One of the biggest reasons why people choose the Subaru Forester 2015 automatic is its reputation for reliability. Subaru has a long history of building durable and dependable vehicles, and the Forester is no exception. The 2015 model has received positive reliability ratings from various sources, indicating that it's a well-built and dependable SUV. However, like any vehicle, the Forester requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

Common Issues and Problems

While the Subaru Forester 2015 automatic is generally reliable, there are a few common issues that owners should be aware of. Some owners have reported problems with the CVT transmission, such as shuddering or hesitation. Others have reported issues with the infotainment system, such as freezing or crashing. There have also been some reports of excessive oil consumption in the 2.5-liter engine. However, these issues are not widespread and don't affect every Forester. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help to prevent or mitigate these problems.

Maintenance Schedule and Costs

The Subaru Forester 2015 automatic has a fairly standard maintenance schedule. It's recommended to have the oil changed every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Other routine maintenance tasks include replacing the air filter, replacing the cabin air filter, and rotating the tires. More extensive maintenance is required at longer intervals, such as replacing the spark plugs, replacing the coolant, and servicing the transmission. The cost of maintenance for the Forester is generally reasonable, but it can vary depending on the location and the mechanic. It's always a good idea to get quotes from multiple mechanics before having any work done.

Long-Term Reliability

Overall, the Subaru Forester 2015 automatic is a reliable and dependable SUV. It has a good reputation for long-term reliability, and many owners have reported driving their Foresters for hundreds of thousands of miles with few problems. However, like any vehicle, the Forester's reliability depends on how well it's maintained. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential to keep it running smoothly for years to come. If you're looking for a reliable and practical SUV, the Subaru Forester 2015 automatic is definitely worth considering.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the Subaru Forester 2015 automatic? Overall, it's a solid and reliable compact SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. It's not the flashiest or most exciting vehicle on the market, but it excels in terms of practicality, reliability, and all-wheel-drive capability. The Forester is a great choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a capable and versatile vehicle.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here are the main pros and cons of the Subaru Forester 2015 automatic:

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive
• Spacious interior
• Good fuel economy
• Reliable
• Available turbocharged engine

Cons:

• Base engine can feel sluggish
• CVT transmission may not be for everyone
• Infotainment system can feel dated

Is the 2015 Subaru Forester Automatic Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a Subaru Forester 2015 automatic depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value practicality, reliability, and all-wheel-drive capability, then the Forester is definitely worth considering. However, if you're looking for a more luxurious or technologically advanced vehicle, then you may want to look elsewhere. Be sure to test drive a Forester and compare it to other compact SUVs before making a final decision. Thanks for reading, and happy driving!

I hope this comprehensive review helped you understand more about the Subaru Forester 2015 automatic! Whether you're a potential buyer or a current owner, knowing the ins and outs of your vehicle is always a good thing. Happy driving, folks!