2016 Forester’s engine options include naturally-aspirated 2.5L offering a modest 170 hp and 27 mpg combined, and a powerful 2.0L turbo with 250 hp. But the compact SUV’s 2.0-liter engine has an issue with an intake duct prone to cracking.
Key Points
- The 2016 Subaru Forester’s two four-cylinder engine options include a 2.5-liter with 170 horsepower and a 2.0-liter turbo that makes 250 horsepower.
- The 2.5-liter engine is available in the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, and 2.5i Touring trims. The 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.
- The compact SUV’s 2.0-liter turbo has a single recall affecting over 18,000 units pertaining to an intake duct on the turbo that could crack, reducing performance and possibly stalling the engine.
- Apart from the recall, both 2016 Forester engines share similar issues. Each belongs to the Subaru F series of engines, which reportedly suffer from heavy oil consumption and other problems.
2016 Forester’s Base 2.5L Four-cylinder Subaru Boxer Engine Makes Modest 170 hp While Offering 25 mpg
The base option in the 2016 Subaru Forester is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine known as the FB25B. It makes 170 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque. As for performance, the 2016 Forest with the 2.5-liter hits 0-60 in a modest 8.7 seconds. Towing is limited to 1,500 pounds in both the 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbo. Lastly, you can find the 2.5L in four Forester trims: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, and 2.5i Touring.
The 2.5-liters standard pairing is to a six-speed manual transmission. This combo makes 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 at highway speeds, with a combined mpg of 25. With Subaru’s TR580 Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the 2.5-liter earns 24 mpg around town, 31 on the highway, and 27 combined. Also, the 2.5-liter engine takes regular gas at the pump and averages 4.0 gallons per 100 miles.
Special features of the compact SUV’s 2.5-liter include active valve control and X-Mode, which allows the compact sport utility vehicle to optimize engine output and transmission ratio for challenging terrain. X-Mode is only available with 2.5i Limited and 2.5i Touring trims.
2.0L Turbo Boosts Power Up to 250 hp, but it Suffers From Recall Over Intake Duct Issue that Could Lead to Engine Stall
The next available engine in the 2016 Forester is the FA20F, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine. It makes 250 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque and features a DOHC setup with aluminum-alloy construction. The 2.0-liter features dual active valve control and uses a factory intercooler, allowing the vehicle to earn 23 mpg city, 27 highway, and 25 combined mpg via Subaru’s TR690 CVT. Premium fuel (91+ octane) is recommended. Lastly, towing capacity maxes out at 1,500 pounds, and the sprint from 0-60 should take about 6.5 seconds.
The 2.0-liter-equipped Foresters also receive Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive). SI-Drive offers drivers three different performance settings for fuel-saving, standard, and sport driving. Additionally, the 2.0-liter receives X-Mode as standard equipment.
One issue specific to the 2.5-liter is a recall on the turbo intake duct that affected over 18,000 units, including 2015 and 2016 Foresters and WRX models. Subaru’s recall explains that the intake duct may crack due to an improper material used in its construction. This cracking causes a rough idle, loss of power, and the possibility of engine stall.
2.5L and 2.0L Subaru Boxer Engines Have Few Problems but do Share Oil Consumption and Acceleration Issues
The 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbo share a similar architecture. Problems found in one are commonly experienced in the other as well. Luckily, the 2016 Forester’s engines struggle with few issues. Although problems are not widespread, they’re worth addressing.
The most common problem faced with this engine is hesitant/reduced engine power during acceleration, with some owners reporting complete loss of power to the NHTSA. Subaru ultimately released a TSB to address the issue and discovered the culprit to be the Forester’s electronic control module.
Unintended acceleration has also been a problem for both engines. Multiple reports to the NHTSA detail accidents and repairs stemming from the issue. Currently, a class-action lawsuit is pending over the matter.
2016 Forester Engine Options are a Close Call, but the 250-Horsepower 2.0L Turbo Edges Out the 2.5L Engine
Since they were released, various problems have troubled Subaru Forester’s F engines. Thankfully, the problem count took a significant dip for the 2016 model year. Subaru appears to have made some adjustments and brought the issues to a more manageable state.
That said, if you want a Forester and can afford premium fuel, grab one with the 2.0-liter turbo. It’s slightly more reliable than the 2.5-liter, despite its recall, and the extra power is well worth the money. Check your oil levels frequently, and you should be good to go. Still, the 2.5L isn’t a bad pick if you need to save on ownership costs.
Photos: Subaru
