I don't understand "No noticeable pulse" and "Difficult to slowly accelerate."

Is it hesitating - not moving forward as much as it should? Press the gas and nothing happens? Can you clarify?


Are we current on all maintenance as per the maintenance schedule?

2017 Subaru maintenance schedule and new car break-in period​

Are there any dash lights? Check Engine or AT Oil Temp lights lit?

 

2017, if I’m not mistaken, was the first year Subaru removed the hood scoop to broaden the appeal of the turbo model, and tuned the turbo to start providing more power at a lower RPM. My wife’s 2017 XT accelerated briskly with very little accelerator input, and there’s definitely a different profile before and after boost starts building, but I was also comparing it to my 2016 Outback 3.6 which had a hair-trigger accelerator that went like a rocket as soon as the brake was released (my wife said it was scary to drive).

It’s pretty difficult for others to objectively comment on what you’re experiencing, but putting the center display to show the boost gauge and relaying whether some of the power surge you’re experiencing is consistently at certain points may help further the conversation.

 

@jg. Hood scoop went away in 2014.

 

I had both 2014 and 2017, just forgot which one was the ”first year” they did that. 😀

 

There's "lag" but not seriously noticeable. Sounds unhealthy possibly 😕

 

Thinking about this more....

The OP may be in I (intelligent)I mode. Its a dog. I hate it. Throttle response is awful.

I only use intelligent mode until the engine reaches operating temperature or when approaching my destination and coming in for a landing. Its in S (sport) mode otherwise.

Hopefully the OP can clarify the symptoms so we don't spend time fixing non-existent issues.

 

Could be ya but the way I read its more than the I mode. But ya agreed

 

I have a 2017 Forester XT and I have never noticed this issue. About 78k miles and still goes from a stop slow and smoothly (or fast if you mash it).

 

My 2017 (not an XT) had that problem when new. It kind of felt like the old days when an accelerator pump wasn't working, so it would hesitate then kind of take off when the accelerator was pushed. The dealer recognized the problem right away and said there was a software update for the transmission. That fixed the problem.

 

Yes, 2014-2018 XT has aggressive throttle mapping accelerating from stop. When I still had my 2018 XT it made for some jerky rides because we're a 2-car family with 3 drivers and the other two drivers hadn't trained their foot to accommodate the aggressive mapping.