Just wondering if anyone has info on whether or not Subaru is using the Atkinson Cycle in the Forester even though it isn't a hybrid in the US. I'm a veteran Subaru salesman but haven't heard an explanation of the much slower acceleration.
2019 Higher HP...much slower
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Wikipedia says the the Subaru 2019 Crosstrek hybrid uses an Atkinson cycle gas engine. No mention of Forester.
Who says acceleration is slower? Is that from the specs? I drive a 2014 2.5L Forester. Wife and I just did a test drive on a 2019. Felt like acceleration was at least as good, maybe better. Not saying that acceleration is particularly spirited. But it sure didn't seem slower.
Who says acceleration is slower? Is that from the specs? I drive a 2014 2.5L Forester. Wife and I just did a test drive on a 2019. Felt like acceleration was at least as good, maybe better. Not saying that acceleration is particularly spirited. But it sure didn't seem slower.
I haven't seen anything written about this either. Just general reviews that the '19 isnt very quick. Personally I think the '18 is quicker at low speed/early RPM and the only difference I can figure is changes to the CVT. 2019 to me is more "refined" overall and whatever changed between engine and CVT made it a bit more sluggish to me unless you really get on it or catch the CVT just right.
Hey all, new guy here. From what I understand the performance trade-off could be for reliability. CVTs HATE torque. The acceleration requires the application of torque to get you moving early. The slower acceleration could be the preprogrammed gear ratios meant to add longevity. Remember the stock WRX is faster than the STI to 60 because of an additional shift needed. So HP =/= acceleration. Also, I just got a 2019 premium and it doesn't have paddle shifters. Those artificial shift points put a lot of instantaneous load on the transmission when the "shift" occurs.
Also just saw this thread. I am inclined to think that it is offsetting torque at the cost of acceleration.
Also just saw this thread. I am inclined to think that it is offsetting torque at the cost of acceleration.
Let us hope that they ditch this CVT craze and get back to a decent gearbox, but sadly I doubt it. :crying:
It is NOT an Atkinson Cycle engine in the 2019 Forester. They have, typically, been restricted to hybrid vehicles only.
CVTs are here to stay. They offer much better efficiency than auto trans. Plus with less moving parts, repairing/replacing them will become simpler and less costly in the future once aftermarket companies start manufacturing/rebuilding them. Modern Autos on the other had will probably become even more expensive to repair/replace due to all the gears they are shoving in them to try and mimic the efficiency to the CVT.
My neighbor just got a WRX with the CVT and that thing is wicked fast and still fun to drive.
I much prefer the CVT to traditional automatics. And the Subaru 4EAT automatic that the current CVT replaced was, in particular, an awful unit. Reliable, but shifted harshly and had several odd quirks.
I kinda wish they allow us to switch over constant rpm and having the cvt taking care of everything else to a smoothe linear curve. I understand that people like the shifting, but f1 banned cvt for a reason that it allows the engine to run at its most efficient position throughout all speeds.
would like to see and feel the diff when you accelerate and the rpm stays constant.
would like to see and feel the diff when you accelerate and the rpm stays constant.
According to Motor Trend https://www.motortrend.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019/2019-subaru-forester-first-test-review/, the 2019 Forester seems sluggish with a 0-60 run in 9.6 seconds and the quarter mile in 17.3 seconds at 82.3 mph. In contrast, 2018 Forester has a 0-60 run in 8.6 seconds.
Good to know. But frankly, I've never in my life needed to floor it to see just what any car could do from a dead stop. I just like to get from point A to point B in all weather. Forester (non-turbo) is not and never has been a performance vehicle. And therefore, is fine for me. And actually, my lead-foot wife doesn't need anything that is faster than a Forester. So the slightly slower 2019 should be great for her.
I have the 19 Sport. The sport sharp mode is very quick and revs higher in this mode before shifting. I also have the paddle shifters. I previously had the 2009 Forester with intake and STI exhaust. The 19 is far superior to this one.
I dont know the specs on the Sport model, but would like to know the 0-60 time if someone knows for this model.
Cheers,
Scott
I dont know the specs on the Sport model, but would like to know the 0-60 time if someone knows for this model.
Cheers,
Scott
Definitely not running Atkinson Cycle. Just power to weight ratio. No chance of a turbo anytime in the foreseeable future, either. The intent is to fill the vacuum with the DIT Outback and the Ascent. At least the Ascent is available without leather. Likely my replacement since 9.6 seconds won't cut it.
I would take the 9.6 with a grain of salt. Numbers made on a controlled environment track can be much different from the real world. An example of this is my wife's 15 XV Crosstrek, which is rated 0-60 at 9.9 to 10.3 depending on which article you read. It is not sluggish at all and is definitely faster than that. I would put it in the low to mid 8s if launched properly.
The CVT is a weird animal in that if you smash the pedal to the floor like a regular automatic, it will fall flat and acceleration will be slower. There is a great article written by a member here about who to get the best performance from the CVT.
I would suggest driving one and see for yourself how well the acceleration is.
I've driven them many times. (Subaru salesman) Love the car but the 9.6 is about right. On-ramps into 80mph traffic take some calculated merging. As was asked by another person, I'd like to see someone get a 0-60 with the Sport in the Sport Sharp (S#) mode. I think that will get to your 8 seconds, making it on par with the 2018 if you flog it.
I also agree with your comment about full throttle CVT behavior. My experience with most of the Subaru CVTs is a 85% throttle gives the best acceleration.
I spoke with our trainer a couple days ago and he said the Atkins cycle will only be used in the Hybrids. Doesn't look like there's any chance for a future boosted Forester but there are a few changes and additions coming to the model lineup overall. I'm sure everyone is aware of the 2.4DIT going into the Legacy and Outback for 2020. Beyond the current Crosstrek and the hybrid, there is something else in the works. He was very careful to not let out any specifics but I'm optimistic.
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