[Botnik]

So, you don't like the new model because it is different from the old model? If it were to be exactly the same as the old model, why would they bother making a new one? We're talking 2013 here, 12 years ago. Everything has advanced quite a bit. Braking, traction control, lighting, features that have to do with keeping occupants safe in the event of a collision, are much improved. But just like moving from a fountain pen to a ballpoint pen, things are different. If you don't use things the right way, or don't understand how they work, they may seem temperamental, finicky, and unreliable. A lot of things can be remedied by just reading the manuals, or asking the seller for help on how things work. For example, the turn signal continues to blink after letting go of the lever. Some people think that's a convenience feature, but you can easily turn it off. It was one of the first things I turned off. And I'm thankful that I can turn that off, because in older Foresters, you needed to use software from Subaru to turn that feature off.

I've had a 2007, 2018, and now have a 2025. Honestly, in terms of "pleasure to drive," if you think about just the car itself without the unfamiliarity with the controls that you have, just thinking about the throttle pedal, steering, suspension, the 2025 drives better than the 2018 and 2007. I miss the 250 hp and 258 lbft of the 2018 Forester XT, but don't miss the touchy throttle or transitional electronics between old school and current, but the 2025 driving provides more pleasure than the older models I had.

You've managed to get onto this website and post messages. Mastering any of the things in your list are simple in comparison.

 

[Joolstacho]

Mary just adores her 2004 Fozzie. She'll drive it in preference to our 2018 RAV4.
The vision is excellent, -so easy to park, and all the more recent cars have awful vision to the rear.
It's done over 350,000 ks and has never missed a beat.
I was scared by the CVT in later Fozzies, that's why I got the RAV4 with its 'normal' Auto trans.
Shame because we had good 'brand I.D.' with Subaru.

 

[Botnik]

The 2007 had excellent vision out the rear. It was like parallel parking a brick. Super easy. But current models have the backup camera, and the passenger side sideview mirror that tilts down when reversing.

 

[SubaruSpouse]

Sorry everyone!

Basically there are a lot of little things that I don't like...
• the dashboard controls. Maybe I'm just old but all the different beeps, dings, chimes and lights are at once annoying and confusing.
• the radio/gps/bluetooth panel; it's temperamental, finicky and unreliable
• the headrests! I can't believe I'm saying this but I don't like the way they puch my head forward even after adjusting them.
• the windshield wiper controls (no more push button on the end of the lever to spray the windshield washer fluid; the intermittent wiper control... in my 2013 it's twist the control up to go faster twist the control down the slow (makes sense...speed UP/slow DOWN) In the 2020 it's the complete opposite twist it up to slow down/twist it down to speed up.
• the turn signal (continues to blink after letting go of the lever)
• the cruise control is way more complicated (some might say it's more sophisticated) Again... maybe I'm old!
• locking the car... it's so much more complicated!

After having written this I've come to realize that maybe the 2020 is too much car and that I don't need all those bells and whistles. I've always felt super safe and in control in my older Subarus but these newer safety features in this model don't make me feel any safer. Ironically it's quite the opposite. Problem is my husband has a really hard time buying an older used model because of potential problems. Yeah, our 2013 is on a steady diet of oil and it needs more and more attention but it's such a pleasure to drive.

Sounds like you are struggling with the updates that all vehicles have seen on the past decade. I am surprised you didn’t list the stop/start functionality. That is the one we dislike the most.

I am not a fan of the number of datapoints coming from all directions when driving. The warning lights on the dash, overhead, in the center display and so on. All combined with the beeps and buzzers.

All manufacturers approach it differently. I recommend you test drive everything available from every manufacturer. My favorite is Mazda. they have all the safety features but they are less visible. I would recommend trying out a Mazda CX-5.

In the Mazda, many of the things you describe can be customized. The blinkers, for example, can be programmed for 0, 3, or 5 blinks when you touch it. The locks can be set to many different settings as well. The best part is that once it is set up, you never have to think about it again.

 

[Mezaman]

I’ve got a 250hp ‘14 Forester XT w/ EyeSight and 50k miles. bullet proof until recently when a right rear ABS speed sensor failed. I’d be had press to replace it w/ a newer Forester w/ only 188hp.

I plan to get an Android head unit w/ CarPlay and drive it until it dies a natural high mileage death.