2016 Subaru Forester

Carvana (opens in a new tab) calls the 2016 Forester the third model year of the fourth generation, just before the 2017 mid-cycle refresh, and lists standard satellite radio on 2.5i Premium and Limited, standard heated front seats on the 2.5i Premium, pin-code access on Touring trims, welcome lighting on upper trims and a new performance display on XT models. NetCarShow (opens in a new tab) says updated suspension settings and a new steering gearbox that quickens the ratio from 15.5:1 to 14.0:1 improve ride and steering response.

Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) puts used 2016 Foresters at $12,000 for the 2.5i to $14,000 for the 2.5i Touring at a dealership, and rates fuel economy at 23/28 to 24/32 mpg city and highway. EPA rates the 2016 Forester at 25 to 27 mpg combined and $2,300 to $3,100 a year in fuel, with all-wheel drive.

NHTSA lists three recall campaigns for the 2016 Forester. 19V149000 covers 2014 to 2016 Foresters and other Subarus whose brake light switch may malfunction after exposure to contaminants, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and keyless ignition vehicles from starting. 19V701000 covers an electrical connection in the front passenger seat occupant detection system that may loosen, and 16V162000 covers the turbocharger air intake duct on 2.0XT models built between April 10 and October 20, 2015, which may crack and stall the engine.

Owners have filed 414 complaints with NHTSA: air bags with 99, electrical system with 93, unknown or other with 69, engine with 60, power train with 51 and vehicle speed control with 37. CarComplaints (opens in a new tab) tracks the year's problems by category, and Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) keeps a common-problems page for it.

EPA rates the 2016 Forester at 25 to 27 mpg combined and $2,300 to $3,100 a year in fuel. The Honda CR-V lists 27 to 29 at $2,150 to $2,300, the Toyota RAV4 24 to 32 at $1,950 to $2,600 including its hybrid, and the Mazda CX-5 26 to 29 at $2,150 to $2,400. The Forester trails the CR-V and CX-5 on mpg while offering standard all-wheel drive.