Does the Subaru Forester have adaptive cruise control?
Yes. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is included as part of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology on the Forester, and it is widely available across recent models. Exact availability can vary by trim and market, so it’s best to check the specific year’s brochure or window sticker.
What Adaptive Cruise Control does in the Forester
Adaptive Cruise Control uses radar and camera sensors to maintain a driver-set speed while automatically adjusting throttle and braking to keep a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. It can slow you down and, in some versions, bring the car to a stop and resume as traffic allows. ACC is designed to reduce fatigue on long highway drives and improve traffic flow efficiency when paired with other EyeSight features.
EyeSight features that accompany ACC
EyeSight integrates several safety aids that commonly work with ACC to enhance highway driving. These include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with follow-distance settings
- Pre-Collision Braking to mitigate or prevent collisions
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist to help stay in your lane
In newer Forester models, some EyeSight configurations may also offer additional capabilities such as lane-centering assistance when enabled in specific trims or packages. Availability varies by year and market.
Availability by model year and trim
Note: the following describes typical configurations in the United States in recent years. Always verify with Subaru’s official materials for the exact year and trim you’re considering.
- Most recent Forester models include EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Adaptive Cruise Control as a core feature, often standard on higher trims and available on base trims in some markets.
- Older model years may have ACC as part of EyeSight on higher trims, with base models sometimes offering a more limited set of safety features or requiring an optional EyeSight package.
- In some trims and model years, Lane Centering Assist may be offered with EyeSight, providing additional highway steering support when paired with ACC.
If you are shopping, check the window sticker or Subaru’s official brochure for the exact ACC availability on the year and trim you’re considering.
How to use Adaptive Cruise Control in the Forester
Enabling and operating ACC is straightforward but depends on the model year and trim. The following steps reflect common practice across recent Forester vehicles:
- Accelerate to your desired speed manually, then press the Cruise button to activate ACC.
- Use the +/- controls on the steering wheel to set your following distance (the gap to the vehicle ahead).
- The system will throttle or brake to maintain the set distance; it can handle slow-to-fast traffic changes and, in some cases, stop-and-go traffic.
- Be prepared to take over manually if conditions become complex or visibility is reduced; ACC typically disengages when the driver presses the brake or accelerates to override the system.
For precise steps and any model-year-specific quirks, consult the owner’s manual or a Subaru dealer, as controls and behavior can vary slightly by year and trim.
Safety considerations and limitations
While ACC with EyeSight adds convenience and can enhance safety on highways, it has limitations to keep in mind:
- Weather and road conditions: rain, snow, fog, or glare can degrade sensor performance and reduce effectiveness.
- Sensor visibility: dirt, ice, or road spray may impair radar/camera inputs, requiring more frequent manual oversight.
- Complex driving scenarios: ACC is designed for highways and well-marked lanes; it may not react as well in heavy traffic, construction zones, or unpredictable behaviors from other drivers.
Always monitor the system and maintain hands on the wheel; ACC is a driver-assist feature, not a replacement for active driving attention.
Summary
Adaptive Cruise Control is a core component of the Forester’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, offering automatic speed control and following-distance management on most modern models. Availability varies by trim and year, but the feature is widely offered in recent Foresters. For shopping accuracy, confirm ACC options on the specific model year and trim you’re considering and review Subaru’s official materials or consult a dealer.
