What was the last Subaru Forester with manual transmission?
The Subaru Forester, a popular compact SUV known for its all-wheel-drive capability and rugged design, was once available with a manual transmission option. However, as the automotive industry has shifted towards more automated transmissions, the last Subaru Forester model to offer a manual gearbox was the 2018 model year.
The Rise and Fall of Manual Transmissions in the Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has been in production since 1997, and throughout its history, it has been offered with both manual and automatic transmission options. Manual transmissions were a popular choice among enthusiasts who wanted more control over their driving experience and the ability to extract the most performance from the Forester's capable all-wheel-drive system.
However, as consumer preferences and market demands shifted towards more convenient and fuel-efficient automatic transmissions, Subaru gradually phased out the manual transmission option in the Forester lineup. The last model year to offer a manual transmission was 2018, after which the Forester was only available with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) or traditional automatic gearboxes.
Reasons for the Discontinuation of Manual Transmissions
There are several factors that contributed to the discontinuation of manual transmissions in the Subaru Forester:
- Declining Demand: As more consumers opted for the convenience of automatic transmissions, the demand for manual-equipped Foresters steadily declined, making it less economically viable for Subaru to continue offering the manual option.
- Fuel Economy and Emissions: Automatic and CVT transmissions have become increasingly efficient, often matching or even surpassing the fuel economy of manual transmissions. This, combined with stricter emissions regulations, made it more challenging for Subaru to justify the continued production of manual-equipped Foresters.
- Safety and Convenience Features: Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with advanced safety and convenience features, many of which are more easily integrated with automatic transmissions. This further reduced the appeal of manual transmissions for many buyers.
As a result, the 2018 Subaru Forester marked the end of an era for the brand, as it was the last model year to offer a manual transmission option for this popular compact SUV.
What year did Subaru stop making manual transmissions?
The 2018-2023 Crosstrek featured a six-speed cable shifted manual transmission. It is similar in design to the six-speed transmission found in the 2010-2014 Outback. Subaru stopped offering the Crosstrek with a manual transmission starting with the 2024 model year.
What was the last year Subaru made a manual Forester?
Driving enthusiasts who want a manual transmission will have even fewer choices now in Subaru vehicles after the 2023 model year. For example, you couldn't get a manual transmission in the Subaru Forester compact SUV after the 2018 model year and in the Subaru Outback midsize SUV and Legacy midsize sedan after 2015.
What was the last year Subaru Outback had manual transmission?
Fourth Generation (2010-2014)
The 2010 model introduced Subaru's CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and was the last to offer a manual transmission. With its roomier cabin and refined look, the fourth-generation Outback remained a favorite among those who needed both utility and comfort.
What year did Subarus have transmission problems?
Subaru Legacy: 2010-2015 Models
Thus, it's no surprise that similar model years—2010 to 2015—have similar issues. The CVT transmission problems were also among the most prominent. Closely behind this are head gasket failures that could lead to overheating and serious engine damage.
Why did Subaru discontinue Forester XT?
Subaru Corp says they axed the Forester 2.0XT because sportiness does not rely on power alone to achieve it, the new SGP offers improved driving performance, and standard Eyesight across their entire lineup is more important than having a 2.0XT with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
What subarus still come in manual transmission?
Manual Transmission
Manual transmissions are the default for most sports cars and racecars. Our performance sports cars, the Subaru BRZ and the Subaru WRX are the only two vehicles with manual transmission options available.
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester come in manual transmission?
The 2018 Forester 2.5i is available in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trims and is powered by a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard for the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium, with the Lineartronic CVT optional for those models and standard for 2.5i Limited and Touring.
Which year is the Subaru Forester best?
5 Of The Best Subaru Forester Years Based On Resale Value (& Which To Avoid)
- Best: 2016-2018 Subaru Forester.
- Best: 2021-2022 Subaru Forester.
- Avoid: 1998-1999 Subaru Forester.
- Avoid: 2003 Subaru Forester.
- Avoid: 2010-2013 Subaru Forester.
- Avoid: 2014-2015 Subaru Forester.
- Avoid: 2019-2020 Subaru Forester.
Did the Forester XT come in manual?
Early model includes 2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-L EyeSight, 2.0i-S EyeSight, 2.0XT (280 PS), 2.0XT EyeSight (280 PS). 2.0i engine models include six-speed manual (2.0i, 2.0i-L) or Lineartronic CVT transmission; 2.0XT (280 PS) engine models include Lineartronic CVT transmission.
What was the last year Subaru Forester has a manual transmission?
Driving enthusiasts who want a manual transmission will have even fewer choices now in Subaru vehicles after the 2023 model year. For example, you couldn't get a manual transmission in the Subaru Forester compact SUV after the 2018 model year and in the Subaru Outback midsize SUV and Legacy midsize sedan after 2015.
