
Audio/Antenna
Antenna
&Roof antenna (for Rod type)
CAUTION
. Be sure to remove the antenna
rod before entering garages,
parking towers and other loca-
tions with low ceilings.
. Remove the antenna rod before
washing your car at a car wash. If
the antenna rod is left attached, it
may scratch the roof.
. When reinstalling the removed
antenna rod, be sure to fully
tighten it.
1) Unscrew
2) Remove
The roof antenna is installed in the center
at the rear part of the roof.
The antenna rod can be removed by
unscrewing it from its base.
& Roof antenna (for Shark fin
type)
The SUBARU STARLINK antenna is
installed in the center of the roof at the
rear.
5-2

&Tips for operating the audio/
visual system
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the audio/visual
system:
. Be careful not to spill beverages
over the audio/visual system.
. Do not put anything other than an
appropriate disc into the disc
slot.
NOTE
The use of a cell phone inside or near
the vehicle may cause a noise from the
speakers of the audio/visual system
which you are listening to. However,
this does not indicate a malfunction.
! Radio
Usually, a problem with radio reception
does not mean there is a problem with the
radio —it is just the normal result of
conditions outside the vehicle.
For example, nearby buildings and terrain
can interfere with FM reception. Power
lines or phone wires can interfere with AM
signals. And of course, radio signals have
a limited range. The farther the vehicle is from a station, the weaker its signal will
be. In addition, reception conditions
change constantly as the vehicle moves.
Here, some common reception problems
that probably do not indicate a problem
with the radio are described.
!FM
Fading and drifting stations: Generally, the
effective range of FM is about 25 miles (40
km). Once outside this range, you may
notice fading and drifting, which increase
with the distance from the radio transmit-
ter. They are often accompanied by
distortion.
Multi-path: FM signals are reflective,
making it possible for 2 signals to reach
the vehicle’ s antenna at the same time. If
this happens, the signals will cancel each
other out, causing a momentary flutter or
loss of reception.
Static and fluttering: These occur when
signals are blocked by buildings, trees or
other large objects. Increasing the bass
level may reduce static and fluttering.
Station swapping: If the FM signal being
listened to is interrupted or weakened, and
there is another strong station nearby on
the FM band, the radio may tune in the
second station until the original signal can
be picked up again. !
AM
Fading: AM broadcasts are reflected by
the upper atmosphere —especially at
night. These reflected signals can inter-
fere with those received directly from the
radio station, causing the radio station to
sound alternately strong and weak.
Station interference: When a reflected
signal and a signal received directly from
a radio station are very nearly the same
frequency, they can interfere with each
other, making it difficult to hear the broad-
cast.
Static: AM is easily affected by external
sources of electrical noise, such as high
tension power lines, lightening or electrical
motors. This results in static.
!SiriusXM (if equipped)
. Cargo loaded on the roof luggage
carrier, especially metal objects, may
adversely affect the reception of SiriusXM
Satellite Radio.
. Alternation or modifications carried out
without appropriate authorization may in-
validate the user ’s right to operate the
equipment.
Audio/Audio set
–CONTINUED –5-7

Hands-free phone system
The hands-free system enables calls to be
made and received without having to take
your hands off the steering wheel.
This system supports Bluetooth. Bluetooth
is a wireless data system that enables cell
phones to be used without being con-
nected by a cable or placed in a cradle.
The operating procedure of the phone is
explained here.
WARNING
.While driving, do not use a cell
phone or connect the Bluetooth
phone. Doing so may result in
loss of control of your vehicle
and cause an accident or serious
injury.
. Your audio unit is fitted with
Bluetooth antennas. People with
implantable cardiac pacemakers,
cardiac resynchronization ther-
apy-pacemakers or implantable
cardioverter defibrillators should
maintain a reasonable distance
between themselves and the
Bluetooth antennas. The radio
waves may affect the operation
of such devices. .
Before using Bluetooth devices,
users of any electrical medical
device other than implantable
cardiac pacemakers, cardiac re-
synchronization therapy-pace-
makers or implantable cardiover-
ter defibrillators should consult
the manufacturer of the device
for information about its opera-
tion under the influence of radio
waves. Radio waves could have
unexpected effects on the opera-
tion of such medical devices.CAUTION
Do not leave your cell phone in the
vehicle. The temperature inside may
rise to a level that could damage the
phone.
NOTE
. If your cell phone does not support
Bluetooth, this system cannot function.
. In the following conditions, the sys-
tem may not function:
–The cell phone is turned off.
– The current position is outside
the communication area.
– The cell phone is not connected.
– The cell phone has a low battery. .
When using the hands free function
and other Bluetooth functions at the
same time, the following problems may
occur:
–The Bluetooth connection may
be cut.
– Noise may be heard when play-
ing back voice with the Bluetooth
function.
. The other party’ s voice will be heard
from the front speakers. The audio/
visual system will be muted during
phone calls or when hands-free voice
commands are used.
. Talk alternately with the other party
on the phone. If both parties speak at
the same time, the other party may not
hear what has been said. (This is not a
malfunction.)
. Keep call volume down. Otherwise,
the other party’ s voice may be audible
outside the vehicle and voice echo may
increase. When talking on the phone,
speak clearly towards the microphone.
. The other party may not hear you
clearly when:
–Drivingonanunpavedroad.
(Making excessive traffic noise.)
– Driving at high speeds.
– The moonroof or windows are
open.
– The air conditioning vents are
Audio/Hands –free phone system
–CONTINUED –5-71

NOTE
.Wait for the confirmation beep be-
fore speaking a command.
. Voice commands may not be recog-
nized if:
–Spoken too quickly.
– Spoken at a low or high volume.
– The moonroof or windows are
open.
– Passengers are talking while
voice commands are spoken.
– The air conditioning speed is set
high.
– The air conditioning vents are
turned towards the microphone.
. In the following conditions, the sys-
tem may not recognize the command
properly and using voice commands
may not be possible:
–The command is incorrect or
unclear. Note that certain words,
accents or speech patterns may be
difficult for the system to recognize.
– There is excessive background
noise, such as wind noise.& Voice command system op-
eration
1. Press the talk switch on the steering
wheel.
After the voice command top screen has
been displayed, spe ech guidance will
commence.
NOTE
When the voice command mode is
audio mode, voice guidance for the
voice command system can be skipped
by pressing the talk switch on the
steering wheel.
2. Say the command.
Example (Say “PHONE ”)
NOTE
. Commands related with each func-
tion are displayed on the screen of the
each function tab. Some commonly
used commands are displayed on the
screen of the main tab. Even if any tab
is selected, all commands can be
operated.
. Saying
“Help”prompts guidance to
offer examples of commands and op-
eration methods.
. To cancel voice recognition, select
“6 ”, or press and hold the talk switch
on the steering wheel.
. If the system does not respond or
the confirmation screen does not dis-
appear, press the talk switch on the
Audio/Voice command system
–CONTINUED –5-83

&Map lights
Type A
Type B
To turn on the map light, push the switch.
To turn it off, push the switch again.
NOTE
For the type A map lights, although the
light switches are in the ON position,
the lights are automatically turned off
after approximately 30 seconds of
illumination to prevent the vehicle
battery from discharging. For details,
refer to “Battery drainage prevention
function” F2-7.
! Automatic illumination (models
with moonroof)
The map lights illuminate automatically in
the following cases.
. Any of the doors other than the rear
gate is opened. (The map lights do not
illuminate when only the rear gate is
opened.)
. The doors are unlocked using the
keyless access function (if equipped).
Refer to “Locking and unlocking with
“keyless access” entry function”F 2-13.
. The doors are unlocked using the
remote keyless entry system. Refer to
“Remote keyless entry system ”F 2-23.
. The ignition switch is turned from the
“ACC ”position to the “LOCK”/ “OFF”posi-
tion.& OFF delay timer
The following lights have an automatic
illumination function.
. dome light
. map light (type A)
. cargo area light (5-door)
After being illuminated automatically,
these lights remain on for several seconds
and then gradually turn off under the
following conditions.
. after all doors and the rear gate (5-
door) are closed (dome light)
. after all doors are closed (type A map
light)
. after the rear gate is closed (cargo area
light)
While the lights are illuminated, if any of
the following operations are performed,
the lights turn off immediately.
. The ignition switch is turned from the
“ LOCK ”/“OFF ”position to the “ACC”or
“ON ”position.
. All doors and the rear gate (5-door) are
locked using the keyless access function
(if equipped).
. All doors and the rear gate (5-door) are
locked using the remote keyless entry
system.
The setting for the period of time in which
Interior equipment/Interior lights
–CONTINUED –6-3

New vehicle break-in driving–the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km) ..................................... 8-2
Fuel economy hints ............................................ 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............ 8-2
Catalytic converter .............................................. 8-3
Periodic inspections ........................................... 8-4
Driving in foreign countries ............................... 8-4
Driving tips for AWD models .............................. 8-4
Off road driving ................................................... 8-6
Except Crosstrek models. .................................... 8-6
Crosstrek models ................................................ 8-6
Winter driving...................................................... 8-8Operation during cold weather ............................. 8-8
Driving on snowy and icy roads .......................... 8-9
Corrosion protection .......................................... 8-10
Snow tires ......................................................... 8-10
Tire chains ......................................................... 8-11
Rocking the vehicle ............................................ 8-11
Loading your vehicle ......................................... 8-12Vehicle capacity weight ...................................... 8-13
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................ 8-13
Roof rail (if equipped) ........................................ 8-14
Roof molding and crossbar (5-door models —if
equipped) ........................................................ 8-15
Trailer hitch (Crosstrek models —dealer
option) ............................................................. 8-16
Connecting a trailer ........................................... 8-17
If not towing a trailer .......................................... 8-18
Trailer towing (Crosstrek models) .................... 8-18Warranties and maintenance.............................. 8-19
Maximum load limits .......................................... 8-19
Trailer Hitches ................................................... 8-22
Connecting a trailer ........................................... 8-23
Trailer towing tips .............................................. 8-24
Driving tips
8

sudden stops or jolts, unsecured cargo
could be thrown around in the vehicle and
cause injury. Do not pile heavy loads on
the roof. Those loads raise the vehicle’s
center of gravity and make it more prone
to tip over.
. Never equip your vehicle with tires
larger than those specified in this manual.
! During driving
General precautions:
. Drive carefully. Do not take unneces-
sary risks by driving in dangerous areas or
over rough terrain.
. Slow down and employ extra caution at
all times. When driving off-road, you will
not have the benefit of marked traffic
lanes, banked curves, traffic signs and
the like.
. Do not drive across steep slopes.
Instead, drive either straight up or straight
down the slopes. A vehicle can much
more easily tip over sideways than it can
end over end. Avoid driving straight up or
down slopes that are too steep.
. Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, espe-
cially at higher speeds.
. Do not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel. A bad bump could jerk the
wheel and injure your hands. Instead,
drive with your fingers and thumbs on
the outside of the rim. .
Do not drive or park over or near
flammable materials such as dry grass or
fallen leaves, as they may burn easily. The
exhaust system is very hot while the
engine is running and right after the
engine stops. This could create a fire
hazard.
Precautions when driving under espe-
cially dangerous situations:
. If driving through water, such as when
crossing shallow streams, first check the
depth of the water and the bottom of the
stream bed for firmness and ensure that
the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly
and cross the stream without stopping.
The water should be shallow enough that
it does not reach the vehicle’ s under-
carriage. Water entering the engine air
intake or the exhaust pipe or water
splashing onto electrical parts may da-
mage your vehicle and may cause it to
stall. Never attempt to drive through
rushing water; regardless of its depth, it
can wash away the ground from under
your tires, resulting in possible loss of
traction and even vehicle rollover.
. If you must rock the vehicle to free it
from sand or mud, depress the accelerator
pedal slightly and move the shift lever/
select lever back and forth between “1”/
“D ”and “R”repeatedly. Do not race the
engine. For the best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to
free the vehicle.
.
When the road surface is extremely
slippery, you can obtain better traction by
starting the vehicle with the transmission
in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and CVT). For
CVT models, refer to “Selection of manual
mode ”F 7-26.
! After driving
. Always check your brakes for effec-
tiveness immediately after driving in sand,
mud or water. Do this by driving slowly
and stepping on the brake pedal. Repeat
that process several times to dry out the
brake discs and brake pads.
. After driving through tall grass, mud,
rocks, sand, rivers, etc., check that there
is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones,
sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on the
underbody. Clear off any such matter from
the underbody. If the vehicle is used with
these materials trapped or adhering to the
underbody, a mechanical breakdown or
fire could occur.
. Wash the vehicle’ s underbody after off-
road driving. Suspension components are
particularly prone to dirt buildup, so they
need to be washed thoroughly.
Driving tips/Off road driving8-7

Driving tips/Loading your vehicle
in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and CVT
models).
If your vehicle is a CVT model, for
information about holding the transmission
in the 2nd position, refer to“Selection of
manual mode ”F 7-26.Loading your vehicle
WARNING
. Never allow passengers to ride
on a folded rear seatback, in the
trunk or in the cargo area. Doing
so may result in serious injury.
. Never stack luggage or other
cargo higher than the top of the
seatback because it could tumble
forward and injure passengers in
the event of a sudden stop or
accident. Keep luggage or cargo
low, as close to the floor as
possible.
WARNING
. When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can to prevent it from being
thrown around inside the vehicle
during sudden stops, sharp turns
or in an accident.
. Do not pile heavy loads on the
roof. These loads raise the vehi-
cle ’s center of gravity and make it
more prone to tip over.
. Secure lengthy items properly to
prevent them from shooting for-
ward and causing serious injury
during a sudden stop.
. Never exceed the maximum load
limit. If you do, some parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss
of control and cause personal
injury. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
. Do not place anything on the rear
shelf behind the rear seatback
(for 4-door) or the extended car-
go area cover (for 5-door). Such
items could tumble forward in the
event of a sudden stop or a
collision. This could cause ser-
8-12