
Starting and operating/Parking your vehicle
When parking on a hill, always turn the
steering wheel. When the vehicle is
headed up the hill, the front wheels should
be turned away from the curb.
When facing downhill, the front wheels
should be turned into the curb.
WARNING
.Never leave unattended children
or pets in the vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent op-
eration of the vehicle. Also, on
hot or sunny days, the tempera-
ture in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to
cause severe or possibly fatal
injuries to people.
.Do not park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags, as
they may burn easily if they come
near hot engine or exhaust sys-
tem parts.
.Be sure to stop the engine if you
take a nap in the vehicle. If
engine exhaust gas enters the
passenger compartment, occu-
pants in the vehicle could die
from carbon monoxide (CO) con-
tained in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION
.If your vehicle has a front under-
spoiler and rear underspoiler
(both optional), pay attention toblocks and other obstructions on
the ground when parking. The
underspoilers could be damaged
by contact with them.
.The braking power of the parking
brake may not be sufficient when
stronger braking power is
needed (e.g., when parking on a
steep slope while towing a trai-
ler).
7-40 

Starting and operating/Hill start assist system
.when starting backward facing uphill
.when starting forward facing downhill
.while the parking brake is applied
.while the ignition switch is in the“ACC”
or“LOCK”/“OFF”position
.while the Hill start assist warning light/Hill start assist OFF indicator light is
illuminated
When using the Hill start assist system, a
braking effect may be felt even after the
brake pedal has been released. However,
for MT models, this braking effect should
disappear once the clutch pedal is re-
leased.
CAUTION
The braking power of the Hill start
assist system may not be sufficient
when strong braking power is
needed (e.g., while towing a trailer).
NOTE
A slight jolt may be felt when the
vehicle begins to move forward after
being reversed.
&To activate/deactivate the Hill
start assist system
CAUTION
While the Hill start assist system is
deactivated, when starting on an
uphill grade, braking power is not
maintained if the brake pedal is
released. Start on an uphill grade
by using the parking brake.
You can activate/deactivate the Hill start
assist system according to the following
procedure.
NOTE
If you make an error when performing
any steps in the following procedure,
place the ignition switch in the
“LOCK”/“OFF”position once and then
start over again.
!To deactivate
1. Park your vehicle in a flat and safe
location and apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the“LOCK”/
“OFF”position.
3. Restart the engine.
7-42 

Starting and operating/Cruise control
only).
WARNING
For CVT models, you can cancel the
cruise control by shifting the select
lever into the“N”position. However,
do not shift the lever into the“N”
position while driving except in case
of emergency. If the select lever is
shifted into the“N”position, the
engine brake will no longer work.
This could result in an accident.
The cruise control set indicator light in the
combination meter turns off when the
cruise control is canceled.
To resume the cruise control after it has
been temporarily canceled and with vehi-
cle speed of approximately 20 mph (30km/h) or more, press the“RES/SET”
switch to the“RES”side to return to the
original cruising speed automatically.
The cruise control set indicator light in the
combination meter will automatically illu-
minate at this time.
&To turn off the cruise control
There are two ways to turn off the cruise
control:
.Press the cruise control main button
again.
.Turn the ignition switch to the“ACC”or
“LOCK”/“OFF”position (but only when the
vehicle is completely stopped).
&To change the cruising speed
!To increase the speed (by the“RES/
SET”switch)
Press the“RES/SET”switch to the“RES”
side and hold it until the vehicle reaches
the desired speed. Then, release the
switch. The vehicle speed at that moment
will be memorized and treated as the new
set speed.
U.S.-spec. models
When the difference between the actual
vehicle speed and the set speed is small,
the set speed can be increased 1 mph
(1.6 km/h) each time by pressing the
“RES/SET”switch to the“RES”side
quickly.
7-46 

&BSD/RCTA OFF switch
BSD/RCTA OFF switch
BSD/RCTA OFF indicator
If the BSD/RCTA OFF switch is pressed,
the BSD/RCTA OFF indicator appears on
the multi information display of the combi-nation meter, and the BSD/RCTA is
deactivated.
Press the switch again to activate the
BSD/RCTA. The BSD/RCTA OFF indica-
tor will disappear.
NOTE
.In the following cases, the system
may not operate properly due to
blocked radar waves. Press the BSD/
RCTA OFF switch to deactivate the
system.
–When towing a trailer
–When a bicycle carrier or other
item is fitted to the rear of the
vehicle
–When using a chassis dynam-
ometer or free roller device, etc.
–When running the engine and
making the wheels rotate while
lifting up the vehicle
.If the ignition switch is turned to the
“LOCK”/“OFF”position, the last known
status of the system is maintained. For
example, if the ignition switch is turned
to the“LOCK”/“OFF”position with the
BSD/RCTA deactivated, the BSD/RCTA
will remain deactivated the next time
the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON”position.
.If the vehicle battery is disconnected
duetosituationssuchasbatteryterminal or fuse replacement, after the
battery is reconnected, the BSD/RCTA
will be activated.
&Certification for the BSD/
RCTA
U.S.-spec. models:
FCC ID: OAYSRR2A
CAUTION
FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party re-
sponsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Starting and operating/BSD/RCTA
–CONTINUED–7-55 

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
Before driving..................................................... 8-6
During driving..................................................... 8-6
After driving........................................................ 8-7
Winter driving...................................................... 8-8Operation during cold weather............................. 8-8
Driving on snowy and icy roads.......................... 8-9
Corrosion protection.......................................... 8-10
Snow tires......................................................... 8-10Tire chains........................................................ 8-11
Rocking the vehicle........................................... 8-11
Loading your vehicle......................................... 8-12
Vehicle capacity weight...................................... 8-13
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
and Gross Axle Weight Rating)........................ 8-13
Roof rail............................................................ 8-14
Trailer hitch (dealer option)............................... 8-15Connecting a trailer........................................... 8-16
If not towing a trailer.......................................... 8-17
Trailer towing..................................................... 8-17Warranties and maintenance.............................. 8-17
Maximum load limits.......................................... 8-18
Trailer Hitches................................................... 8-21
Connecting a trailer........................................... 8-22
Trailer towing tips.............................................. 8-23
Driving tips
8 

Driving tips/New vehicle break–in driving–the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
New vehicle break-in driving
–the first 1,000 miles (1,600
km)
The performance and long life of your
vehicle are dependent on how you handle
and care for your vehicle while it is new.
Follow these instructions during the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km):
.Do not race the engine. And do not
allow engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpm
except in an emergency.
.Do not drive at one constant engine or
vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or
slow.
.Avoid starting suddenly and rapid
acceleration, except in an emergency.
.Avoid hard braking, except in an
emergency.
The same break-in procedures should be
applied to an overhauled engine, newly
mounted engine or when brake pads or
brake linings are replaced with new ones.
Fuel economy hints
The following suggestions will help to save
fuel.
.Select the proper gear position for the
speed and road conditions.
.Avoid sudden acceleration or decelera-
tion. Always accelerate gently until you
reach the desired speed. Then try to
maintain that speed for as long as
possible.
.Do not pump the accelerator and avoid
racing the engine.
.Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
.Keep the engine properly tuned.
.Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the tire placard, which
is located under the door latch on the
driver’s side. Low pressure will increase
tire wear and fuel consumption.
.Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
.Keep the front and rear wheels in
proper alignment.
.Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or
cargo.
Engine exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide)
WARNING
.Never inhale engine exhaust gas.
Engine exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide, a colorless
and odorless gas which is dan-
gerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.
.Always properly maintain the en-
gine exhaust system to prevent
engine exhaust gas from enter-
ing the vehicle.
.Never run the engine in a closed
space, such as a garage, except
for the brief time needed to drive
the vehicle in or out of it.
.Avoid remaining in a parked
vehicle for a lengthy time while
the engine is running. If that is
unavoidable, then use the venti-
lation fan to force fresh air into
the vehicle.
.Always keep the front ventilator
inlet grille free from snow, leaves
or other obstructions to ensure
that the ventilation system al-
ways works properly.
.If at any time you suspect that
8-2 

exhaust fumes are entering the
vehicle, have the problem
checked and corrected as soon
as possible. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive
only with all windows fully open.
.Keep the rear gate closed while
driving to prevent exhaust gas
from entering the vehicle.
NOTE
Due to the expansion and contraction
of the metals used in the manufacture
of the exhaust system, you may hear a
crackling sound coming from the ex-
haust system for a short time after the
engine has been shut off. This sound is
normal.
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter is installed in the
exhaust system. It serves as a catalyst to
reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust
gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic conver-
ter:
.Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small
amount of leaded fuel will damage the
catalytic converter.
.Never start the engine by pushing or
pulling the vehicle.
.Avoid racing the engine.
.Never turn the ignition switch to the
“OFF”position while the vehicle is moving.
.Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel
the engine running rough (misfiring, back-firing or incomplete combustion), have
your vehicle checked and repaired by an
authorized SUBARU dealer.
.Do not apply undercoating or rust
prevention treatment to the heat shield of
catalytic converter and the exhaust sys-
tem.
.Do not drive with an extremely low fuel
level.
WARNING
.Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive
or park the vehicle anywhere
near flammable materials (e.g.,
grass, paper, rags or leaves),
because the catalytic converter
operates at very high tempera-
tures.
.Keep everyone and flammable
materials away from the exhaust
pipe while the engine is running.
The exhaust gas is very hot.
Driving tips/Catalytic converter8-3 

printed on the tire placard. The
tire placard is located on the
driver’s door pillar.
If all of four tires are not the same
for items (a) to (h), serious me-
chanical damage could occur to
the drive train of your car, and
affect the following.
—Ride
—Handling
—Braking
—Speedometer/Odometer
calibration
—Clearance between the body
and tires
It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,
and it can lead to an accident.
CAUTION
If you use a temporary spare tire to
replace a flat tire, be sure to use the
original temporary spare tire stored
in the vehicle. Using other sizes may
result in severe mechanical damage
to the drive train of your vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine
power to all four wheels. AWD models
provide better traction when driving on
slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and
when moving out of mud, dirt and sand.
By shifting power between the front and
rear wheels, SUBARU AWD can also
provide added traction during acceleration
and added engine braking force during
deceleration.
Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle
may handle differently than an ordinary
two wheel drive vehicle and it contains
some features unique to AWD. For safety
purposes as well as to avoid damaging
the AWD system, you should keep the
following tips in mind.
.An AWD model is better able to climb
steeper roads under snowy or slipperyconditions than a two wheel drive vehicle.
There is little difference in handling,
however, during extremely sharp turns or
sudden braking. Therefore, when driving
down a slope or turning corners, be sure
to reduce your speed and maintain an
ample distance from other vehicles.
.Always check the cold tire pressure
before starting to drive. The recom-
mended tire pressure is provided on the
tire placard, which is located under the
door latch on the driver’s side.
.There are some precautions that you
must observe when towing your vehicle.
For detailed information, refer to“Towing”
F9-13.
Driving tips/Driving tips for AWD models8-5