
Rear view camera
A rear view camera is attached to the rear
gate. When the ignition switch is“ON”and
the shift lever (MT models) or select lever
(CVT models) is set to“R”, the rear view
camera automatically displays the rear
view image behind the vehicle on one of
the following displays.
.Navigation display (if equipped)
.Audio display (if equipped)
WARNING
.Since the rear view camera uses
a wide-angle lens, the image on
the monitor is different from the
actual view in terms of distance.
.Since the range of the image onthe monitor is limited, you should
always check the rear view and
the surrounding area with your
eyes and mirrors, and move
backward at a slow speed. Mov-
ing backward only by checking
the rear view image from the
camera could cause an accident.
.Do not disassemble or modify the
camera, switch or wiring. If
smoke comes out or you smell
a strange odor, stop using the
rear view camera immediately.
Contact your SUBARU dealer
for an inspection. Continued use
may result in accident, fire or
electric shock.
CAUTION
.If your vehicle is washed with a
high-pressure washer, do not
allow water to contact the camera
directly. Entry of water in the
camera lens may result in con-
densation, malfunction, fire or
electric shock.
.Since the camera is a precision
device, do not subject it to strong
impacts. Otherwise, malfunction,
fire or electric shock may occur..If mud or snow sticks to or is
frozen on the camera, you must
be very careful when removing it.
Otherwise, damage to the camera
may cause a fire or electric
shock. Pour water or lukewarm
water over the camera to remove
mud and ice, and wipe it with a
soft, dry cloth.
.Do not put a flame close to the
camera or wiring. Otherwise, da-
mage or fire may occur.
.When replacing the fuse, be sure
to use a fuse with the specified
rating. Use of a fuse with a
different rating may result in a
malfunction.
.If the rear view camera is used for
a long time while the engine is
not operated, the battery may
become completely discharged.
NOTE
.Do not wipe the camera with alcohol,
benzine or paint thinner. Otherwise,
discoloration may occur. To remove
contamination, wipe the camera with a
cloth moistened with a diluted neutral
detergent and then wipe it with a soft,
dry cloth.
.When waxing the vehicle, be careful
Interior equipment/Rear view camera
–CONTINUED–6-15

Interior equipment/Rear view camera
not to apply the wax to the camera. If it
comes in contact with the camera,
moisten a clean cloth with a diluted
neutral detergent to remove the wax.
.The camera lens has a hard coating
to help prevent scratches. However,
when washing the vehicle or cleaning
the camera lens, be careful not to
scratch the camera lens. Do not use a
washing brush directly on the camera
lens. The image quality of the rear view
camera may deteriorate.
.Strong light shined on the camera
lens may develop vertical lines around
the light source. This is not a malfunc-
tion.
.Under fluorescent light, the display
may flicker. However, this is not a
malfunction.
.The image of the rear view camera
may be slightly different from the
actual color of the objects.&How to use the rear view
camera
When the shift lever/select lever is set to
“R”, the rear view camera automatically
displays the rear view image from the
vehicle. When the lever is set to other
positions, the image before setting to“R”
is displayed.
1. Set the ignition switch to“ON”.
2. Set the shift lever/select lever to“R”.
NOTE
.For models with the genuine
SUBARU navigation system or audio
system, while the navigation system is
activated, the image of the rear view
camera will not be displayed. However,
the image of the rear view camera has
priority over other screen displays.
.The image of the rear view camera is
horizontally reversed as is the case
with the vehicle rearview mirror or the
side view mirror.
.It may be difficult to see the rear
view camera image in the following
cases. This is not a malfunction of the
camera.
–The vehicle is used for towing or
a trailer hitch is installed.
–The vehicle is in a dark place (at
night, in a tunnel, etc.).–The vehicle is in an extremely hot
or cold place.
–An object (such as raindrops,
snow, dirt, etc.) that disturbs the
view of the rear view camera sticks
to the lens of the camera.
–Strong light shined directly on
the camera lens (occasionally, there
are vertical lines on the screen).
6-16

Starting and operating/Preparing to drive
The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and states using two-wheel
dynamometers in their emission testing
program have EXEMPTED SUBARU
AWD vehicles from the portion of the
testing program that involves a two-wheel
dynamometer. There are some states that
use four-wheel dynamometers in their
testing program. When properly used, this
equipment should not damage a SUBARU
AWD vehicle.
Under no circumstances should the rear
wheels be jacked off the ground, nor
should the driveshaft be disconnected for
state emission testing.Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks
and adjustments every day before you
start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and
lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition
of the tires. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of
leaks.
4. Check that the hood and rear gate are
fully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside
and outside mirrors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your
passengers have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning
and indicator lights when the ignition
switch is turned to the“ON”position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warn-
ing lights after starting the engine.
10. Check that no small animals enter the
engine compartment.
CAUTION
Trapping small animals in the cool-
ing fan and belts of the engine may
result in a malfunction. Check that
no small animal enters the engine
compartment and under the vehicle
before starting the engine.
NOTE
.Engine oil, engine coolant, brake
fluid, washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.
.When towing a trailer, refer to“Trai-
ler hitch (dealer option)”F8-15.
7-8

may be delayed or it may not
operate at all even when a vehicle
is present in a neighboring lane or
approaching from either side.
The driver is responsible for paying
attention to the rear and side areas
of the vehicle.
&System features
BSD/RCTA consists of the following func-
tions.
.To detect a vehicle in a blind spot on an
adjacent lane or a vehicle approaching at
high speed while driving the vehicle (Blind
Spot Detection)
.To detect a vehicle approaching from
the right or left while reversing the vehicle
(Rear Cross Traffic Alert)
The system uses radar sensors for the
above functions.
NOTE
The BSD/RCTA radar sensor has been
certified by the radio wave related laws
of the U.S. When driving in other
countries, certification of the country
where the vehicle is driven must be
obtained. For certification in the U.S.,
refer to“Certification for the BSD/
RCTA”F7-55.!Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
1) Operating range
The system warns the driver of dangers as
follows.
.If the system detects vehicles in the
driver’s blind spots, the BSD/RCTA ap-
proach indicator light(s) on the outside
mirror(s) will illuminate.
.If the driver operates the turn signal
lever to the side where the BSD/RCTA
approach indicator light is illuminated, the
corresponding BSD/RCTA approach indi-
cator light will flash.!Lane Change Assist (LCA)
1) Operating range
The system warns the driver of dangers as
follows.
.If the system detects vehicles ap-
proaching at high speeds in the neighbor-
ing lanes, the BSD/RCTA approach in-
dicator light(s) on the outside mirror(s) will
illuminate.
.If the driver operates the turn signal
lever to the side where the BSD/RCTA
approach indicator light is illuminated, the
corresponding BSD/RCTA approach indi-
cator light will flash.
Starting and operating/BSD/RCTA
–CONTINUED–7-49

Starting and operating/BSD/RCTA
!Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
1) Operating range
The system notifies the driver of another
vehicle approaching from either side when
driving in reverse. This feature helps the
driver check the rear and side areas of the
vehicle when moving backward.
If the system detects a vehicle approach-
ing from either side while moving back-
ward, it warns the driver of dangers in the
following way.
.The BSD/RCTA approach indicator
light(s) on the outside mirror(s) flashes.
.A warning buzzer sounds.!Limitations of the detectability of
RCTA
Since the detectability of RCTA is limited,
the RCTA may not operate properly in
parking areas in which the parking spaces
are drawn diagonally to the driving lanes.
Example 1
1) The detection range of the radar sensors
2) Area out of detection range of the radar
sensors
A) Vehicle that may not be detected
B) Parked vehicle
WARNING
An approaching vehicle (A) may not
be detected because the detection
range is limited by the parked
vehicle (B). Always be sure to checkthe surroundings with your eyes
when reversing the vehicle.
Example 2
1) The detection range of the radar sensors
C) Vehicle that may be detected
NOTE
The system may detect that a vehicle
(C) is passing in front of your vehicle.
Always be sure to check the surround-
ings with your eyes when reversing the
vehicle.
7-50

Starting and operating/BSD/RCTA
with a low body height such as
sports cars or a trailer with no
cargo)
–Vehicles that are not approach-
ing your vehicle even though they
are in the detection area (either on a
neighboring lane to the rear or
beside your vehicle when rever-
sing) (The system determines the
presence of approaching vehicles
based on data detected by the radar
sensors.)
–Vehicles traveling at significantly
different speeds
–Vehicles driving in parallel at
almost the same speed as your
vehicle for a prolonged time
–Oncoming vehicles
–Vehicles in a lane beyond the
neighboring lane
–Vehicles travelling at a signifi-
cantly lower speed that you are
trying to overtake
.On a road with extremely narrow
lanes, the system may detect vehicles
driving in a lane next to the neighbor-
ing lane.&BSD/RCTA approach indica-
tor light/warning buzzer
While the BSD/RCTA is active, the follow-
ing item(s) will operate to alert the driver:
.The BSD/RCTA approach indicator
light (when there are vehicles in the
neighboring lanes).
.The BSD/RCTA approach indicator
light and warning buzzer (when a vehicle
is approaching from the left or right side
while your vehicle is reversing)
!BSD/RCTA approach indicator light
BSD/RCTA approach indicator light
It is mounted on each side of the outside
mirrors.
The indicator light will
illuminate when a
vehicle approaching from behind is de-tected.
The indicator light will
flash to warn the
driver of dangers under the following
conditions.
.While the indicator light is illuminating,
if the turn signal lever is operated toward
the side in which this light turned on
.When reversing the vehicle while the
system detects a vehicle approaching
from either side
!BSD/RCTA approach indicator
light dimming function
When the headlights are turned on, the
brightness of the BSD/RCTA approach
indicator light will be reduced.
NOTE
.You may have difficulty seeing the
BSD/RCTA approach indicator light
under the following conditions.
–When sunlight shines directly on
it
–When the headlight beams from a
vehicle traveling behind shines di-
rectly on it
.While the illumination brightness
control dial is in the fully upward
position, even if the headlights are
turned on, the brightness of the BSD/
RCTA approach indicator light will not
be reduced. For details about the
7-52

Driving tips/Trailer towing
hitch or other trailer towing
equipment.
.Do not use axle-mounted hitches
as they can cause damage to the
axle housing, wheel bearings,
wheels or tires.
Do not use a trailer hitch other than
genuine SUBARU trailer hitch. A genuine
SUBARU hitch is available from your
SUBARU dealer.
&Connecting a trailer
!Trailer brakes
WARNING
.Adequate size trailer brakes are
required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.
.Do not directly connect your
trailer’s hydraulic brake system
to the hydraulic brake system in
your vehicle. Direct connection
would cause the vehicle’s brake
performance to deteriorate and
could lead to an accident.
If your trailer’s total weight (trailer weight
plus its cargo weight) exceeds 1,000 lbs(453 kg), the trailer is required to be
equipped with its own brake system.
Electric brakes or surge brakes are
recommended, and must be installed
properly. Check that your trailer’s brakes
conform with Federal, state/province and/
or other applicable regulations. Your
SUBARU’s brake system is not designed
to be tapped into the trailer’s hydraulic
brake system. Please ask your SUBARU
dealer and professional trailer supplier for
more information about the trailer’s brake
system.
!Trailer safety chains
WARNING
Always use safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Towing
trailer without safety chains could
create a traffic safety hazard if the
trailer separates from the hitch due
to coupling damage or hitch ball
damage.
In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch
ball should break or become discon-
nected, the trailer could get loose and
create a traffic safety hazard.
For safety, always connect the towing
vehicle and trailer with trailer safety
chains. Two chains should be used intotal, one to the right side and the other to
the left side trailer tongue. Pass the chains
crossing each other under the trailer
tongue to prevent the trailer from dropping
onto the ground in case the trailer tongue
should disconnect from the hitch ball.
Allow sufficient slack in the chains taking
tight turn situations into account; however,
be careful not to let them drag on the
ground.
!Side mirrors
After hitching a trailer to your vehicle,
check that the standard side mirrors
provide a good rearward field of view
without significant blind spots. If significant
blind spots occur with the vehicle’s stan-
dard side mirrors, use towing mirrors that
conform with Federal, state/province and/
or other applicable regulations.
8-22

Driving tips/Trailer towing
.Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-
hitch mounting are in good condition. If
any problems are apparent, do not tow the
trailer.
.Check that the vehicle rests horizon-
tally with the trailer attached. If the vehicle
is tipped sharply up at the front and down
at the rear, check the total trailer weight,
GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, then
confirm that the load and its distribution
are acceptable.
.Check that the tire rating and pressures
are correct.
.Check that the vehicle and trailer are
connected properly. Confirm that:
–the trailer tongue is connected
properly to the hitch ball.
–the trailer lights connector is con-
nected properly and trailer’s brake
lights illuminate when the vehicle’s
brake pedal is pressed, and that the
trailer’s turn signal lights flash when
the vehicle’s turn signal lever is oper-
ated.
–the safety chains are connected
properly.
–all cargo in the trailer is secured
safely in position.
–the side mirrors provide a good
rearward field of view without a sig-
nificant blind spot.
.Sufficient time should be taken to learnthe“feel”of the vehicle/trailer combination
before starting out on a trip. In an area free
of traffic, practice turning, stopping and
backing up.
!Driving with a trailer
.You should allow for considerably more
stopping distance when towing a trailer.
Avoid sudden braking because it may
result in skidding or jackknifing and loss of
control.
.Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accel-
erations. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, always start out in first gear
and release the clutch at moderate engine
revolution.
.Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and
rapid lane changes.
.Slow down before turning. Make a
longer than normal turning radius because
the trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. In
a tight turn, the trailer could hit your
vehicle.
.Crosswinds will adversely affect the
handling of your vehicle and trailer, caus-
ing sway. Crosswinds can be due to
weather conditions or the passing of large
trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly
grip the steering wheel and promptly begin
decelerating your vehicle at a gradual
pace..When passing other vehicles, consid-
erable distance is required because of the
added weight and length caused by
attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
1) Left turn
2) Right turn
.Backing up with a trailer is difficult and
takes practice. When backing up with a
trailer, never accelerate or steer rapidly.
When turning back, grip the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand and turn it to
the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right
for a right turn.
.If the ABS warning light illuminates
while the vehicle is in motion, stop towing
the trailer and have repairs performed
immediately by your nearest SUBARU
dealer.
8-24