
&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 isfrom 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

Audio/Hands–free phone system
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
5-70

Action Function
PressStart the voice com-
mand system.
Press and holdCancel voice recogni-
tion.
!Microphone
Type A
Type B
It is unnecessary to speak directly into the
microphone when giving a command.
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.
Audio/Voice command system
–CONTINUED–5-81

&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”F2-13.
.The doors are unlocked using the
remote keyless entry system. Refer to
“Remote keyless entry system”F2-22.
.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
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 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 are locked
using the keyless access function (if
equipped).
.All doors and the rear gate are locked
using the remote keyless entry system.
The setting for the period of time in which
the lights remain on (OFF delay timer) can
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
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/Off road driving
Off road driving
WARNING
.Always maintain a safe driving
speed according to the road and
weather conditions in order to
avoid having an accident on a
sharp turn, during sudden brak-
ing or under other similar condi-
tions.
.Always use the utmost care in
driving–overconfidence be-
cause you are driving an All-
Wheel Drive model could easily
lead to a serious accident.
CAUTION
Frequent driving of an AWD model
under hard-driving conditions such
as rough roads or off roads will
necessitate more frequent replace-
ment of the following items than that
specified in the maintenance sche-
dule described in the“Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet”.
.Engine oil
.Brake fluid
.Manual transmission oil (MTmodels)
.Continuously variable transmis-
sion fluid (CVT models)
.Front differential gear oil (CVT
models)
Remember that damage done to
your SUBARU while operating it
off-road and not using common
sense precautions such as those
listed here is not eligible for war-
ranty coverage.
Because of the AWD feature and higher
ground clearance, you can drive your
SUBARU on ordinary roads or off-road.
But please keep in mind that an AWD
SUBARU is a passenger car and is
neither a conventional off-road vehicle
nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you do take
your SUBARU off-road, certain common
sense precautions such as those in the
following list should be taken.
&Before driving
.Make certain that you and all of your
passengers are wearing seatbelts.
.Carry some emergency equipment,
such as a towing rope or chain, a shovel,
wheel blocks, first aid kit and cell phone or
citizens band radio.
.Secure all cargo carried inside thevehicle and make certain that it is not
piled higher than the seatbacks. During
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
8-6

Driving tips/Loading your vehicle
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
models).
If your vehicle is a CVT model, for
information about holding the transmission
in the 2nd position, refer to“Selection of
manual mode”F7-26.Loading your vehicle
WARNING
.Never allow passengers to ride
on a folded rear seatback 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
extended cargo area cover. Such
items could tumble forward in the
event of a sudden stop or a
collision. This could cause ser-
ious injury.
8-12

CAUTION
Do not carry spray cans, containers
with flammable or corrosive liquids
or any other dangerous items inside
the vehicle.
NOTE
For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded cargo.
&Vehicle capacity weightVehicle placard
The load capacity of your vehicle is
determined by weight, not by available
cargo space. The maximum load you can
carry in your vehicle is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the driver’s
side door pillar. It includes the total weight
of the driver and all passengers and their
belongings, any optional equipment such
as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier,
etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.
&GVWR and GAWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)
Certification label
The certification label attached to the
bottom of driver’s side door pillar shows
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must
never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the
combined total of weight of the vehicle,
fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any
optional equipment and trailer tongue
load. Therefore, the GVW changes de-
pending on the situation. The GVWR
equals Curb Weight (actual weight of your
vehicle–including standard equipment,
fluids, emergency tools and spare tire
Driving tips/Loading your vehicle
–CONTINUED–8-13