It Saves Fuel In The New Subaru Forester, Outback, And Crosstrek But You Don’t Like It

My solution to all the annoying mandatory features on all new vehicles - I'm not encouraging there manufacture, I'm not buying ANY new vehicle. The last good year for vehicles was no later than 2012.

For some perspective... my wife has owned her 2019 forester for 2 years now. She has saved 1.7 gallons of gas using this feature across 24,000 miles...
Its definitely costing more and wasting more gas to produce the larger starter motor and battery than it is saving for her..

One would think auto SS would be on the Subaru Ascent which consumes much more fuel than all other models mentioned. Maybe management was afraid of lost sales to higher end buyers declining to buy it. I read EPA gives even more refunds when ASS can’t be permanently off. It’s started an aftermarket of devices that will disable it. Never voted on by Congress but made by Obama Biden regime. Now Biden may be back as King to bring back more “features” many hate and billions more wasted on solar and wind projects with no return on investment. Meanwhile NHTSA & local govs keep 1970 style traffic controls ignoring dozens cars waiting at lights with no cross traffic. They’re even too lazy to use synchronized lights first used in 1950’s.

Start/Stop isn't too bad on most vehicles - but that CVT ... ug. I test drove a 2020 Outback and Ascent, and that gearbox turned me off.

I drive a 2020 Impreza and have had the same year loaners in the form of both the Forester and the Outback. All the vehicles have a very large button you can easily press to shut off the start/stop system as well as most all other safety/convenience features. Easier than many vehicles which hide it in the infotainment system. I chose to purchase a manual vehicle which disallowed all the safety and fuel saving systems. This is another sensible option for people who don’t want the start/stop or the autonomous cruise control etc(downside to some of course is you’d have to actually drive your own car!)

None of these so called 'features' will save enough money in fuel cost to pay for repairs to the features when they break. Cars have gotten way to complicated, and thus way to expensive.

I recently decided not to trade in my 2018 Forester for a 2021 model because of this start/stop feature. I travel a lot in the city and this would become totally annoying. I can see them offering it as an option. But making it mandatory is just crazy.
It was pitched to me as a "hybrid" like feature. Confused I asked if there was a battery pack. I was told no. It was there to meet CA emissions laws.
They also peeved me by removing some features, like blind side detection, from my particular model of Forester. So I would have to pay more for a feature I really use; but I would get a feature of dubious usefulness for no cost at all.
I think we all know that after the 3 year warranty runs out is when we will have to replace many of these extra components totally negating the minoe savings it provides. If I wanted a "hybrid" like feature I'd buy a hybrid. Since most all new cars come with this ridiculous feature I will buy a real hybrid. Goodby Subaru. Hello Toyota.

Someone tell me where Start/Stop is actually saving fuel? So, in order for Start/Stop to function, you need to add some 200+ lbs to the car (bigger oversized starter, 2nd battery, more complex control system) along with extra cost to maybe/maybe save a few ounces of fuel sitting at a stop. You are NOT gaining any fuel MILAGE because the system only works when STOPPED. Not movement = no gained mileage!

This is our 2nd Forester because we liked the 1st so much. The auto-stop-start will make this one our last unless Subaru permanently disables. Serious as I can be.

My bride and I turn off the Auto-Stop as soon as we get in the car. I wish the button had 2 positions, off for now, and off forever.

the auto start stop can be permanently disabled with a easy plug in $100 gadget. i dont like the scooped hood. light reflects off of it.