Subaru Forester Hacks: 10 Hidden Features You Didn’t Know You Had

Subaru Forester Hacks: 10 Hidden Features You Didn’t Know You Had

Posted on July 23, 2026

Subaru Forester Hacks: 10 Hidden Features You Didn’t Know You Had

The Subaru Forester is known for its spacious interior, excellent visibility, standard Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive, and confidence in changing road conditions. However, this versatile SUV has more clever features than many drivers realize.

Whether you already own a Forester or are considering one for your next vehicle, there are useful settings, cargo solutions, safety technologies, and convenience features waiting to be discovered.

From navigating Edmonton winters to loading up for a weekend outside the city, these 10 Subaru Forester hacks can help you get more comfort, capability, and convenience from every drive.

Drivers interested in exploring the latest models can also visit the Subaru Forester research page to learn more about available trims, features, and capabilities.

1. X-MODE: Extra Confidence on Slippery Roads

The Forester’s available X-MODE system works with the vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system, transmission, throttle, and stability controls to improve traction when road conditions become more challenging.

Depending on the model and trim, selectable settings may be available for conditions such as snow, dirt, deep snow, and mud.

Pro Tip: Use X-MODE when navigating icy inclines, snow-covered parking lots, unplowed rural roads, or muddy campsites. It is designed for low-speed situations where additional control is needed.

Drivers looking for a vehicle built around all-season confidence can browse the current selection of Subaru Forester models in Edmonton.

2. Open the Power Rear Gate Hands-Free

When your hands are full of groceries, sports equipment, or camping supplies, the available hands-free power rear gate can save you from putting everything down.

On equipped Forester models, a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper activates the sensor and opens the cargo area.

Hack: The power rear gate may also include a memory function, allowing you to set its maximum opening height. This is especially useful when parking inside a garage with a low ceiling.

3. DriverFocus Can Remember Different Drivers

Available DriverFocus technology does more than monitor for signs of distraction or fatigue. The system can recognize registered drivers and automatically restore certain personalized settings when they enter the vehicle.

Depending on the Forester’s equipment, this may include the driver’s seat position, exterior mirror position, and climate-control preferences.

Hack: Create separate profiles for everyone who regularly drives the Forester. This can reduce the need to readjust the seat, mirrors, and cabin settings each time the driver changes.

4. Use the Windshield Wiper De-Icer

On equipped Forester models, heating elements near the bottom of the windshield help loosen snow and ice around the wiper blades.

This can prevent the wipers from freezing to the glass and help them remain effective during Edmonton’s colder months.

Winter Hack: Activate the rear-window defogger to engage the windshield wiper de-icer. Give the system a few minutes to loosen the ice before lifting or operating the wipers.

For additional winter preparation, Subaru City drivers can also explore the dealership’s Edmonton tire centre for seasonal tires and tire services.

5. Start the Forester and Set the Temperature Remotely

Available MySubaru connected services allow compatible Forester models to be remotely started using a smartphone.

Depending on the model, trim, and subscription, drivers may also be able to adjust the cabin temperature before entering the vehicle.

Winter Win: Start warming the Forester while finishing your morning coffee or before leaving the office. During warmer months, remote climate settings can help cool the cabin before your drive home.

6. Lock the Doors from the Rear Gate

Some Forester models include a lock button built directly into the power rear gate.

Instead of closing the hatch and walking back to one of the doors, you can press the rear-gate lock button after unloading your cargo.

Hack: This is especially useful after removing groceries, hockey equipment, a stroller, or luggage. Close the gate, lock the Forester, and walk away without searching for the key fob.

7. Customize the Touchscreen

Forester models equipped with an available touchscreen allow drivers to organize commonly used infotainment functions for easier access.

You can save favourite radio stations, connect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, store frequently used contacts, and access vehicle settings through the central display.

Hack: Set up your phone connection, contacts, and favourite audio sources while parked. A personalized home screen can reduce the number of menus you need to navigate during everyday driving.

8. Make Use of the Cargo Hooks and Tie-Down Points

Look around the Forester’s cargo area and you will find multiple anchor points and hooks designed to help keep belongings secure.

These can be used for grocery bags, cargo nets, bungee cords, emergency kits, outdoor equipment, or storage organizers.

Hack: Keep a collapsible cargo organizer in the back for smaller items. Attach it to the available tie-down points to prevent groceries, washer-fluid containers, and winter supplies from sliding around.

9. Store Smaller Items Beneath the Cargo Floor

The area beneath the cargo floor provides a convenient place to keep smaller essentials out of sight and separate from everyday cargo.

Depending on the model and equipment, this space can be useful for storing emergency supplies, reusable shopping bags, basic tools, gloves, or a compact snow brush.

Alberta Hack: Build a small winter kit with booster cables, a flashlight, gloves, traction aids, and a tire-pressure gauge. Keeping these items below the cargo floor leaves the main storage area open.

10. Take Advantage of the Forester’s Excellent Visibility

The Forester’s large windows, generous glass area, upright seating position, and carefully designed pillars provide a clear view of the surrounding road.

It may not feel like a hidden feature, but many owners do not realize how much the cabin’s design contributes to easier parking, lane changes, and city driving.

Hack: Properly adjust the seat and side mirrors to take full advantage of the Forester’s wide sightlines. When positioned correctly, the mirrors can help reduce blind spots and provide a clearer view of surrounding traffic.

Bonus: Make Your Forester More Pet-Friendly

Subaru offers a variety of accessories designed to protect the Forester when travelling with pets, including cargo-area liners, seat protectors, compartment separators, and other practical interior accessories.

A fitted cargo liner can help contain dirt, snow, and pet hair, while a rear-seat protector can make cleanup easier after a trip to the dog park or a muddy Alberta trail.

Why the Subaru Forester Works Well in Edmonton

The Subaru Forester combines everyday practicality with features designed for changing weather and road conditions. Its standard all-wheel-drive system, generous cargo space, strong outward visibility, and available driver-assistance technologies make it well suited for Edmonton commuters, families, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether you are driving through winter snow, navigating construction season, or heading out of the city for the weekend, the Forester offers a balanced combination of comfort, capability, and flexibility.

Drivers comparing different Subaru SUVs can also explore the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback to find the right fit for their needs.

Final Thoughts

The Subaru Forester is more than a spacious compact SUV. Its traction technology, flexible cargo area, connected features, driver-recognition system, and winter-friendly equipment are designed to make everyday ownership easier.

Once you know where to find these features and how to customize them, the Forester becomes an even more capable companion for commuting through Edmonton, travelling across Alberta, or heading out for a weekend adventure.

Want to explore more Subaru Forester features in person?

Visit Subaru City Edmonton for a personalized vehicle walk-through, or explore the latest Subaru Forester models in Edmonton online.

Already driving a Forester? Schedule your next appointment through the Subaru City service department to help keep it ready for every season.

Feature availability may vary by model year, trim level, connected-services subscription, and vehicle configuration. Contact Subaru City Edmonton for complete details.