I wish my salesperson would have told me. 

Learning about all the features of a new Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, or another new model is nearly impossible in the sales process. After you complete the paperwork, you want to get out of the dealer’s showroom and into your new all-wheel-drive vehicle. 

Many of my readers say, “I wish my Subaru salesperson would have informed me about all the new features.” Another reader said, “I don’t know how to turn off my heated seats.” 

These are comments I hear often. In defense of the Subaru salesperson, there isn’t enough time because there are so many new features. Many dealers have new owners return for a “class,” a part of their customer service program designed to ensure new owners are thoroughly familiar with their vehicle’s capabilities.

In this report, I’ll explain five things you may have yet to learn existed on your new Subaru! Some are features your salesperson may need to know about. Some of the information in my report comes from Subaru insider Alex Prestigiacomo. 

I will also give a sixth bonus feature at the end you will want to find out about. 

1. Steering responsive headlights

Subaru Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH) are now standard on most new Subaru vehicles; only the lower trims do not have them. They are a great new safety feature, but many new owners need clarification on their function. They are for your safety.  

Better visibility when driving at night

Steering Responsive Headlights can help you see better around corners because they automatically aim toward your steering direction rather than simply pointing straight ahead. This enhanced visibility can give you a sense of security, allowing you to react sooner if something unexpected happens, like a deer or Elk jumping out in front of your vehicle. They can keep you from a potentially dangerous situation.

2. Drag and Drop Apps 

You can customize and personalize your apps on the Subaru touchscreen with ease. The Drag and Drop Apps feature allows you to arrange your apps exactly how you want them. It’s as simple as touching the app, holding it, and then dragging it into your desired position. This level of control can make your driving experience more comfortable and personalized. 

When you get the app into your desired position, you release it and click the Home button below. 

3. Using your Subaru key fob.

First, you do not need to click the key fob open button to open your vehicle. If you have the key fob in your pocket, you pull the door handle, and the car will unlock, and you can open the door. When leaving the vehicle, to lock it, you push the small lines on top of the handle. The key fob never leaves your pocket. 

What happens if your key fob battery is dead?

If your key fob battery is dead, don’t worry. Your Subaru is equipped with a backup plan. Your key fob has a silver clip on the back that you can push, pull out the key, put it into the key hole, and then you can unlock your car. If you push the start button, it will say, ‘Access Key Not Detected.’ To start the car, you hold the key fob next to the start button, and you can start your car. 

This backup plan ensures you’re never stranded due to a dead key fob battery.

4. Universal screwdriver/tow hook

If you have a Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, or other model, you’ll have a Universal screwdriver/tow hook underneath the cargo floor. Many customers have asked, “What is the silver tool with the round hole on the end?”

This tool in the kit is used if you get stuck while on the trail and must be pulled out of a ditch or a sticky spot. There’s a small panel on the rear bumper and front bumper that you can take off. You can pop it off with the screwdriver in your tool kit, and it reveals a hole to screw the tow hook into. 

You can then attach a tow hook to another vehicle and get pulled out without damaging your bumper or undercarriage.  

You can also use the front and rear hooks to strap and secure a rope over the top of your Subaru vehicle from the front to the back to secure things like a long canoe, giving you extra mounting points. 

5. Heated seat with quick on/off control

How do you turn on and off your heated seats? A heated seat icon is on the lower part of your Subaru touchscreen. If your seats are on and you want them off, you can push and hold the icon, and they will shut off. This eliminates the need to push multiple times to get them turned off. 

Here is a sixth feature that you likely didn’t know about. 

6. Non-adaptive cruise control

The Subaru adaptive cruise control is powered by the EyeSight driver assist technology. It automatically keeps a preset distance to slow the vehicle when there’s a slower vehicle ahead. You can change that distance with the steering wheel’s up and down arrows.

What if you want to turn the adaptive cruise control off?

You can turn the adaptive cruise control off by holding down either the up-distance control arrow or the down-distance arrow for a few seconds until you hear a beep, and it’s turned off. 

It’s important to note that each time you stop and restart your vehicle, the adaptive cruise control has a default setting that turns it back on. 

In another one of my reports, I covered The top 5 hidden settings on your Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek. These are not widely known and could significantly enhance your driving experience. Check out my report here. 

Do you have questions about your new Subaru? 

Ask them here, and I will do my best to answer them. Or, click the red ‘Add new comment’ link below and let me know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You’ll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.