Subaru Forester Driver is Disappointed Because His SUV Can’t Swim
A Pennsylvania man was recently disappointed after discovering that his Subaru Forester couldn’t drive on ice without sinking. This is not a reflection of the Subaru Forester. This innocent SUV was intentionally driven onto a frozen lake before it fell through the ice.
Driver sinks his Subaru Forester into a frozen lake
If you have some ice and snow along with a capable SUV for winter, it can be tempting to have a little fun. But you shouldn’t try to perform dangerous stunts or go off-roading beyond your capabilities.
According to Augusta Auto Body, no one should try driving across a frozen lake unless it’s deemed safe. The ice needs to be 8 to 15-inches thick, depending on your vehicle. You should also check about every 150 feet to determine how thick the ice is along your route.
But this Pennsylvania man threw caution to the wind and sunk his Subaru Forester in the ice while driving onto North Park Lake. According to WPXI News, the man became stuck when one of his tires broke through the ice.
He was fortunate that he didn’t totally sink as the 24-year-old attempted this adventure at 10:30 P.M. He may not have been seen for a rescue. Firefighters and the police recovered the man and the Forester safely. No one was hurt, but the condition of the SUV remains unknown.
At first, the man said he thought it would be fun to drive on the ice. Then he backtracked and claimed he thought he was entering a parking lot. But the police noted that there were several “boat launch” signs and signs that said all activities except for ice fishing are prohibited on the ice. The driver was not under the influence and may face charges if deemed appropriate after further investigation.
Is the Forester good in snow?
Again, this issue wasn’t caused by the Subaru Forester! It’s not to blame. The Forester actually ranks in the Top 11 Vehicles for snow, according to U.S. News. The 2021 Subaru Forester ranks in 10th place, which is better than not making the list at all.
It’s an affordable compact SUV that can handle slippery conditions thanks to having 8.7-inches of ground clearance. Plus, it comes with standard all-wheel drive. It can drive through snow and slush with excellent grip and stability. Higher trim models feature hill descent control and Subaru X-Mode, which enhances traction in snow or mud.
The Forester has a five-passenger cabin that can be equipped with leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated seats in the front and back rows, and class-leading cargo space for winter gear.
Is the Forester worth buying?
Yes, the 2021 Subaru Forester is an excellent SUV option. Just don’t drive it across a frozen lake. You can get started in the 2021 model for about $24,795. It comes with a 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 1,500 lb.
While the engine is a little sluggish, according to Edmunds, it has good steering, braking, and handling. The seats are supportive and comfortable for long drives, and road noise is kept at a minimum.
The tech is easy and convenient to use. The dual-screen infotainment system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also takes voice commands, and USB ports are located in the front and rear.
