How to Use Paddle Shifters on a Subaru Outback

Last Updated: January 18, 2022 References Approved

Fourth and fifth generation Subaru Outbacks (2011 to 2016) come standard with paddles on the steering wheel which you can use to change gears manually. If you've never driven manual, you might be wondering how those paddles work and what you should use them for. While you'll be fine never using them at all, when used properly, the paddles can help avoid wear and tear on your car, and they can also help you maintain better control when you're driving under certain conditions.

Steps

1
Understand how the Subaru CVT transmission works. An automatic transmission changes gear ratios as the car moves (so you don't have to change them manually). While most automatic transmissions have a defined set of gear ranges, a CVT automatic transmission changes seamlessly through an infinite number of gear ratios.
- The Outback can simulate a manual transmission with six programmed speeds that hold the CVT pulleys in fixed positions.
- You can use manual mode by moving the lever to "M" and using the paddle shifters, or (temporarily) by using the paddle shifters while you're driving in automatic mode (select lever at the "D" position). When shifting to "M" you do not need to press the brakes or press the button on the lever.
2
Keep in mind that the long-term effects of downshifting on a CVT transmission are unknown. Since brakes are much less costly to replace than a transmission, it would be wise to only use manual shifting in situations in which safety is enhanced, such as descending on a long, steep hill or starting off in 2nd gear under slippery conditions.
- Avoid downshifting in place of braking when approaching traffic lights or other frequent, daily stops. While many people may do this, Subaru technical representatives note that downshifting "is only recommended in situations where the engine braking would be needed, such as when descending a grade. Normally, a driver would have no need to engine brake when just coming to a stop at a light or stop sign. Since the transmission is not designed to handle this, it would accelerate wear on the CVT." ^{[1]
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3
Know how to get out of manual mode.
- If you move the lever into manual mode, you can return to automatic mode simply by moving the lever back to "D".
- If you use the paddle shifters while driving with the lever in the "D" position, the car will return to auto mode when it senses a significant change in throttle position. You can trigger this by accelerating. Alternatively, you can shift the lever into manual mode ("M") and right back to auto mode ("D").

Method 1

Method 1 of 8:

Hill Descent

1
Consider using the paddles when on a long, steep decline to take advantage of engine braking and prevent wheel brakes from overheating. This is especially useful when you're stuck behind someone who is riding their brakes.
2
Pull the left paddle toward you (downshift) until you reach a comfortable speed. You do not need to shift the car into manual mode. The car will stay in whatever gear you chose for it until you step on the gas.

Method 2

Method 2 of 8:

Snowy or Icy Conditions

1
Use the paddle shifters instead of brakes to slow down. Downshift the same way as described for hill descent. This will allow you to slow down more gently and maintain better control of the car.
2
Get a smooth start on a slippery surface by holding the car in 2nd gear. Put your foot on the brake, pull the right paddle toward you once to engage 2nd gear, and lift your foot off the brake.

Method 3

Method 3 of 8:

Towing

1
To tow using the paddlers, use manual mode. Then keep the car in the lowest gear possible by pulling the "-" paddle until it wont shift down any more. Only use this to get moving or going up a hill with a heavy load being towed. Use the "-" paddle to slow down too, that will take stress off the breaks when slowing down or descending a hill. When on flat ground, to achieve max fuel economy, shift into the highest gear using the "+" shift paddle. When you need to have power to climb a hill or overtake, use the "-" paddle to move down a couple gears to achieve more power and torque to move faster or have more power to pull the load.
- The higher the RPM, the more power to pull, but the worst fuel economy. The lower the rpm, the better the fuel economy but less torque to tow with.

Method 4

Method 4 of 8:

Passing

1
Downshift right before passing someone. Putting the car into a lower gear will give you some extra zip when passing another vehicle on the highway, or joining traffic when there is a short ramp, without having to floor the accelerator.
- When at steady speed in full auto mode, the Subaru's CVT system keeps RPMs low for fuel efficiency; pushing down the accelerator very rapidly increases torque, but the RPMs still need to build up. Downshifting raises the RPMs so when you accelerate, you don't have to wait for the RPMs to catch up.^{[2]
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- Always check your blind spot by turning your head before changing lanes.

Method 5

Method 5 of 8:

Climbing

1
Downshift to a lower gear to get more power while climbing, as done with passing.

Method 6

Method 6 of 8:

Turning On a Winding Descent

1
Keep in mind that this technique should only be used when facing a long, steep descent. Downshifting on a daily basis for normal turns might have a negative effect as described above for downshifting for traffic lights.
2
Downshift to slow down when you see a corner coming, before the turn. Do not switch gears during the turn.
3
Keep your hands at a fixed position on the steering wheel so you don't lose track of the paddles. Don't turn hand over hand. If the turn is sharp and requires hand over hand, use brakes, not paddles.
4
Finish with the turn before manually changing gears again.

Method 7

Method 7 of 8:

Off Roading

1
Move the lever into manual mode.
2
Hold the car in first or second gear while you traverse the great outdoors.

Method 8

Method 8 of 8:

Hypermiling

1
Upshift to progress though gears faster than your car normally does.
2
Pull the upshift (right) paddle after you let off the gas. This minimizes engine braking and maximizes coasting speed. The Outback has aggressive fuel shutoff, letting inertia do all the work when coasting.^{[3]
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Community Q&A

Question

Why doesn't Subaru market a manual shift for Outback models? Some of us prefer clutching!

Community Answer

Demand is very low for manual cars. Dealers get better return on investment by stocking a wider variety of automatics and simply requiring manuals to special order. People who demand manual transmissions will wait for them if need be. For Subaru, the demand is low enough that the expected return is not enough to justify even offering manuals on most models. If you want AWD car with fuel economy, the only other option is Audi.
Question

Do I have to use the paddle shifters? What happens if I decide not to use them and treat it as a normal automatic?

Community Answer

You do not have to use the paddle shifters at all if you have an automatic transmission. You can completely forget about them if you don't want to use them. If you ever touch the downshift unintentionally, the car will shift out when you touch the gas. Alternatively, shift to 'M' then back to 'D' to clear your paddle shift immediately.
Question

Can you shift from manual to automatic while in motion?

Community Answer

Yes. Move the shifter from 'M' to 'D' or 'D' to 'M' at any time to switch between manual and automatic.