Cruise Control is a cool way to put your Subaru Outback on autopilot, so to speak. In this setting, the vehicle can maintain speeds of 25mph or more without having to press the accelerator. However, it will not set at below 25mph. In addition, the feature disconnects when the brake is applied.
While this is a wonderful feature, be aware that cruise control can be dangerous on winding roads, in traffic, and on wet slippery, or icy roads. With that being said, here are the uncomplicated steps to set your Cruise Control.
Contents
2010 – 2023 Models
- Press the Cruise Control icon located on the RIGHT side of the steering wheel, notated by the top arrow in the image (CC Icon).
- Once you reach your cruising speed, press the SET/− button (Middle Bottom).
- Cruise control is now SET, and you will see the following icon within the dashboard to inform you that it is now Active.
- You can now take your foot off of the accelerator and ride.
- Press the RES/+ button to INCREASE your speed (Middle Top).
- Press the SET/− button to DECREASE your speed. Both by 5 miles only at a time.
1999 – 2009
- Locate the cruise control lever on the right side of the steering wheel.
- Push the lever down to decrease speed.
- Push the lever up to increase speed.
- Push the lever forward to set the cruise control.
- Push the button on the lever to disable it.
1995 – 1998 Models
- Push Cruise on the left-hand side of the steering wheel.
- Press Set Coast when you reach your desired speed.
Subaru Outbacks Are Equipped With Cruise Control Eyesight
With Eyesight, if you set your Cruise Control speed to 50mph, yet you notice it is only going 40mph, this is due to a vehicle in front of you. So if the vehicle ahead speeds up, your vehicle will increase the speed automatically to reach your set cruising speed.
- Still using the buttons on the RIGHT side of the steering wheel.
- With your speed still SET, press the TOP LEFT button to move CLOSER to the vehicle ahead.
- Press the BOTTOM LEFT button to move FARTHER AWAY from the vehicle ahead.
- If the vehicle ahead slows down, your Outback will as well, WITHOUT you pressing the brake.
- If you press the brake by mistake, just press RES/+ to resume the previous speed.
Cancel Cruise Control
- Stepping on the brake lightly will disengage the speed and will save the previous set speed.
- Pressing the CRUISE CONTROL button will turn the system OFF.
Icons
- A Car above a meter (On/Off) – Press to turn the system ON/OFF; Be sure the system is OFF when not using it as if RES/+ or SET/− is active, you could accidentally hit either, which will cause your vehicle to enter cruise control mode automatically.
- SET/− (Set/Coast) -Used to set or decrease your desired speed.
- RES/+ –To maintain the desired speed or to accelerate the set speed. To increase the speed, press this button.
You are now ALL SET!
**NOTE: If you are unable to activate this feature on the first try, REPEAT the steps. If you are still unsuccessful, contact the dealership for assistance or consult your vehicle user’s manual.
I would like to be able to increase or decrease 1 mile per hour at a time. Is this possible with the increase or decrease button? Please advise.
I’m told by Subaru you can decrease using the buttons. I however can only increase and decrease by 5 mph. I’m told if you hit the decrease button fast it will change by 1 mph, but I can’t do it. Subaru told me its working correctly. This is on an outback with Eyesite. On my 2017 forester I can decrease and increase by 1 mph.
Does cruise control in the Subaru 2018 Outback stay engaged when it stops the car as the car in front slows and stops? Will it resume control as that car moves on?
?
You have to press the gas pedal to reactive when the car in front moves again.