The old idea is that manual transmission gave you more performance because you could change gears strategically to get better gas mileage. You're smarter than a car, after all, so you know exactly when to change gears and what gear you should be in, right? The truth is unless you're familiar with how to use gears to your advantage, the Subaru CVT system is a better choice.
If you're a car aficionado and know when to change gears, like downshifting when passing and other techniques, you're not likely to save more with a manual than a CVT system. You'd have to really work hard at it and then there's still not the promise you'll save more than 1 mpg. Subarus are very smart cars and the CVT system is a testament to Subaru's engineering.
The CVT system, or continuously variable transmission, allows the car to adjust through ratios of power much faster than gears. In fact, you could go from a standstill at a highway entrance to highway speeds much easier, faster, and with more efficiently than with changing gears. The CVT system gives even the fastest racecar drivers a run for their money on changing gears quickly to get up to highway speeds.
Auto transmissions are also better for towing than manual transmissions, both in ability to tow and fuel economy while towing. If you're looking for a Subaru to tow along something like your popup camper, automatic is the way to go.
However, with all that said, manuals do drive differently than automatics and if you're looking for that type of control, a manual might be best for you. The only way to find out, however, is to come in and test drive one!
