The Subaru Forester is a crossover vehicle that blends many of the best attributes of a sport-utility vehicle with the ride and driving dynamics of a car. It offers the capability of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, as well as a versatile rear cargo area with liftgate, underfloor storage and up to 68 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
The Forester is available in five trim levels: 2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 X Limited, 2.5 XT Premium and 2.5 XT Limited. All trim levels are equipped with a 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine; in "X" variants, the engine is naturally-aspirated and produces 170 horsepower, while both "XT" variants generate 224 horsepower, compliments of an intercooled turbocharger. The 2.5 X and 2.5 X Premium get a 5-speed manual transmission with Incline Start Assist, while all other trims are mated to a 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode (available on the 2.5 X and 2.5 X Premium). Notable (trim-dependent) features include a panoramic glass sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, 6-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, heated front seats and leather upholstery. An optional touch-screen GPS navigation system is offered on XT variants. Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability and traction control systems, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, active front head restraints, front side-impact airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor.
After a complete redesign last year, the third-generation Subaru Forester carries over with minimal changes for 2010. A new 2.5 X Premium trim adds popular features to the entry-level 2.5 X, including alloy wheels, privacy glass, body-colored exterior mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a power driver seat with lumbar support. Also new for 2010, the available navigation system adds integrated Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
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According to the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) front crash tests, the Forester was the only SUV in its class to be rated 'Good' -- Canadian Driver
a no-nonsense mini-SUV for those who need the versatility of a small wagon with the grip of all-wheel drive. -- Edmunds.com
There's good low-rpm torque available for passing. -- New Car Test Drive
[Base model] Forester L ($20,295) comes with a high level of standard equipment, including ABS... -- New Car Test Drive
Subaru makes one of the best all-wheel-drive systems in the world, rivaled only by Porsche and Audi. -- New Car Test Drive
...terrific, huge power sunroof that opens over the front and rear seats. -- The Detroit News