2009 Subaru Forester Review

PROS  Car-like ride, Standard all-wheel drive, Comfortable back seat

CONS  Ho-hum interior materials, Middling acceleration, Old-school four-speed automatic

Since its inception in 1998, Subaru's Forester forged its own road as a SUV crossed with a compact wagon. In essence, it was the first crossover SUV. To create the Forester, Subaru started with its compact Impreza chassis and added a high-built four-door wagon body. Thus the Forester was born and a new niche opened in the automotive landscape.

To better compete with more traditionally sized compact SUVs, Subaru introduced a totally new Forester for 2009. Three inches longer, two inches wider, and three inches taller than the model it replaces, the new Forester grows up enough to be considered in the same breath as compact SUV stalwarts like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4.

One thing Subaru didn't mess with was Forester's all-wheel drive. Like all Subaru models, Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive at no extra charge. The all-wheel-drive system doesn't come with a low range and isn't intended for rock crawling. However, Forester does have enough ground clearance to be considered off-road capable.

Five flavors of Forester are offered, all seat five on twin front buckets and a split-folding three-place rear bench seat. Foresters are powered by a horizontally opposed 2.5-liter four-cylinder. 2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium, and 2.5 L.L. Bean come with a naturally aspirated version that makes 170 horsepower. 2.5 XT and 2.5 XT Limited get a turbocharged version that's good for 224 horsepower. Standard on 2.5 X and 2.5 X Premium is a 5-speed manual transmission with hill-holder clutch. Optional on those and standard on others is a four-speed automatic that features a separate shift gate for manual operation.

Standard safety equipment on all models includes antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, stability control and dual-front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags. The curtain airbags have a rollover sensor. Park assist and rear-view monitor are not available.

The 2.5 X lists for $19,995 and includes air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, split-folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player with digital-media player connection, outside-temperature indicator, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights, floormats, theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rack, and 215/65HR16 tires.

The $22,495 2.5 X Premium adds sunroof, steering-wheel-mounted radio controls, rear privacy glass, roof rails, 225/55HR17 tires, and alloy wheels.

Officially licensed L.L. Bean Edition lists for $25,995 and adds automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, ten-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, wiper deicer, and fog lights.

The $26,195 XT adds to the 2.5X Premium tilt-telescope steering wheel, AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, and wiper deicer. But deletes the rear spoiler and fog lights. The line-topping 2.5 XT Limited lists for $28,195 and adds to the XT automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front seats, ten-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, and heated power mirrors.

Stand-alone options include navigation system, iPod adapter, satellite radio, and remote engine start. All models carry a $665 destination charge and are assembled in Japan. When properly equipped Forester can tow up to 2400 pounds.

Get Up and Go  Forester's naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four provides adequate acceleration and nothing more. Zero to sixty is likely around eleven seconds and that's a bit off the pace when compared to other compact SUVs. Because of the power shortage, drivers of naturally aspirated models have to downshift often to keep pace with traffic. Obviously, those wanting more power will opt for an XT.

Not helping matters is Subaru's decision to stick with a four-speed automatic transmission. While it shifts smoothly and downshifts promptly, it's wide-ranging gears handcuff what power the naturally aspirated engine makes, blunting acceleration further. Subaru should at least make a five-speed automatic available, if not a more modern CVT automatic.

Fuel economy is a plus. 2.5 X models with automatic are EPA rated at 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Those numbers are on par with class competitors and impressive for an all-wheel-drive vehicle with five-passenger capacity. In routine driving expect to average about 22 mpg, if not better. Subaru says that normally aspirated models will run fine on regular-grade gasoline, while Turbocharged models gulp premium-grade fuel.

Forester's all-wheel drive setup effectively bridges the gap between soft roader and hard-core off-road ready. There's no low range for mud bogging or rock crawling, but Forester does have ample suspension travel and good ground clearance. The result is a vehicle that's reasonably capable off road and virtually unstoppable in snowy conditions.

On the Road  Much like the previous Forester, the '09 model has a decidedly car-like feel from behind the wheel. The supple suspension does an excellent job of quelling minor road imperfections and softening large impacts. There's little of the traditional SUV bounce or bob as the ride is stable and secure.

When the road grows twisty, drivers will be impressed with the direct and natural steering and responsive brakes. Body lean is modest, and the tires have adequate grip--more so on XT. Forester is certainly not the sportiest competitor in the class but its moves are more than adequate for routine driving.

Forester is among the quietest riding compact SUVs. Wind noise is well muted and road noise is only noticeable on rough concrete roads. Subaru's unique horizontally opposed engines growl in hard acceleration but cruise quietly.

On the whole, Forester lays claim as the most composed and refined vehicle in the compact SUV class.

Behind the Wheel  Compared to the previous Forester, the '09's interior has a slightly more Spartan feel. Materials are appropriate for the class, but lack the upscale tone of the previous generation.

A large speedometer faces drivers from directly behind the steering wheel. Flanking it to the left is a slightly smaller tachometer. Both are well marked and easy to read day or night. Radio controls are simple and straightforward, if slightly undersized for American tastes. Climate controls consist of three dials and a couple push buttons. They are refreshingly simple and straightforward. Ancillary controls for the windows and door locks are logically arranged on the driver's armrest.

Front-seat passengers are treated to plenty of head and leg room. Seats are comfortable if a bit chair-like. The tall roof and uncharacteristicly low, for a SUV, step-in height make for easy entry-exit. Thin roof pillars, large outside mirrors, and a large rear window are a formula for excellent outward visibility.

Thanks to the stretch in both wheelbase and length, the '09 Forester now sports adult-size rear-seat leg room. The seats are also firmer and considerably more comfortable than before. Both are welcome changes and a huge plus in the class. Adding a roomy back seat was a wise move by Subaru as it positions Forester as a midsize SUV pretender.

Subaru claims cargo space has increased by more five inches from the previous generation and, based on a quick glance, there's little reason to doubt that declaration. The hatch opens wide and the load floor is flat. In addition, the rear seatbacks fold in a snap to extend cargo space. Interior storage is highlighted by three deep center-console bins and large door map pockets. There's also a couple of small-item storage bins that are perfect for cell phones or an iPass transponder.

Bottom Line  I am rarely a fan of the "bigger is better" mantra that has been sweeping through the auto industry. However, in the case of the Forester, Subaru has "right sized" a vehicle that rode the line between too small for families and to big for young couples.

The '09 redesign redefines Forester as a credible player in the compact SUV ranks. Gone are the quirky three-quarter dimensions. Subaru traditionalists may mourn an enlarged Forester, but mainstream buyers will now be able to fully appreciate Forester's many virtues--things like a car-like ride, good fuel economy, and standard all-wheel drive.

Though interior materials took a dive in the redesign, so did prices, which dropped almost $1000 model-to-model. The 2.5 X Premium is the best overall value, combining the most sought after features with a sub-$23,000 price tag. Forester isn't perfect as it could use a more modern transmission and perhaps a slight horsepower boost on normally aspirated models, but you'd be a fool to buy any compact SUV without first giving the Sub a test drive.