2010 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

Subaru's Forester, which was first introduced in 1998, rightfully lays claim to being the first modern-day crossover sport-utility vehicle. Its compact size and high-built wagon body offer a near-perfect blend of utility, economy, and affordability. Add to that all-wheel drive and you have the right recipe for typical crossover SUV.

Over the years, Forester has grown in size, power, and features. It was last redesigned in 2009, when it grew three inches in length, two inches in width, and three inches taller than the model it replaced. With the '09 redesign, Forester is now large enough to be considered in the same breath as compact SUV stalwarts like the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4.

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.

Four flavors of Forester are offered, all seat five on twin front buckets and a split-folding three-place rear bench seat. 2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium, and 2.5X Limited (which effectively replaced last year's L.L. Bean Edition) come with a naturally-aspirated horizontally-opposed 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 170 horsepower. 2.5 XT Premium and 2.5 XT Limited use a turbocharged version of that engine that's good for 224 horsepower. Standard on X and X Premium is a five-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. When properly equipped Forester can tow up to 2400 pounds.

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

The 2.5 X lists for $20,295 and includes air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player with digital media player connection, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights, floormats, theft-deterrent system, and 215/65HR16 tires.

The $22,795 2.5 X Premium adds ten-way power driver seat, sunroof, steering-wheel-mounted radio controls, rear privacy glass, roof rails, 225/55HR17 tires, and alloy wheels.

The 2.5X Premium lists for $25,995 and adds to the 2.5X Limited automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer, wiper deicer, and fog lights.

The $26,495 XT adds to the 2.5X Premium tilt-telescope steering wheel and AM/FM radio with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer, but deletes the ten-way power driver deat, rear spoiler, and fog lights. The line-topping 2.5 XT Limited lists for $28,495 and adds to the XT Premium automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front seats, ten-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, wiper deicer, and heated power mirrors.

Stand-alone options include navigation system, Bluetooth cell-phone connection, iPod adapter, satellite radio, and remote engine start. All models carry a $665 destination charge and are assembled in Japan.

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.

While not overly powerful, XT models have above-average acceleration from a stop and good passing power. There is a slight bit of turbo lag in the power delivery, but it's not intrusive.

Not helping matters is Subaru's decision to stick with a four-speed automatic transmission. While it shifts smoothly and downshifts promptly, its wide-ranging gears handcuff what power the engines make, blunting acceleration further. Subaru should at least make a five-speed automatic available, if not the more-modern CVT automatic that's offered in the new Legacy and Outback twins.

Fuel economy is a plus. 2.5 X models with automatic are EPA rated at 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. XT ratings are only slightly lower at 19 mpg city and 24 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 20 mpg on the XT, 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  Forester 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 some in the class, Forester's interior has a slightly Spartan feel. Materials are appropriate for the class, but lack the upscale tone of a vehicle like the Chevrolet Equinox.

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-door 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 uncharacteristically 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 increase 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 are also a couple of small-item storage bins that are perfect for cell phones or an iPass transponder.

Bottom Line  When it comes down to it the Forester is really a tall wagon, and that's OK. In fact, it's better than OK, the Forester is a great offering by Subaru. It has all of the virtues of a compact SUV, the frugality of a compact car, and the utility of a large cargo area and all-wheel drive.

Are there things Subaru could improve? Yes, the interior materials need an upgrade and the four-speed automatic has got to go. Also, the horizontally opposed engine is a bit lumpy at idle and coarse in hard acceleration. Still, the entire package is so much more appealing than traditional compact SUVs on so many levels.

Shoppers looking for the utility of a crossover SUV, but wanting something perhaps a little more livable would be wise to shop the Forester.