This five-passenger compact crossover SUV offers impressive
maximum cargo capacity and interior space. Based on the rally-proven
Impreza platform, the Forester uses the same AWD system found in
other Subaru models. The Forester gets standard all-wheel
drive and comes in a choice of regular or turbocharged four-cylinder
engines. The 2009 Forester trim levels range from the 2.5 X to
the luxurious Forester L.L.Bean Edition. The main downsides to
the Forester are that the turbo requires premium fuel, the radio
buttons are small, the automatic is a bit slow to react, and there
is no telescoping steering wheel in non-turbo models. The
benefits of driving the 2009 Forester is its no-nonsense cargo area,
its low base price, solid brakes, good rear visibility, and
comfortable seats.
Forester Power
For 2009, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines that power the
Forester have been modified to give more power at low engine speeds.
The manual transmission is a five-speed, and a four-speed automatic
with a sequential-shift mode is optional. The transmissions come
with different all-wheel-drive systems. According to Subaru, the
automatic comes with Variable Torque Management that shifts power to
the front and rear axles by monitoring throttle position, battery
voltage, generator rpm, wheel speed, brake status, lateral g-force
and automatic transmission fluid temperature.
Drive the Forester
Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard, and 17-inch
aluminum-alloy wheels are optional. The manual includes Incline
Start Assist, which is a refinement of the older Hill Holder
feature. It prevents the car from rolling backward when taking off
from a stop on an incline. The previous Forester's strut-type rear
suspension is replaced by a double-wishbone design, which is
theoretically superior.
The hood is higher, even though Subaru has
always noted that its horizontally opposed engine style helped keep
the hoodline low and visibility high. Ground clearance is also
raised a bit, to 8.9 inches. Fog lights are an option. Turbo
versions are distinguished by a hood scoop that funnels cooling air
into the intercooler just under the hood.
2009 Lineup
Originally, this Forester came in base 2.5X and upgraded XS
trims, with the XT (later XT Limited) arriving for '04 and the XS
L.L. Bean trim for '05. Despite all these trim name changes and
additions, the XT never wavered from being the more powerful and
better equipped Forester. The 2009 Forester comes in four trim
levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited. The base model
is very modestly equipped, but some of the XT's features are
available in a Premium Package that includes alloy wheels, sunroof
and a reclining rear seatback. The Limited models gain luxury items
like leather upholstery, a power driver seat, automatic climate
control and an upgraded stereo.
Cabin Features
The interior gets some updates for 2009,
including some faux metal and higher-quality cloth seats. The door
openings are larger and the rear window is enlarged for better
visibility. The Forester's new platform gives a 3.6-inch longer
wheelbase, which adds to interior roominess. A center armrest is
standard for the backseat, and a retractable center tray is
optional. The standard stereo includes an input for MP3 players, and
the optional navigation system adds full audio/video inputs for
playing a video game or some other video source on the dashboard
screen when the car is parked. Both XM and Sirius satellite radio
are offered, as is a premium stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD
changer and an MP3 player input with iPod control connections.
Summary
The Subaru Forester is new and improved for
2009. Now in its third iteration the Forester is longer,
closer to competition in size, and more refined. New or used,
the Forester offers buyers the strengths of easy maneuverability,
sure-footed handling in slippery weather, solid build quality and
different styling from the rest of the pack. In addition to
the required front airbags, there are side-impact torso airbags for
the front occupants and side curtains that protect front and
backseat occupants against head injury. A rollover sensor can deploy
the curtain airbags to protect occupants and prevent their ejection
in the case of a rollover. Active head restraints are standard for
the front seats. Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
with traction control are standard on all trim levels. The optional
heated front seats come with heated side mirrors and a windshield
wiper de-icer.