2009 Subaru Forester

In 1998, all-wheel drive stalwart Subaru brought their compact-utility-that-could, the Forester, to America.  While often overshadowed by more popular names like CR-V and RAV4, the Forester not only racked up numerous awards but a legion of die hard fans as well, and those fans had a lot to say about the design of this all-new 2009 Forester. It’s bigger and bolder. So let’s see if it makes our cut.

To please its many fans, the third-generation 2009 Subaru Forester Crossover Utility arrives with a host of improvements and upgrades. 

Owners also wanted a more rugged look, so Forester lines now lean more towards an SUV than a wagon. The bolder sportier front-end is defined by a more prominent grille that’s flanked by “hawk eye” headlamps.  Uplevel models, like our XT Limited, add fog lights.  The XT also features performance cues like a functional hood scoop, and the rear of the Forester is highlighted by oversized tail lamp clusters. Our XT showed chrome exhaust tips, too, as well as bright 17-inch alloy wheels - 16’s are standard on lesser models.

Under the hood is a choice of two familiar 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engines. The X trim’s normally aspirated motor makes 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Overall, we rate its performance as anemic.

The XT’s 2.5-liter turbocharged unit is a different story, with 224 horses and 226 pound-feet of torque.  It features a new intake system and a modified turbocharger to provide more low-end torque than before.

Transmissions are a five-speed manual, or an automatic with only four gears, but it does include a manual shift mode. 

Again there are two Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems. Ground clearance grows to 8.9 inches with an incline start feature on manual models. 

The Forester turbo now only comes with an automatic, and it charged from 0 to 60 in a spirited 6.7 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 15.1 seconds at 92 miles-per-hour.  Shifts were smooth, but with so few gears, they are not as tight as we’d like. 

Both ride and handling are enhanced by the more rigid chassis and revised four-wheel independent suspension with a new rear double-wishbone geometry.  Add to the mix wider tracks, a lower center of gravity, and now standard stability and traction control, and the upgrades are complete.

Braking comes from four-wheel ABS with Brake Assist.  Stops were fade-free, but felt a tad unstable and averaged a longish 133 feet from 60 to 0.

Owner’s request for a larger Forester also means an airier cabin, now more than ever designed for that urban adventurer. Styling is contemporary, with metallic trim and premium materials, especially in L.L. Bean and Limited trims.  Gauges and controls are well organized.

Seats, often a Subaru shortcoming, felt firm and supportive, with available 10-way power adjustment and heat. Overhead, there’s an available panoramic moon roof.

But the focal point was the optional GPS touch-screen navigation system, which includes a stereo with a single disc CD.

The spacious second row has gained a big 4.3 inches of legroom. It has a fold-down armrest, a recline feature, and a 60/40 split fold.

Maximum cargo space is about as before, a class typical 68.3 cubic feet. But thanks to rear suspension changes, the floor is over 5 inches wider between the wheel housings.

Government Fuel Economy ratings for the turbo Forester are 19 city/24 highway.  We recorded 22.4 miles-per-gallon on premium gas.

Pricing for the Forester 2.5X starts at $20,655, which can upped to the L.L. Bean Edition for $26,655.  The turbo-charged XT begins at $26,855.

Subaru clearly heard the call of Forester fans for its 2009 remake. It’s larger, bolder, more capable, and more comfortable. So more than ever, the Forester seamlessly combines the dynamics of a sedan and the versatility of an SUV. Not only does it make our cut, but we think it will cut an even larger slice of the compact crossover market for itself.