2009 Subaru Forester

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After driving the 2009 Subaru Forester, we’ve come to the conclusion that it has a split personality. Despite its sophisticated new styling, this third-generation model is one of the few compact SUVs that works just as well on rough dirt roads as it does on the smooth streets of suburbia.

During the week, this all-new Forester offers a decidedly car-like driving experience. Its new longer wheelbase also creates a roomier interior with a rear seat that’s much more adult-friendly. Top marks in tough IIHS crash tests provide added peace of mind while cruising through the concrete jungle.

Come the weekend, the Forester makes it possible to head for the hills with equal confidence thanks its 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s surprisingly capable all-wheel drive system. A larger rear cargo area and above-average 2,400-pound towing capacity also allow it to tote lots of outdoor toys.

Best of all the non-turbocharged 2.5X models delivers all this practicality while returning very respectable EPA fuel economy estimates. Add a starting MSRP under $20,000—thousands less than a comparably-equipped Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4—and the new Forester’s two personalities add up to one of the most well-rounded small SUVs out there.

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Bottom Line:

One of the safest and most capable small SUVs on the market.

Pricing:

Safety Features:

Crash Test Ratings:

Fuel Economy:

Manufacturer’s Website:

Subaru

Trim shown: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited

Trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Limited, 2.5X Premium Package, 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited

Features:

Msrp
$19,995
Weight
3,250 - 3,440 lbs.
Height
65.9 - 66.9 in.
Length
179.5 in.
Width
70.1 in.
Wheelbase
103 in.
Cargo volume
68.3 cu. ft.
Headroom
Front: 40 - 41.6 in.|Rear: 37.7 - 40.4 in.
Legroom
Front: 43.1 in.|Rear: 38 in.
Seating
5
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
Engine
2.5L H-4
City mileage
20/26 (2.5X models)|19/24 (2.5 XT models)
Highway mileage
Fuel capacity
17 gallons
Fuel requirement
regular unleaded|premium unleaded
Horsepower
170-hp @ 6,000 rpm|224-hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque
170 lbs.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm|226 lbs.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm
Towing capacity
2,400 lbs.
Transmission
5-speed manual|4-speed automatic w/ manual shift feature
Wheels
16-in.|17-in.
Options
Automatic transmission|Heated outside mirrors|Heated front seats|Auto-dimming rearview mirror|Touch-screen navigation system|Premium audio system|
Safety features
/*Antilock Brakes:*/|Standard|/*Brake Assist:*/|Standard|/*Electronic Stability Control:*/|Standard|/*Traction Control:*/|Standard|/*Multistage Front Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Side-Impact Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Side-Curtain Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Active Front Head Restraints:*/|Standard|/*Height Adjustable Shoulder Belts:*/|Standard|/*Safety Belt Pretensioners:*/|Standard|/*Center Rear Shoulder Belt:*/|Standard|/*Childproof Rear Door Locks:*/|Standard|/*Daytime Running Lights:*/|Standard|/*Tire Pressure Monitor:*/|Standard
Standard features
/*2.5X:*/|Daytime running lights|16-inch steel wheels with wheelcovers|Variable intermittent windshield wipers|Power-adjustable outside mirrors|Rear window washer/wiper|Rear window defroster|Air conditioning|Cloth upholstery|60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks|Keyless entry|Cruise control|Power windows|Power door locks|Tilt-adjustable steering column|Outside temperature display|Overhead console with sunglass storage|Carpeted floor mats|AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers.|Auxiliary audio input jack|/*2.5X with Premium Package:*/|17-inch alloy wheels|Roof rack side rails|Deep-tinted rear privacy glass|Panoramic power sunroof|Heated front seats|Reclining rear seatbacks|Fold-out rear seat snack tray|Steering wheel-mounted audio controls|/*2.5X Limited adds:*/|Automatic transmission|Power-adjustable heated outside mirrors|Dual chrome exhaust tips|Automatic climate control|Power-adjustable driver's seat|Perforated leather upholstery|Leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob|Premium 100-watt surround sound audio system with six speakers|Six-disc CD changer|/*2.5XT adds:*/|17-inch alloy wheels|Automatic transmission|Front fog lights|Functional hood scoop|Rear spoiler|Chrome exhaust tips|Cloth upholstery|Tilt-and telescope adjustable steering column|Premium 100-watt surround sound audio system with six speakers|Six-disc CD changer|/*2.5XT Limited adds:*/|Front fog lights|Power-adjustable heated outside mirrors|Dual chrome exhaust tips|Automatic climate control|Perforated leather upholstery|Heated front seats|Power-adjustable driver's seat|Leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob|Premium surround sound audio system with six speakers|Six-disc CD changer
Warranty
/*Bumper-to-bumper:*/|3 years/36,000 miles|/*Powertrain:*/|5 years/60,000 miles|/*Corrosion:*/|5 years/ unlimited miles|/*Roadside Assistance:*/|3 years/36,000 miles

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