The Forester's still a prime example of the breed, too. In response to a drastic increase in competition, the Forester is all-new for 2009, with a larger, more SUV-like design, a drastically modernized interior and a smoother ride. That's all good stuff, but over the course of its existence the Forester has also developed something of a personality. Has Subaru managed to keep the do-anything spirit of the Forester intact?
The Forester's new look is best described as inoffensive. No longer a boxy, high-topped station wagon, the Forester's got sleek lines that are close in silhouette to the rest of the crossover crowd. Actually, that's not completely true; it's still a boxy, high-topped station wagon, but the new design is more streamlined and takes the corners off of the box. A Subaru family grille rides up front, with more angular headlights and a taller hood. At the rear, there are larger taillights and the fenders have a bulkier, more squared off look that works with the more angled greenhouse to give the Forester a more substantial look. In short, it's gone somewhat bland. I lost the Forester in parking lots no fewer than three times, and I'm a lifelong car-spotter. Beyond the styling, the Forester's got a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase for improved interior room, and rides on an all-new platform.
The interior is a vast improvement over Foresters past. The front seat cushions are too short, but everything else has been thoroughly upgraded. A more flowing "twin-cockpit" dash and console are accented with metallic, brushed aluminum-look trim and a high-mounted screen for the available navigation system. All Foresters are pre-wired for either XM or Sirius satellite radio, and the high-end audio system uses Audyssey MultEQ audio enhancement. The tall seating position offers great visibility, making the Forester easy to drive. Rear-seat hip and shoulder room have been increased, and one of the biggest sunroofs in the industry brings the sunlight to back-seat passengers. Like many Subarus, the Forester's a cold-weather darling, with available heated seats, exterior mirrors and a windshield de-icer.
Front seat side airbags and side-curtain airbags are now standard equipment, and the Forester has a rollover sensor that tensions the seatbelts and deploys the head-curtain airbags.
As in Foresters past, power is modest. A 2.5 liter four-cylinder boxer engine provides 170 horsepower. Subaru's i-Active Valve Lift System (AVLS) helps to broaden the torque curve, and a new dual exhaust reduces noise and backpressure. A 224-horse turbocharged version of the 2.5 is also available in the Forester XT. Tepid acceleration is a naturally-aspirated Forester trait. My tester required some patience when merging with traffic, and the Forester's comfortable ride couldn't always keep the blood pressure low enough to avoid making this annoying. A five-speed manual transmission is standard equipment; a four-speed automatic is also available. All-wheel drive is standard, of course--this wouldn't be a Subaru otherwise.
What the Forester lacks in accelerative power it more than makes up for in drivability. The new chassis is nimble and responsive, with a much lighter feeling than the average sport-ute. MacPherson struts are used up front. At the rear, the new double wishbone rear suspension is mounted to a subframe for improved handling and improved cargo room. The Forester still has up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance as well, so it's more able off-road than many larger vehicles. Subaru's also lowered the center of gravity and widened the track to help inject a taste of the sporty WRX's nimble handling into the new Forester, so this is an all-wheel drive vehicle that never feels ponderous or oversized. Vehicle Dynamics Control is standard equipment, and the stability and traction control gives the Forester a confident bearing on all surfaces. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard equipment as well.
The Forester's gone from being a unique and distinctive vehicle to being one of the crowd. Whether you consider that progress or not, this is a multi-useful and durable vehicle. It's also reasonably priced, with a starting MSRP of $22,495.
Specifications: All specs are for the 2009 Subaru Forester.
Base price: $22,495
Price as tested: $25,011
Engine: 2.5 liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder
Drivetrain: five-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 170 @ 6000
Torque: 170 @ 4400
Est. mileage: 20/26
