Subaru Forester SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The 2011 Subaru Forester is a multi-purpose crossover SUV that delivers a smooth, comfortable ride for mundane urban travel and as well as the ground clearance and handling for poor weather and light-duty off-road trails. The interior cabin is attractive in design and spacious enough to carry all passengers in plushness and comfort. Cargo capacity is extensive for those wanting to use the vehicle for longer highway travel.
There are six trim levels for the Subaru Forester: 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium, 2.5X Touring and 2.5XT Touring. The base 2.5X model has cruise control, 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, automatic headlights, a tilt steering wheel, keyless entry and an audio system with four speakers, CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The 2.5X Premium model adds a panoramic sunroof with roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, a driver seat with eight power adjustments for the seat and power-adjustable lumbar support, Bluetooth and audio streaming, a tilt-and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, connectivity for the iPod and a USB port and reclining rear seats.
The Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited offers automatic climate control, fog lights, an All-Weather package that includes heated front seats, heated mirrors and a de-icer for the windshield wipers, an audio system with six speakers and a six-disc CD changer and leather upholstery. The 2.5X Premium adds a more powerful engine, a rear spoiler and hood scoop. The 2.5X Touring builds upon the features of the Premium model and adds automatic climate control with two zones, bi-xenon headlights, electroluminescent instrumentation, a rearview camera and a one-touch folding rear seat. A portable navigation system is optional on the 2.5X Premium and the Limited and Touring models offer a more traditional navigation system mounted on the dashboard with a touchscreen interface, a single disc CD player and an auxiliary audio and video input jack.
Specs:
All-wheel drive is standard on the Subaru Forester. The engine in the 2.5X models of the Subaru Forester is a 2.5 liter dual overhead cam aluminum alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed four cylinder engine with active valve control that can produce 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The XT models feature a turbocharged version of the engine that can produce 224 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5X and 2.5X Premium have a five-speed manual transmission as standard with an option for a four-speed automatic. The 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium, 2.5X Touring and 2.5XT Touring are only available with the automatic transmission.
Fuel economy for the Subaru Forester depends on the engine. The base engine is rated at 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined. The vehicles with the turbocharged engine are rated at 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined. Towing capacity for the vehicle is 2,400 pounds.
The interior of the Subaru Forester is pleasantly designed and highly functional. Cargo space is 33.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and expands to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
The 2011 Subaru Forester performs well on the road with crisp steering and tight turning radius that make it extremely maneuverable in any road conditions. Its comfortable ride and competitive fuel economy make it a vehicle worth consideration in its class.
There are six trim levels for the Subaru Forester: 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium, 2.5X Touring and 2.5XT Touring. The base 2.5X model has cruise control, 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, automatic headlights, a tilt steering wheel, keyless entry and an audio system with four speakers, CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The 2.5X Premium model adds a panoramic sunroof with roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, a driver seat with eight power adjustments for the seat and power-adjustable lumbar support, Bluetooth and audio streaming, a tilt-and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, connectivity for the iPod and a USB port and reclining rear seats.
The Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited offers automatic climate control, fog lights, an All-Weather package that includes heated front seats, heated mirrors and a de-icer for the windshield wipers, an audio system with six speakers and a six-disc CD changer and leather upholstery. The 2.5X Premium adds a more powerful engine, a rear spoiler and hood scoop. The 2.5X Touring builds upon the features of the Premium model and adds automatic climate control with two zones, bi-xenon headlights, electroluminescent instrumentation, a rearview camera and a one-touch folding rear seat. A portable navigation system is optional on the 2.5X Premium and the Limited and Touring models offer a more traditional navigation system mounted on the dashboard with a touchscreen interface, a single disc CD player and an auxiliary audio and video input jack.
Specs:
All-wheel drive is standard on the Subaru Forester. The engine in the 2.5X models of the Subaru Forester is a 2.5 liter dual overhead cam aluminum alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed four cylinder engine with active valve control that can produce 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The XT models feature a turbocharged version of the engine that can produce 224 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5X and 2.5X Premium have a five-speed manual transmission as standard with an option for a four-speed automatic. The 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium, 2.5X Touring and 2.5XT Touring are only available with the automatic transmission.
Fuel economy for the Subaru Forester depends on the engine. The base engine is rated at 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined. The vehicles with the turbocharged engine are rated at 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined. Towing capacity for the vehicle is 2,400 pounds.
The interior of the Subaru Forester is pleasantly designed and highly functional. Cargo space is 33.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and expands to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
The 2011 Subaru Forester performs well on the road with crisp steering and tight turning radius that make it extremely maneuverable in any road conditions. Its comfortable ride and competitive fuel economy make it a vehicle worth consideration in its class.
