Used 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X Crossover SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X Crossover SUV boasts one of the most desirable engines on the market. A 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder is paired up with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic to produce 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. While this does not seem like a lot, it really has much more pep than you think. You won’t be wining any races, but you won't feel afraid for your life when merging and passing on the highway either.

The 2.5X returns 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which is definitely impressive for a crossover in this class. It is also more than capable of towing as much as 2,400 pounds, when properly equipped.

The four-wheel independent suspension made up of MacPherson struts in the front and double wishbone in the rear seats to it that all passengers enjoy a smooth ride. Many say that this vehicle offers the most comfortable ride in its class. A small turning circle and crisp steering makes maneuvering and parking a breeze. Shifting is smooth and steering is responsive.

Technology

• GPS Navigation: Tell the portable TomTom touchscreen navigation system where you want to go and it will get you there turn-by-turn.
• Audio System: If you want a premium sound system, you will need to move up to a more expensive trim, but the 2.5X does give you a decent basic system made up of a CD player with four speakers.
• Speed Sensitive Volume: You will never need to turn the radio up and down to compensate for ambient noise again. Speed sensitive volume adjust automatically for you.

Although the Forester 2.5X does not have a ton of entertainment features, there are a lot of options available as add-ons, such as Bluetooth, auto dim mirror with compass, HomeLink, 110 power outlet kit and SiriusXM satellite radio.

Safety

When it comes to safety, the Forester 2.5X excels in every aspect. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the vehicle a “Good” rating in roof-strength, side-impact and frontal-offset crash tests. Also, when braking was tested, it was able to stop from 60 mph in a respectable 122 feet. Safety features are in abundance to offer peace-of-mind on the road. Just a few of these include:

• Child seat anchors
• Rear door safety locks
• Rollover sensors
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Emergency braking assist
• Antilock brakes
• Traction control
• Whiplash protection system in front head restraints
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Stability control
• Engine immobilizer

Appearance

Although conventional in style, it offers a rugged appearance for those who consider themselves to be outdoor enthusiasts. Wide headlamps and deep sunken fog lamps dress up the front end while privacy glass, roof rails and handsome wheels add the details needed to keep the 2.5X from being boring.

Comfort

The cabin is pleasant and comfortable, but there really is no WOW factor that makes it memorable, or to create a point of interest. It is one of the roomiest vehicles in this entire segment, which is saying a lot considering it’s up against the CR-V, RAV4 and Outlander.

The optional reclining seatbacks in the rear are recommended, if you haul adults on a regular basis. You will also notice that the stadium seating is a little exaggerated, giving rear seat passengers command of the road. Most love or hate this feature. As far as controls are concerned, they are easy to identify and use, but again, they are dull and bring nothing special to the table.

Cargo

If you haul a lot of large or bulky items, the Forester 2.5X is the vehicle for you as it gives you a total of 68.3 cubic feet of space. Even when you have the rear seat in place, you still get 33.5 cubic feet for luggage, groceries, golf clubs and sporting equipment.