Subaru Forester Grows Up

Subaru’s Forrester SUV has been recently redesigned from the ground up. What many new Subaru Forester fans may notice is that the latest version is more mainstream than ever before in terms of styling, and also adds the driving dynamics to make it just as nimble and fun to drive as anything else in the segment.

The new Subaru Forester is available in two trim levels. One comes with the standard 2.5-liter four cylinder engine featuring 170 horsepower and 170 lb. ft. of torque. The Forester is also available with a turbocharged version of the 2.5 liter, which produces 224 horsepower and 226 lb. ft. of torque. These engine configurations will be mated to either a five speed manual or a four speed automatic. For both engine and transmission configurations, the power is delivered to all four wheels through Subaru’s symmetric all-wheel-drive system.

The turbo Subaru Forester requires premium fuel, but mileage with both engines is on par with competitors. The normally aspirated four-cylinder gets 20 miles per gallon in the city, and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

With the turbo, the Forester still gets 19 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway.Disc brakes with ABS are at all four corners of the Subaru Forester to provide strong stopping power. For a four cylinder SUV, the Forester also has a decent towing capacity, rated for 2,400 pounds. Suspension is independent all-around, and drivers will likely find the Forester to be one of the sportiest handlers in the segment. Steering is quick and balanced. Needless to say, with the addition of all-wheel drive it also offers ample traction around corners at speed.

Most Subaru Forester owners will most likely take their vehicle off-road. However, the new Subaru can hold its own, especially with a huge 8.9 inches of ground clearance. Owners will be equally happy on-road or off with this new generation.

Contrary to the opinions of many die-hard Forester fans who loved the boxy tall wagon look of the previous models, the new look is more mainstream sport utility, which will help Subaru draw more folks away from other more mainstream SUVs. But, the Forester is still unique while offering a clean design that many new car shoppers will like.

Inside is an equally attractive interior that takes design cues from the new Impreza. The clean cabin is certainly more car-like in look and feel. The level of quality is also good, with great materials and solid fit and finish. In addition, there is ample room for passengers, even in the backseat, while the available panoramic moonroof gives the Forester a bright and airy environment.

New crash test data from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has shown that the new Forester is also very safe. With a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, buyers looking for a safe vehicle for the whole family would be wise to put the Subaru Forester at the top of the list. And with Subaru’s reputation for reliability, the new Subie should prove to be a solid value.

With its redesign, mainstream shoppers will finally find the Forester on their list. And with its unique charms and fun to drive characteristics, it's sure to be a hit. Come see the all new redesign 2009 Subaru Forester at Eddie Mercer Subaru