Acceleration

XS, man.	XS L.L. Bean, auto.	XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Class Average
4	4	6	4.3

Nonturbo models slow off the line, but adequate thereafter. Expect about 9.3 sec 0-60 mph. Turbocharged XT usefully quicker off the line and has especially satisfying passing power. Automatic transmission smooth, but tends to upshift prematurely, can hesitate in downshifting.

Fuel Economy

XS, man.	XS L.L. Bean, auto.	XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Class Average
6	6	5	4.8

Better overall than more-traditional SUVs, even compact ones. Test automatic-transmission models averaged 19.4-24.2 mpg. Expect slightly higher with manual. Test XT with automatic averaged 18.5 in mostly highway driving. XT requires premium-grade fuel; other models use regular.

Ride Quality

XS, man.	XS L.L. Bean, auto.	XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.5

Clearly the most carlike compact SUV, with the stability and absorbency of a taut-suspension small car. Still, rough roads at highway speed can turn the ride jittery.

Steering/Handling/Braking

XS, man.	XS L.L. Bean, auto.	XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	4.7

The most-agile compact SUV. Has slightly elevated ground clearance, but low, carlike center of gravity, so lean in fast turns is evident but not excessive, and Forester never feels tippy. AWD aids grip in all conditions. Steering feel is light but responsive.

Quietness

XS, man.	XS L.L. Bean, auto.	XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4

Quiet around town. Wind and road noise levels rise markedly with speed, compromising long highway trips. Engine throbs during rapid acceleration, but unobtrusive otherwise.

Controls

XS, man.	XS L.L. Bean, auto.	XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.5

Clear, simple dashboard layout. Adequately sized controls. Automatic climate system standard on all but 2.5 X. Leather upholstery dresses up cabin on XS L.L. Bean Edition and XT with Premium Package; interior decor otherwise appropriate for price level.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XS, man.	XS L.L. Bean, auto.	XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.7

Ample head room for 6-footers. Good comfort, though passenger seat lacks lumbar adjustment. Relatively tall cabin for easy entry/exit. High driving position, large windows, thin roof pillars contribute to great outward visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

XS, man.	XS L.L. Bean, auto.	XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	4.5

Seat is tall, supportive. Rear leg room sufficient if front seats are less than halfway back; tight otherwise.

Cargo Room

XS, man.	XS L.L. Bean, auto.	XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	6.7

A useful 32 cu ft with rear seatbacks up, 64 cu ft with split backrest folded--competitive with many larger SUVs. Big tailgate opening, low liftover for easy load/unloading, though no separate-opening liftglass. Plenty of cabin compartments, but none with substantial capacity.

Value within Class

XS, man.	XS L.L. Bean, auto.	XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	6

If you can live with limited towing capacity and constrained rear-seat space, Forester is a highly rational alternative to any number of bulkier, less-efficient SUVs. This Recommended pick combines AWD security, plenty of cargo space, a stable ride, and respectable fuel economy in a pleasantly carlike package. Nonturbo models never feel spritely, but the 2.5 XT has impressive scoot.

Total Score

XS, man.	XS L.L. Bean, auto.	XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Class Average
55	55	56	50.7

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		30
Average Score		50
High Score		61