2009 Subaru Forester: Road Test
2009 Subaru Forester ▼
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- MSRP: $19,995 - $28,195
- Invoice: $18,913 - $26,384
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Our road test for the 2009 Subaru Forester includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Subaru Forester from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Subaru Forester, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Subaru Forester help you decide if a 2009 Subaru Forester is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5 X Premium, automatic | 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
No opportunity yet to test a manual transmission or turbocharged engine. The conventional 4-cylinder engine teams well the automatic transmission, though there's no surplus of power.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5 X Premium, automatic | 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, non-turbo Foresters averaged 22.5-23.9 mpg. Turbocharged models require premium-grade gas while other models use regular.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5 X Premium, automatic | 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Generally comfortable, with harshness over only larger road imperfections. Forester's relatively short wheelbase contributes to more pitching and diving on wavy surfaces than in most vehicles in this class.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5 X Premium, automatic | 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Like the previous-generation model, Forester retains its car-like demeanor. Steering is direct with sporty heft. Lean in corners is kept well in check.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5 X Premium, automatic | 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Generally par for the class. Wind noise is well muted, though road noise is evident on all surfaces traveled during preview test drives. Subaru's unique "boxer" engines emit a gravelly note that never fully fades, even in gentle cruising. Some testers appreciate the engine noise as sporty, others simply find it tiresome.
CONTROLS
| 2.5 X Premium, automatic | 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Clear, legible gauges and simple to use controls make easy work of most driving chores.
DETAILS
| 2.5 X Premium, automatic | 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Subaru seems to be backing away from its near-premium pretensions, as Forester's cabin feels decidedly lower quality than the out-going generation. Still, nothing looks or feels cheap, and the overall ambiance is on par with the class.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5 X Premium, automatic | 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Plenty of adult-size headroom and legroom. A high roof and low step in height make for easier entry and exit than most vehicles in this class. Modest roof pillars make for good visibility to all corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5 X Premium, automatic | 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
A vast improvement over the previous-generation Forester. The rear seat can accommodate two adults comfortably, with emergency space for three.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5 X Premium, automatic | 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
A low load floor and large hatch opening make for good cargo handling. In-cabin storage includes a couple of console bins, two large cupholders, and a large console tray.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5 X Premium, automatic | 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5.8 |
Subaru fans will lament the loss of Forester's quirkiness. Truckier styling and larger dimensions will make it easier for Forester to compete with the likes of Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but also erase its "truck alternative" micro-ute charms. The new-generation model also costs less than its predecessor. Those savings come largely at the expense of interior materials quality, which went from near-premium in the out-going model to just class average. 2.5 X and 2.5 X Premium models are the strongest values, with lots of features at reasonable prices.
Total Score
| 2.5 X Premium, automatic | 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 68 | 67 | 61.1 |
Total Score: 68
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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