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2009 Subaru Forester Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
Also in the 2009 Subaru Forester Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Subaru Forester Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Subaru Forester Review
The 2009 Subaru Forester is redesigned, receiving more SUV-like styling and an increase in size. This compact crossover SUV has standard all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. All models have a horizontally-opposed 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It produces 170 hp in all but the turbocharged XT models, where it makes 224 hp. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on naturally aspirated Foresters. A 4-speed automatic is optional on naturally aspirated models and standard on the XT. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Other available features include automatic climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a hill-hold assist on manual transmission models, and navigation system. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
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2009 Subaru Forester Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Interior materials |
| Cimate and audio controls | Rear-seat room and comfort |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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. This powertrain is borderline brisk around town, but lacks passing and merging muscle.
| L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
| 4 | 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. This powertrain is borderline brisk around town, but lacks passing and merging muscle.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure. Turbocharged models require premium-grade gas while normally aspirated models use regular.
| L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 |
No opportunity to measure. Turbocharged models require premium-grade gas while normally aspirated models use regular.
Ride Quality
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.
| L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.2 |
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
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.
| L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.9 |
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
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 "flat" 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.
| L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.8 |
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 "flat" 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
Clear, legible gauges and simple to use controls make easy work of most driving chores.
| L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 |
Clear, legible gauges and simple to use controls make easy work of most driving chores.
Details
Subaru seems to be backing away from its near-premium pretensions, as Forester's cabin feels decidedly lower quality than the out-going generation. Hard plastic surfaces dominate the interior, and even frequently touched controls and handles feel budget grade.
| L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.2 |
Subaru seems to be backing away from its near-premium pretensions, as Forester's cabin feels decidedly lower quality than the out-going generation. Hard plastic surfaces dominate the interior, and even frequently touched controls and handles feel budget grade.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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.
| L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
| 6 | 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)
An improvement over the previous-generation Forester, but that's not saying a whole lot. The rear seat can accommodate two adults for short trips. Longer jaunts in the back are best reserved for children.
| L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.9 |
An improvement over the previous-generation Forester, but that's not saying a whole lot. The rear seat can accommodate two adults for short trips. Longer jaunts in the back are best reserved for children.
Cargo Room
A low load floor and large hatch opening make for good cargo handling. In-cabin storage is limited to a small center console and conventional glove box.
| L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
| 8 | 8.1 |
A low load floor and large hatch opening make for good cargo handling. In-cabin storage is limited to a small center console and conventional glove box.
Value within Class
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 budget-grade in this version. Now competing more directly with the mainstream, Forester falls a little shy in overall refinement.
| L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.7 |
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 budget-grade in this version. Now competing more directly with the mainstream, Forester falls a little shy in overall refinement.
Total Score
| L.L. Bean Edition | Class Average |
| 58 | 60.7 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 60 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2009 Subaru Forester Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/10/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2.5 X 4-door wagon | $19,995 | $18,913 | $665 |
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| 2.5 X Premium 4-door wagon | $22,495 | $21,171 | $665 |
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| 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition 4-door wagon | $25,995 | $24,330 | $665 |
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| 2.5 XT 4-door wagon | $26,195 | $24,557 | $665 |
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| 2.5 XT Limited 4-door wagon | $28,195 | $26,384 | $665 |
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Subaru of America. Prices may vary in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2.5 X
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, hill-holder clutch, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/65HR16 tires, wheel covers.
2.5 X Premium adds to 2.5 X:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, steering wheel radio controls.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/55HR17 tires, alloy wheels.
2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition adds to 2.5 X Premium:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 10-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, wiper deicer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: hill-holder clutch.
2.5 XT adds to 2.5 X Premium:
Powertrain
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt/telescopic steering wheel, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, wiper deicer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: hill-holder clutch.
Rear spoiler, fog lights.
2.5 XT Limited adds to 2.5 XT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 10-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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All Weather Pkg.
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2.5 X Premium
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$400
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$367
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Heated front seats, heated power mirrors, wiper deicer.
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Popular Equipment Group 4B
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT Limited
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$506
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$329
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, puddle lights.
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Premium Sound Pkg. 1
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2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium
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$424
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$276
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Subwoofer, amplifier, tweeter.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
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2.5 X
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$1,200
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$1,090
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2.5 X Premium
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$1,000
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$908
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Deletes hill-holder clutch.
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Short-throw shifter
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2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium
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$345
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$225
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NA w/4-speed automatic transmission.
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California/Northeast emissions
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2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 X L.L. Bean
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$200
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$200
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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2.5 X L.L. Bean, 2.5 XT Limited
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$1,800
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$1,650
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Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single disc CD player.
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iPod adapter
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2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium
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$223
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$145
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Satellite radio
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT Limited
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$453
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$340
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT Limited
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$183
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$119
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Includes compass.
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror w/ universal garage door opener
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT Limited
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$277
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$180
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Includes compass.
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Remote engine start
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT Limited
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$432
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$324
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2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium require 4-speed automatic transmission.
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Cargo cover
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2.5 X
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$166
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$108
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Rubber floormats
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT Limited
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$69
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$39
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 X L.L. Bean
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$367
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$275
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Roof rack
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2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT Limited
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$195
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$117
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NA 2.5 X.
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Fog lights
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2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium
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$374
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$243
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Trailer hitch
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT Limited
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$468
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$351
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 Subaru Forester Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Subaru Forester 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 179.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3250 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 68.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc H4 | Turbocharged dohc H4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /150 | 2.5 /150 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 170 @ 6000 | 224 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 170 @ 4400 | 226 @ 2800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 20/26 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 20/26 | 19/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Subaru Forester 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 Subaru Forester Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Subaru Forester Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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