2010 Subaru Forester: Road Test
2010 Subaru Forester ▼
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- MSRP: $20,295 - $28,495
- Invoice: $19,214 - $26,707
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Our road test for the 2010 Subaru Forester includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Subaru Forester from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Subaru Forester, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Subaru Forester help you decide if a 2010 Subaru Forester is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Limited | 2.5XT Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 4.4 |
The conventional 4-cylinder has no surplus of power, but is plenty adequate for around-town driving. After a brief bout of turbo lag, the 2.5XT's engine delivers stronger acceleration in all situations. Despite having just 4 speeds, the automatic transmission matches quite well with either engine. No manual-transmission models have been made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Limited | 2.5XT Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
In Consumer Guide testing, non-turbo Foresters averaged 22.5-23.9 mpg. A turbocharged test model averaged 22.4 mpg. Turbocharged models require premium-grade gas while other models use regular.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Limited | 2.5XT Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Comfortable, with harshness noticeable over only larger road imperfections. Forester's relatively short wheelbase contributes to more pitching and diving on wavy surfaces than most vehicles in this class.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Limited | 2.5XT Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
Forester has a car-like demeanor. Steering is direct with sporty heft. Lean in corners is kept well in check, though some testers complain of a slightly top-heavy feel.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Limited | 2.5XT Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 4.1 |
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 naturally aspirated "boxer" engine emits a gravelly note that never fully fades, even in gentle cruising. Some testers appreciate the engine noise as sporty, others simply find it tiresome. The turbo engine is notably quieter and more refined.
CONTROLS
| 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Limited | 2.5XT Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.9 |
Clear, legible gauges and simple-to-use controls make easy work of most driving chores. The audio and climate systems are mounted high on the center dashboard stack within easy reach for driver and passenger.
DETAILS
| 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Limited | 2.5XT Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Forester's cabin feels decidedly lower quality than the premium atmosphere Subaru wants to portray. The overall ambiance is on par with class rivals. One test vehicle suffered from numerous interior squeaks and rattles.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Limited | 2.5XT Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
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)
| 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Limited | 2.5XT Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
The rear seat can accommodate two adults comfortably, with emergency space for three. Headroom, legroom, and under-seat foot space are generous for six-footers. Intrusion from the rear wheel wells slightly pinches entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Limited | 2.5XT Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.6 |
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
| 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Limited | 2.5XT Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Forester is a reasonably priced alternative to compact SUV bellwethers such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It's noisier and less refined than those rivals, and its interior ambiance is a step behind that of other recently redesigned crossovers. Still, Forester offers good fuel economy and lots of features for the money, with the 2.5X and 2.5X Premium being the strongest values.
Total Score
| 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Limited | 2.5XT Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 68 | 70 | 58 |
Total Score: 69
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