2010 Subaru Forester: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Subaru Forester is largely unchanged following its redesign for the 2009 model year. This compact-crossover SUV has standard all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. All Foresters have a horizontally opposed 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It produces 170 hp in the 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, and 2.5X Limited. The turbocharged 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Limited have 224 hp. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard in 2.5X Foresters. A 4-speed automatic is optional on those models and is standard on all 2.5XTs. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Leather upholstery is standard on Limiteds. Heated front seats are standard on Limiteds and optional on the 2.5X Premium. A navigation system with wireless cell-phone link is optional on those models.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for seven.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Mitsubishi Outlander.