2009 Subaru Forester Detroit MI
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Detroit, MI
2009 Subaru Forester
November 18, 2009 By Jon Alain Guzik, DriverSide Editor-in-Chief
2009 Subaru Forester
DriverSide Overview
Subaru’s Forester has always suffered from ugly duckling syndrome. For years it was a kind of SUV alternative, serving up plenty of ground clearance, all-wheel drivability and a comfortable ride, all in a body that looked like a raised car/truck halfling. The taller ride height and slab fenders wanted to say “tough”, we think. The quirky exterior appealed to plenty of people, but for those out there with SUV stenciled on their heart, the little Subaru just didn’t cut it.
For 2009, designers have shirked the hopped up station wagon exterior for a more traditional UTE skin, mating the all-out functionality of the old vehicle with more mainstream styling to back up its real-world capabilities. If you’ve been looking to downsize from your full-size SUV (and it’s gas guzzling habits), the Forester’s expansive cargo area, unstoppable all-wheel drive and comfortable interior is a good alternative.
What's to Like
Though the updated styling outside is the big story with the 2009 Forester, this vehicle offers plenty to love all around. The full-time all-wheel drive system, economical four-cylinder engine and snappy interior all make for a vehicle that’s a welcome substitute for some of the SUV mainstays out there. We particularly like the huge sunroof available on the 2.5X Premium ($22,495).
What's Not to Like
This is a smaller vehicle, which means that families that are accustomed to more wiggle room on larger trips may be disappointed at the limited seating and cargo options inside. That said, Subaru has done an impressive job maximizing the amount of useable area inside of the Forester. Also, the panoramic sunroof can be a bit noisy for passengers in the back without the optional wind deflector ($80.00).
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Subaru has been building off-road capable vehicles on monocoque chassis for years and it’s managed to put that experience to good use in the Forester. The vehicle combines all of the attributes the wave of crossovers out there aims to mix. The ride is markedly car-like even with the Subaru’s relatively stiff springs on all four corners, but the elevated ride height gives the Forester a go anywhere feel. The four-cylinder Boxer engine provides more than sufficient power. With a towing capacity of 2,500 lbs, it bests most of its rivals by 1,000 lbs or more. We really wish though that the automatic was at least a five-speed, as the Subie tends for sluggish power at freeway speeds.
Engine and Drivetrain
The 2009 Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The engine is coupled to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission, depending on trim level. The manual gearbox incorporates inc...