The Subaru Forester, a successful small SUV/wagon, competes against other car-based compact SUVs including the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. It seats five people and has standard all-wheel drive.
New for 2012 For 2012, all Foresters have a standard height-adjustable front passenger seat. A new navigation radio is also optional. It features a 6.1-inch touch-screen, a CD stereo with HD Radio, voice controls, Bluetooth streaming audio and hands-free phone connectivity, iPod compatibility and song tagging.
Exterior The Forester’s ground clearance is 8.9 inches. Fog lights are optional, and turbo versions are distinguished by a hood scoop that funnels air into the intercooler just under the hood. Exterior features include:
Standard roof rails
Available high-intensity-discharge headlights
Available chrome exhaust tips
16-inch wheels standard; 17-inch wheels available
Available rear spoiler
Interior The door openings are large, and the rear window is larger than on the previous-generation Forester. A center armrest is standard for the backseat. Interior features include:
Standard MP3 jack
Standard sliding armrest
Standard 60/40-split folding rear seats
Standard tilt steering column (telescoping available)
Under the Hood Foresters are powered by a choice of naturally aspirated or turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
The transmissions come with different all-wheel-drive systems. The automatic comes with Variable Torque Management, which Subaru says shifts power to the front and rear axles by monitoring throttle position, battery voltage, generator rpm, wheel speed, brake status, lateral g-force and automatic transmission fluid temperature. The manual Forester has a simple viscous coupling that’s reactive rather than proactive. Mechanical features include:
170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 174 pounds-feet of torque
224-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 226 pounds-feet of torque
Hill start assist for manual-transmission models
Safety A rollover sensor can deploy the side curtain airbags to protect occupants and prevent their ejection. Safety features include:
Side-impact airbags for front occupants
Side curtain airbags that protect front and backseat occupants against head injury
