The current generation Forester was redesigned in 2008 to compete in the ever popular small crossover segment that is dominated by manufacturers such as Honda and Toyota. Subaru hit a home run with the redesign, taking the Forester from a quirky, boxy wagon and turning it into the almost perfect small crossover SUV.
The Subaru Forester is now midway through its third generation. New for 2011 is a new engine which slightly improved horsepower and fuel economy, featuring a 2.5 liter 170 hp 4 cylinder boxer engine which has an impressive 2400lb towing capacity.
The 2011 Subaru Forester Limited is an AWD crossover that carries a suggested retail price of $26,495 and features leather trimmed seats, a 4 SPD automatic transmission,
The Good
It goes almost without saying that what makes a Subaru a Subaru is the symmetrical all wheel drive system on these cars. I first tell in love with it years ago in while driving through a hurricane in Florida. The system is designed such that the wheels on either side of the vehicle can spin at different speeds ensuring the best grip of the road. The Forester feels sure footed in rain, snow, sand and whatever else you might drive it through.
One of the best features of this vehicle is the sliding glass moonroof. To say it is enormous is an understatement. Unlike its rivals, the glass in Foresters moonroof opens not only above the drivers but also the passengers which adds to the fun experience of this vehicle.
The Forester swallows cargo even with the back seats up with an impressive 30.8 cubic feet of cargo room.. This is in part due to retaining some of its wagon heritage. The inside of the back of the Forester is very square and it lacks the wheel well bump outs that take away the functionality of the cargo space of its competitors.
The Bad
The Forester comes with a somewhat lacking 4spd automatic with a “sport shift” option. While this transmission does work quite to optimize the high torque boxer engine, it fails to give the smooth shits of its competitors, such as Honda’s CRV, which are equipped with 5 spd transmissions. A fifth gear would go a long way in improving the gas consumption of the Forester which is rated at 27 highway and 21 mpg for city.
The Ugly
My biggest complaint about the new Forester is the lack of height adjustment in the front passenger seat. While not uncomfortable, the seat does sit low which feels a bit bath tub like if your short.
Overall, the Subaru Forester is a great flexible vehicle that is ideally suited to families as it can carry a good load of things and provide great creature comforts along the way.