Behind The Wheel - 2009 Subaru Forester

For those of you who passed on the Forester in the past because the outside looked outdated or the inside was not nice enough or it was a little noisy while driving, all that has change with the redesigned 2009 Subaru Forester. The inside is up-to-date, road noise is acceptable when driving and the exterior actually has curves.

What hasn't change is how practical and versatile the Forester is and of course its reputation for safety provided at least in part to its standard full time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Subaru gives you 5 trim levels to choose from in the 2009 Forester:

  • 2.5X - equipped with a 170hp Subaru 4cyl Boxer Engine
  • 2.5X Premium - equipped with a 170hp Subaru 4cyl Boxer Engine
  • 2.5X L.L. Bean - equipped with a 170hp Subaru 4cyl Boxer Engine
  • 2.5XT - equipped with a 224hp turbocharged Subaru Boxer Engine
  • 2.5XT Limited - equipped with a 224hp turbocharged Subaru Boxer Engine

The 170hp 4cyl engine comes with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-spd automatic. The automatic 4cyl configuration is quite peppy with even the hint of acceleration.

The 224hp turbocharged engine comes only with the standard automatic transmission. This decision brought about by last year's turbo w/manual transmission weak sales numbers.

Where you really get the benefit of the turbo engine is when it becomes necessary to pass at highway speeds. The downside to this engine is that it requires premium gas but it does get a 19city/24highway rating. The non-turbo engine gets a 20city/26highway rating and requires regular unleaded gasoline. In these times we're betting most buyers will opt for the non-turbo engine.

Regardless of powertrain configurations this is a fun car to drive. Very responsive steering, quick power and a great feel for the road. A lot of vehicles take the word Sport from Sport Utility Vehicle for granite but not the 2009 Forester. This is a SPORT Utility Vehicle that also does well off-road.

Subaru and safety go hand-in-hand. Safety equipment includes:

  • six airbags (including front side impact bags)
  • side curtain airbags - front and back
  • active head restraints
  • 4 wheel disc antilock brakes
  • traction control
  • electronic stability system

The inside of the 2009 Forester feels more like a car than a SUV. We like the height adjustable driver's seat a lot. The interior look is not the best in its class but Subaru has come a long way from what it was. The controls feel solid and the finish does look and feel like a great deal of care when into its design. A nice plus is the additional leg room in the back provided by the 3.6 inches longer wheel base.

For cargo loading and hauling the Forster is hard to beat. The 60/40 split back seat folds flat with little effort and the rear loading area is low and wide giving you easy access to 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

Some standard features include:

  • All-Wheel Drive, of course
  • temperature/gas mileage display
  • air conditioning
  • cruise control
  • CD player w/MP3 auxiliary jack
  • power accessories
  • remote keyless entry

With the Premium trim you pick up:

  • alloy wheels
  • panoramic moonroof

The L.L. Bean trim adds:

  • standard automatic transmission
  • heated leather seats
  • auto climate control
  • power driver's seat
     

This is the first remake of the Forester since 2003 and we have to say, Subaru has done a great job when it comes to image improvement. We think a lot more shoppers will be taking a look at the 2009 Subaru Forester and by the way, it's a pretty good value when you take into consideration the standard All-Wheel Drive.