Subaru’s Forester SUV top pick in segment

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Updated: August 25, 2011 10:38AM

Thanks to its roomy cabin, comfortable ride, ample cargo space and phenomenal all-wheel drive system, the Subaru Forester has been a top pick in the small SUV segment.

Now, for 2011, Subaru has tweaked the lineup and added new features as well as provided an all-new naturally aspirated engine for Forester 2.5X models.

Two things separate the Forester (and other Subaru models) from the competition: a “boxer” engine and a standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.

The “boxer” or horizontally opposed engine has the pistons moving horizontally instead of vertically (inline engine) or angularly (V-type engine).

The boxer design means the engine has a lower profile and lower center of gravity. This greatly enhances vehicle driving dynamics.

The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system (standard across the line) has the engine mounted inline with the drivetrain. This helps provide a seamless transfer of power to all four wheels.

While most other AWD systems send power to only two of the wheels until slippage occurs, Subaru’s system always sends power to all four wheels so that it provides better traction under all driving conditions.

You might think that AWD is only beneficial when driving on slippery roads, but a system like the one found in the Forester actually improves the cornering ability on dry pavement, too.

These aforementioned attributes, along with Forester’s standard four-wheel independent suspension system, enable it to have a carlike ride that is comfortable and pleasing to drive.

I also like Forester’s tight turning radius that makes it maneuverable in tight situations. Another plus is the low step-in height, yet there’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance, enabling Forester to traverse mild off-road trails.

The 2011 Subaru Forester is available in six trim levels: 2.5X ($20,495), 2.5X Premium ($23,195), 2.5X Limited ($26,495), 2.5X Touring ($27,995), 2.5XT Premium ($26,995) and 2.5XT Touring ($29,995).

The Touring models are now positioned above the Limited. All Forester 2.5X models feature an all-new 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. It now has chain-driven double overhead camshafts instead of the belt-driven single overhead camshaft.

This new engine produces 170 horsepower (same as the previous engine) but torque and fuel economy have been improved slightly. When mated to the five-speed manual transmission, Forester delivers 21/27 mpg city/highway. The numbers drop to 20/26 mpg when equipped with the four-speed automatic.

By the way, the four-speed automatic transmission is the biggest knock against the Forester. It’s not as smooth or fuel efficient as units with five or six forward speeds.

The five-speed manual gearbox is standard in the 2.5X and 2.5X Premium, with the automatic offered as an option. All other trim levels come only with the automatic transmission.

The engine featured in the 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Touring is a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine. It makes 224 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque and requires premium fuel. Also, fuel economy for the XT models dips to 19/24 mpg.

Certainly the turbocharged engine makes the Forester much livelier, but the naturally aspirated engine offers adequate power, even when loaded with passengers and cargo.

Forester’s cabin is deceptively larger than it looks from the outside and passengers will enjoy the massive, panoramic moon roof that comes standard in all but the lowest trim level.

The cabin easily accommodates a family of five and there are new features for 2011. Bluetooth is now standard on all but the base trim. A backup camera is standard in 2.5X Touring and 2.5 XT Touring models as part of a new audio system. And there’s an optional removable TomTom navigation system for 2.5X Premium models.

If you need a small SUV with a roomy cabin, carlike handling, all-weather traction and the ability to tow up to 2,400 pounds, the Forester delivers.