2011 Subaru Forester SUV

More grown up in both size and character than past iterations, the 2011 Subaru Forester is a top pick in the highly competitive small SUV segment. For 2011, Subaru Forester 2.5X models have a revised 2.5-liter engine that boosts torque and fuel economy slightly. The 2.5XT Limited trim has been dropped and a couple of new trim levels have been added: the 2.5X Touring and the 2.5XT Touring, positioned above the Limited trim.

Shoppers on the hunt for a compact or midsize crossover get to choose from a wealth of very strong contenders. With sportier handling than the Forester, the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-7 are likely better picks for people who really like to drive, while the Toyota RAV4 offers a gutsy engine (the optional V6) and available third-row seating. Other top choices include the impressive Chevrolet Equinox and refined Honda CR-V. Still, with its wide range of talents, the Forester certainly deserves a place on your consideration list.

2011 Subaru Forester 2.5X SUV

The 2011 Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV available in six trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium, 2.5X Touring and 2.5XT Touring.

The 2.5X Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, an eight-way power driver seat with power-adjustable lumbar support, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, Bluetooth with audio streaming, steering-wheel audio controls, iPod integration, USB connectivity and reclining rear seatbacks.

The 2.5X Limited adds foglights, automatic climate control, the All-Weather package (including heated mirrors, heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer), leather upholstery and a six-speaker stereo with six-CD changer. The 2.5XT Premium is similar to the 2.5X Premium but has a more powerful engine, a hood scoop and a rear roof spoiler. The 2.5X Touring builds on the 2.5X Limited’s list of amenities, adding bi-xenon headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a one-touch folding rear seatback, electroluminescent instrumentation and a rearview camera. The 2.5XT Touring combines the 2.5XT Premium’s features with those seen in the 2.5X Touring.

Limited and Touring trims are available with a traditional dash-mounted navigation system that includes a touchscreen interface, a single-CD player (replaces six-CD) and an auxiliary audio/video input jack.

Every Subaru comes with standard all-wheel drive, and the Forester is no different. The automatic is the only transmission available on the 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium, 2.5X Touring and 2.5XT Touring.

With both the manual and automatic transmissions, 2.5X models earn EPA ratings of 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined, or exactly what you’d get from the similarly powered AWD Honda CR-V. 2.5X models sold in states with more stringent emissions standards earn a squeaky-clean PZEV rating. With the XT’s turbocharged engine, fuel economy dips to 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.

Standard safety features on every 2011 Subaru Forester include antilock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. The Forester 2.5XT came to a stop from 60 mph in 125 feet, which is a good distance for this segment.

The Forester has not been rated using the government’s new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures.

The 2011 Subaru Forester features a pleasantly styled and highly functional cabin design, though its fit and finish is a little hit-or-miss. This crossover’s split-folding rear seat with optional reclining seatbacks deserves special mention here.

The 2011 Subaru Forester has one of the most comfortable rides in the segment. Both engine choices are highly competitive in terms of power and fuel economy, although an automatic transmission with more gears than the Forester’s four would make a big difference.