Subaru has offered us some great off road vehicles that are typically equipped with the advanced all-wheel drive systems. The Forester is no exception to this and shows up with a taller stance for better visibility, roomy seating, and plentiful cargo space are some things that are not normally part of this class of SUVS. The Forester also comes with more advanced features than the Ford Escape or Hyundai Santa Fe to ensure you can have a more engaged drive with equipment that you want and need. The Forester is also an SUV that starts at one of the best prices in the segment to make it a valuable player as well.
What is important to you in an SUV? If I had to guess I would safety, reliability, fuel efficiency and versatility are all items you would find important. If so, the Forester makes a great choice that offers standard AWD and makes for one of the most family friendly SUVs that can head off the paved road for some fun in the wilderness. The 2016 model adds a new 6.2-inch Starlink touch screen audio system to the base model. The Premium, Limited and Touring models gain a seven-inch touch screen and the Safety and Security package while those equipped with EyeSight add steering responsive fog lights.
Speaking of features, let’s see what the Forester has to offer. The 2.5i (base) model offers a full array of power assists, air conditioning, cruise control a multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, the 6.2-inch screen with audio and a rearview camera. The Premium adds a moonroof, a power driver’s seat and the larger 7.0-inch screen. The Limited puts in the CVT, leather upholstery, reclining rear seatbacks, automatic climate controls and a power liftgate. At the top end, the Touring model adds electroluminescent gauges, HID headlights, keyless entry and starting, a Harmon/Kardon premium audio system and dual-zone climate controls.
If you want to add more to your Forester you can, the first place you can add is in the power segment which allows you to add the CVT in place of the six-speed manual transmission. Otherwise you can add voice-activated navigation, the EyeSight Driver Assistance System, the All Weather Package which adds heated seats and heated side mirrors, a trailer hitch, remote engine starting and a heavy duty roof cargo basket. All of this can make your experience with the Forester one that will make you love it every time you step inside.
Once inside you will find a spacious cabin that is much quieter and more comfortable than previous models. The wide seats and premium materials make the interior feel close to luxury and give you plenty of support. There is an abundance of leg room in the front and back along with a split folding 60/40 rear bench that can increase the cargo from 34.4 cubic feet of space to a massive 74.7 cubic feet. Adding the power liftgate to the Limited and Touring models has made loading and unloading much easier on these trims as well, making this an SUV that can be enjoyed from every angle.
The exterior of the Forester is tall and robust in its look while being stylish as well. The look is recognizable and enticing. Adding the roof racks increases the functionality of the vehicle along with the 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels which look like they need to head out and take an off road holiday. As mentioned the visibility is excellent with thinner A-pillars that are easy to see around, letting you have all the views you need to drive and feel safe and secure.
The Forester offers a rigid structure, a wide stance and the Symmetrical AWD to be an easy to drive and control SUV. This performance oriented vehicle is stiff and offers a feeling of confidence on and off any road to make it a lot of fun to drive and find your way to wherever you want to go. This is an SUV that begs to be more than a daily driver and wants you to head out to the great outdoors and explore what the world has to offer. All you have to do is buy one of these awesome SUVs and you are on your way to some fun and story-filled weekends getting reconnected with nature.