2010 Subaru Forester Review

Subaru does not have the deep pockets or amenity of resources of its larger Japanese counterparts. What it does possess is a marketing advantage in place for decades that's memorable even in the age of information overload: all-wheel drive all the time. Sound simple? It is. All Subarus are built from the ground up with AWD. Subaru needs to drive this point home even more in consumer advertising. No driver input is ever needed; all-wheel drive is always active.

The 2010 Subaru Forester is no Johnny come lately to the smaller-sized sport utility craze. It's been around since 1998 and was hip before the segment was. Four side doors, a hatch opening and a generous cargo region make this a versatile choice. For those needing to move up in girth, the midsize Outback and full-size Tribeca crossovers are available from Subaru (with all-wheel drive of course).

Little changes from the 2009 model year when this compact crossover grew a bit in size thanks to a next-generation makeover (rivals Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have grown as well). Like many vehicles of this ilk, drivers have a slightly higher seating position; yet maneuvering in requires a sit down, not jump up motion.

Forester features Subaru's longitudinally-mounted Boxer engine. Different from conventional V-shaped or inline designs, pistons are laid flat at 180 degrees (instead of the conventional 90 degrees utilized with V-6 layouts) and the Boxer engine rides low in the engine compartment, lowering the center of gravity for better performance.

Think of Boxer's shape (not to be confused with the Porsche Boxster coupe) not as a 'tall' box containing say a desk lamp, but a shorter, wider box storing a VCR or DVD machine. Subaru's engine layout is inspired by the design of airplane engines needing to be aerodynamic for weight and balance reasons. Boxer engines are turned so their facing the same directions as the vehicle's long, central horizontal driveshaft. Side-to-side symmetry helps balance out weight.

Power gets fed directly from the engine through the transmission to the driveshaft and then to each wheel in the shortest, most direct route possible. This direct route (symmetrical) requires less hardware resulting in less weight.

Forester's five trim levels include 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Limited. Now, let's break these alphanumerics down to the lowest common denominator. The numerical portion of the ID (2.5) makes reference to the standard, inline, 2.5-liter, 16 valve, four-cylinder Boxer (flat, horizontally opposed) engine delivering 170 horses. The "X" denotes a naturally aspirated engine while "XT" designates "Turbo." Turbo engines bump up horsepower to 224. Those desiring six-cylinder power in a Subaru have to move up to Outback or Tribeca.

Five-speed manual transmission is available in Base and Premium (with naturally aspirated engines) trims while an uninspiring four-speed automatic comes in Limited and Premium. Many competitors in this segment have graduated to five-speed and even six-speed automatic transmissions. Yes. The four-speed automatic includes a 'shiftronic' feature allowing manual shifts of forward gears without a foot clutch if desired, but the experience is underwhelming.

Inside, the flat instrument panel includes three circular-type gauges (with large fuel indicator to the right) with analog information. A rectangular digital message screen rests at the bottom of the center gauge. The ignition cylinder on the manually-adjusting steering column illuminates the key entry area. Three easy-to-grab dials control fan speed, direction and temperature. Below is a large, deep storage cave. Power outside mirror controls are found on the far left dash while power window and locks are on the door's arm rest. Dual inline beverage holders are behind the floor-mounted transmission and single holders are molded into each of the four side doors. The fuel release lever is on the floor left of the driver's seat.

Wipers, including the standard rear hatch arm, monitor from the turn signal stalk while headlights operating from a right-side steering column arm. The smallish steering wheel is home to cruise control functions at 9 o'clock and secondary radio controls at 3 o'clock. An extra long moon roof welcomes extra sunlight when the slide shade is moved back.

Static second-row seats don't slide forward or aft, but generous leg room is found. The traditional straight-back roof line design provides ample head room in front and back. With 60/40 split rear seats folded, the cargo area expands to 68.3 cubic feet, decent in this compact class.

Don't forget to experience the easy chair feature. Second row seats retract back several inches (in Premium and Limited editions) for increased 'stretch appeal' once a square button at the seat's base (near one's hip) is pushed. In need of more cup holders in row two? If no one is occupying the center, the front center portion of the seat flips forward to reveal two more. Take advantage of the cupholders because shoe-horning a third person in back does not make a lot of comfort sense, especially with the available reclining cushions. Back row riders also have their own ceiling light for reading while reclining.

On the outside, Forester stands tall with a squared back, not the rounded variety found on most crossovers. In front a functional hood scoop in XT turbo models allow the engine to breathe a bit easier while narrow, band-like headlights flank horizontal grille bars sporting the blue, stared Suzuki logo. The hatch door, hinged at the top, opens high enough so those 6-feet 1-inches and shorter don't have to duck when loading stuff. A nice touch is the long, shallow storage area below the flat floor and above the temporary spare tire. Individual compartments stow tools and other small items.

The brake pedal has plenty of play, not the overly sensitive type. Steering has a bit of wiggle room, which works well in this segment. Large side windows help reduce blind spots. What Forester isn't is a sports car so expect some body lean when cornering.

The 2010 2.5XT test trim listed at $28,495 with a bottom line of $29,190 when factoring the $695 destination charge. No need for a boat load of options in this model; it ranks as one of the most opulent Foresters available. Starting price is for a base 2010 trim is $20,295. All models include air conditioning, compact disc/AM/FM stereo, cruise control, rear defroster, tilt steering column and power doors, windows and mirrors. In-dash navigation and Satellite radio are optional in Premium and Limited. Limited editions add leather seating. A nice cadre of safety nuances includes dual front airbags, front and rear head airbags, front-seat side mounted air bags, traction control, stability control and anti-lock brakes.

Fuel mileage for our red tester checked in at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with four-speed automatic transmission. Fickle consumers expect better numbers even from a four cylinder, all-wheel-drive that's turbocharged. With the naturally-aspired engine, expect 20 mpg and 26 mpg with the automatic.

For 2010, Subaru's Outback crossover features a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in place of the aging four-speed automatic; something for Forester to think about to improve fuel numbers. Keep in mind that premium fuel is recommended for the turbo four cylinder.

Subaru continues with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Not bad, but not quite up to rival Suzuki's seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.

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2010 Subaru Forester

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Dave Boe